As the title suggests, I am interested as a game developer if Shinto inspired religion that I manufactured would be seen as offensive. I have the main protagonist aided by the spirit of Inari, which has had her tails cut off (as she is commonly depicted as the fox kami), and in a weakened state, you help her take down a Yokai and restore her god-like powers. Would this be perceived as offensive? I also have the other gods as "retiring." Hence, their god powers become natural forces of nature as they ascend to the "eternal rice fields" I wrote the story in this way to explain the mechanics of how to world works and was wondering if it could be seen as offensive. I chose Inari for the fox-like attributes and Kitsune, as well as her being the protector and diety of success. I hope my title is successful. Any comments on this would be helpful as I know most Shinto shrines are contributed to Inari, and I don't want to offend an entire religion based on an entertainment venture.
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Offense Entertainment and Religion
- Thread starter 10th gear
- Start date
darkbloom5150
New Member
Are you serious? Stories of which games are just a variant have been use as plot material since the beginning of time. If some people are upset by your mythological setting that is the cost of doing business. And do you really want people so far down the well of self delusion that they can't play your game without throwing a fit? Hopefully not.
It is respectful and responsible to ask if anyone could see offense in this. I know there will be trolls that will hate anything made, and I know some will have an issue with it. But since I am choosing to focus on such a prominent deity if it could be considered widely offensive or just marginally so would be helpful as I can always change a name here and there and still tell the same story.
PoetPhilosopher
Veteran Member
Honestly, it may offend a few people in Japan. But not necessarily many at all somewhere like America.
I'm glad that you at least ask. Pagans never seem to get that courtesy, and as a result we have so much pop culture trash that misconstrues and bastardizes polytheism and Paganism it's not even funny anymore. If I see one more good RPG ruined by the trope of "oh, gods are really space aliens or some ancient but now extinct race" or "oh, gods are really advanced technology that primitive idiots are mistaking for divinity" or "oh, polytheists use the same turns of phrase Christians do" ... sigh.
I see nothing offensive about it, myself. I mean, we already have the God of War games where you kill the Greek Gods and then the Norse Gods. That's the height of offensiveness. So you're good. You don't even come close!
Father Heathen
Veteran Member
Actually a lot of Japanese developers incorporate Shinto themes in their games.
PoetPhilosopher
Veteran Member
I know. But did they incorporate them in the way of the OP, is the question.
Father Heathen
Veteran Member
Not a Stargate fan I'd wager.
Father Heathen
Veteran Member
The game Blasphemous incorporates themes heavily inspired by Catholicism, but does so in a way where it can't be identified as actual Catholicism or Christianity.
Lol thankyou for your response. I'm Wiccan and I actually find ancient aliens intriguing but I can see how it may rub some people the wrong way.
Nah, I enjoy storytelling for what it is. I thought that part of the plot was stupid, but when the series was sticking to its roots of exploration and joy of discovering something very different than what you know, it was a good show.Not a Stargate fan I'd wager.
I just wish that something somewhere would properly represent polytheism. That doesn't happen for the same reason why other minority groups are poorly represented in cultural media. We're having much better conversations about representing diversity in the media over the past few decades, but for some reason religion is consistently left out of those discussions. So is politics, for that matter. Then again, I pay very little attention to media anymore, so it could be I'm just missing it.
Lol me the OP is a Stargate fan. I even like Universe. Kinda wish they would come out with the one that is supposed to bring and end to the story lines. But it seems the writer is being benched for now from Amazon. RDA said he was for the new story pitch.Not a Stargate fan I'd wager.
Yes I know that however, I am not Japanese and therefore don't understand what is considered taboo. I wish a Shinto studies professor could comment on this post and give a definite answer. So as to if I get sued, I would have a professional opinion that it was consulted prior to release.
What was your thoughts on Gods of Egypt?Nah, I enjoy storytelling for what it is. I thought that part of the plot was stupid, but when the series was sticking to its roots of exploration and joy of discovering something very different than what you know, it was a good show.
I just wish that something somewhere would properly represent polytheism. That doesn't happen for the same reason why other minority groups are poorly represented in cultural media. We're having much better conversations about representing diversity in the media over the past few decades, but for some reason religion is consistently left out of those discussions. So is politics, for that matter. Then again, I pay very little attention to media anymore, so it could be I'm just missing it.
Father Heathen
Veteran Member
Who would sue you, and for what?
It could happen for cultural degradation. But I would assume it would have to be a class action which means a larger payout than just an individual suit. Either way it would be nice to have some protection from people intended to be vicious.
Also it don't hurt to ask people their opinion prior to committing. I know that the Assasin's creed series has a disclaimer that says it is made by a multicultural team and that they don't represent the views of the company. If they wouldn't get sued why have the disclaimer then?
Finally someone who gets the gravity of the question thankyou.
darkbloom5150
New Member
If you are really worried that much which I don't thing you should be create new or hybrid mythology that no one can yap at except for just being "pagan" - and F orget them. . After all, having faith in your design pays dividends if it sells and not so much if it fails, but at least you will fail with pride. But seriously most main stream religions can't name their own god and gamers care about a good game. Good luck. let you creative nature flow and let the editors and lawyers worry about the BS afterward. the hard work will be done.