Role-playing & Virtual Worlds

Bini · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 09:08 AM

What is your opinion on role-playing and virtual worlds? How does the Mormon Church view it? Are there official guidelines for those that participate in such activities? Or is it one of those things where it's left for members to use their own good judgment, like, what husband and wife do in the privacy of their own bedroom? I've heard different things from different people on this.

Anyway, what brought this line of thought up was Second Life. It's a virtual world where you vicariously live through a pixelated character, being and doing, whatever you want. There are no limits, only those that you set. After hearing about this virtual world from people, I decided to register and see what all the hype was about. In short, I was very disappointed. I actually removed the program from my computer the same day that I installed it. But during my short visit there, I was surprised to find several LDS communities. One location, even having a replica of the Salt Lake Temple. I had chatted to a couple people there and apparently they even hold church activities! Yes, it was very interesting.. Would it be safe to say that a virtual life is only as dangerous as you allow yourself to stray from good morals and the Gospel?

How about role-playing? Video-games that allow you to command the destiny of a protagonist, where depending on your choices and actions, determines the path of good or evil? I'm actually a big fan of RPGs and I've played many hours through this very kind of scenario. I've even played the bad-guy a few times.. =/

mnn727 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 03:12 PM

Its left to the individual, but having been a D&D player and currently a World of Warcraft player, I would warn against wasting too much time on games. I limit myself on World of Warcraft to times that wouldn't normally be family time - I gotta say, it is adicting and I can understand how people could spend hours a day playing.
I also say the first time I don't get 100% Home Teaching in a month, the game has to go.

mnn727 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 11:02 AM

Just an update, I was true to my word and canceled WoW in Nov, didn't make 100% H.T. and was spending too much time at it. Things are back to normal this month

Gwen · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 08:05 PM

i happened across this while looking for something else and thought of this thread... due to the fact that i was searching something else i have not read every word but it seems to fit the question at hand....

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Just a Game?

RanMan · #5 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 01:37 AM

Over the years, I have certainly heard Church leaders speak out against such. However, being an avid fan of both I have not been as valiant in heeding their advice. On the other hand, I have had groups where I played with the bishopric. I think the concern here is for the amount of time that is spent on such activity. In my case, ever other Saturday night seemed no worse a waste of time than my Stake President's weekly golf game.

Still, I think if you don't have enough time to do your callings (not pointing fingers at anyone - just a general statement) then you don't have enough time to be playing games. But that is just common sense.

deseretgov · #6 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 05:15 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if they had temple ceremonies in Second life. Crazy stuff goes on in there. I registered but my wireless made it too slow. I'm glad I haven't spent much time there.

ozzy · #7 (**permalink**) 12-20-2009, 08:12 PM

To my knowledge, the prophet has not said anything about how we should not do those things. As such (assuming I didn't just miss something), there is no official church doctrine on it. The closest you might come is in various conference talks that do discuss the dangers of getting caught up in a nonexistent life, and also council given by saying that we shouldn't be idle. Not to be judgmental (as I am very guilty of gaming and the like

), but there is nothing productive to be achieved by such things. Literally they are a waste of time. A fun one at that.

Watchful · #8 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 02:42 PM

Hey, if you're looking for some principles to keep in mind, there was a talk by Elder Bednar recently that addresses the virtual/game-playing world. It's called "Things as They Really Are" It should give you some insight.

phatbac · #9 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 08:01 PM

As an avaid role player on and off for the last 22 years i can say it can be as harmful as many other things can be. Video games as well, if we let things like this consume our lives then we run the risk of doing things just for our hobby not just having a hobby that is a casual distraction from everyday life. many things can be all consuming and addictive , such as golf or NFL football as well as video games and role playing. I think its best we keep games for fun and keep life and how we live it in prospective. Sure we need to prioritize family time and time for home teaching and callings before game time, but there is a place if we can balance it all. I think games are for fun and like any fun activity it has its place in life.

mirancs8 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 11:35 PM

I had a friend at work turn me onto second life and I found myself spending WAY to much time on it. It's as if you are trying to be someone else living this other life. After about 2 weeks I completely stopped going there because I found myself being a person other then myself. I can see it being very addictive for people.