Episode 13 of Christian Gaming Podcast Show Notes !
Amazon turns work into a game!
A brand new handheld in on its way!
Memorial Day sales and new free to play games to try!
Intro
Welcome to Episode 13 of Christian Gaming Podcast!
The Gaming Podcast focused on putting God before gaming, being more mindful of our faith while we are gaming, finding games Christians can feel good about playing, gaming news, and more!
Follow the show on Twitter: twitter.com/A_CGPodcast
You can follow the show on Instagram!
You can follow me on twitter @RainnaPlays
Email the Show at AChristianGamingPodcast@gmail.com !
You can call the ACG Hotline at 269 248 1724
It is May 22,2019!
I am your host Rainna SwiftSage
Daily Bread
Jesus replied to the Devil in Matthew 4:4 "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” that so make sure you get your Bible study on before you hop in game!
As gamers we spend a lot of time perfecting our characters in game. For a large group of us, that involves upgrading our gear. Some of us purchase skins to make our avatar stand out. Some grind content with the hopes that a piece of gear will drop and complete their set. Some of us spend hours and hours honing our skills to take down raid bosses for the chance at higher tier loot.
It never occured to me that we can spend so much of our real life upgrading our in game gear but what about our gear out of game?
Our armor sets allow us to take on some pretty powerful forces of evil in our gaming worlds, but will that gear work against the powerful forces of evil in our real world?
I have spent so many years of my life chasing that carrot on a stick in game that I never contemplated upgrading my armor out of game. I think I lived most of my youth and adult life never knowing about the armor set I should be upgrading. Do you know what the good news is? It isn't too late. We can start gearing up today! Right now!
Let's revisit the Bible verse I shared last week, but take it a bit further.
We will be heading to the Book of Ephesians 6: 10 -18. So If you are in a place where you can grab your bible and read along and mark your spot , pause and head there.
This is out of the New International Version
Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version (NIV)
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
In this Episode we will covering the Belt of Truth mentioned in verse 14.
Truth. Well that seems easy enough doesn't it? I mean, we are taught the difference between lies and truth from a young age. I'm constantly teaching my kids the difference between truth and lies. Upgrading to the belt of truth should not be too hard right? We hear about truth everyday. Our culture is full of people cheering us on by saying to , “Live your truth!” “Be your truth!” That seems simple enough right? Just live your truth, but what if everyone has their own version of truth? Then how do you know what's actually true? I can definitely see how the devil uses that to his advantage. If everyone is walking around living their truth, sooner or later we are bound to cross paths and see our truths indeed not line up with everyone else. My truth will quickly but heads with your truth. Your neighbors truth will look differently than your truth. You will start to question your truth , I will start to question my truth and we will quickly find ourselves angry, sad, and lonely because our truth is so different than everyone we are around. I can see that is the devils design. The divide and conquer mechanic many use today. I mean, it's actually super simple to pull off. It's not hard to get humans to argue with each other, getting us to argue over whose truth is the truest truth seems like a cake walk.
When I decided to upgrade my belt to a belt of truth I felt lost. I didn’t know where to start. My first thought was to google it like I do everything. I mean, The first thing I do when attempting to upgrade my ingame gear is to search the web for websites, blogs and youtube videos for tips. When it came to upgrading my real life gear I headed to the internet. I had to stop myself real quick. This is real life. This life has real consequences. We should not blindly trust anyone or anything. I wouldn't head to burger king if I wanted a steak, I wouldn’t look on the xbox website to find out the playstation plus games for the month, just as we should go to the internet, go inside ourselves, or listen blindly to the words of others when upgrading our Armor of God. If we want to learn about the belt of truth and the Armor of God we should get our info from the source, from the Bible.
Don’t take my word for it, the Bible says it in Psalms 118:8 NKJV version
8 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
And if that isn't clear enough
Jeremiah 17:5-8 New International Version (NIV) makes it really clear.
5 This is what the Lord says:
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who draws strength from mere flesh
and whose heart turns away from the Lord.
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
You see?
We should never seek truth from man. We should never google for truth. We should always seek truth from the Bible. The Devil attacks us with lies and deceit. The internet is riddled with lies and deceit and a whole lot of opinions and feelings which are of the flesh. If we are to combat the Devil and his lies , should we counter him with his own lies? No!
Have you ever tried to duel an equally geared player in PVP or defeat a boss whose armor and self heals just absorbed your damage? Those battles can go on forever! If your sword does 40 damage and their bubble of protection absorbs 40 damage, you're going to be battling forever or until someone gets tired. That is how I look at our battle with the devil. If we match his attacks with watered down truth AKA his own lies we will be battling him forever until we give in. We can’t afford to lose against the devil. We need to stand strong against his attacks by consistently upgrading our Armor of God. We need to upgrade our chintzy starter belts with the belt of Truth. In John 17:17 Jesus was praying to God for his disciples and he said to God,
…16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.
We counter the enemies attacks with truth! With the word of God. We look to the Bible for our answers ALWAYS.
We must put our belt of truth on and stay rooted in the word of God. We must repair it daily!
The first gear upgrade is our Belt of Truth. We get our truth from the Bible, because the Bible is to be our measure of Truth!
2 Timothy 3:16 New International Version (NIV)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
We are logged in right now in a real battle of Good against Evil. It is time to upgrade our Armor of God Brothers and Sisters starting with the belt of Truth!
Carrier Pigeon has arrived with some mail!
david_diaz2020Wow. Love the podcast. Can’t wait for the next one!
Watch out for that poll!
Is profanity/violent speech in a game a deal breaker for you?
Not at all!
17%
Definitely a deal breaker
7%
Depends on quantity/type.
76%
Jennifer Kinsey@jkinsey0979
Violent speech is a deal breaker for her!
Gaming & God@Samuru305
If its obvious the game just wants cussing for shock value then no I won’t play it. I don’t like it when games do that, they just want to be vulgar to “shock”
For example, Red Dead Redemption 2 has cussing and its all over the game. BUT its used as part of the dialogue, NOT to be nasty for being nasty. So that game I can deal with. Division 2 has cussing but its not necessary, its there to be “cool”
Liliphantastic@liliphantastic
The situation is a depending factor. Like dropping a word while being chased by a zombie vs GTA. And I don’t do GTA because that’s one I don’t do
What I've been upto:
Tried out Dauntless!
Played some Elderscrolls online
Played some Stardew Valley
Inspired from my friend Fellon, I have been binging on Classic Wow Beta Gameplay Videos and looking to catch some streams on twitch !
I have been binging on personal testimonies on youtube n how people have found their way to Jesus ! Many leaving the New age and Occult lifestyles. They have all been truly inspiring and eye opening. They definitely show that God meets us right where we are and delivers us from evil so lovingly!
Gaming News
SONY, MICROSOFT PARTNERING TO IMPROVE CLOUD GAMING, STREAMING PLATFORMS
On may 16th, 2019 Microsoft and Playstation entered a partnership.
Sony accepted an invitation that was in “A Letter from Chris Charla” on XBOX.com.
In the letter Chris wrote,
“ First, in addition to natively supporting cross-platform play between Xbox One and Windows 10 games that use Xbox Live, we’re enabling developers to support cross-network play as well. This means players on Xbox One and Windows 10 using Xbox Live will be able to play with players on different online multiplayer networks – including other console and PC networks.
Of course, it’s up to game developers to support this feature, and Xbox Live players will always have the option of choosing to play only with other Xbox Live players. We’re thrilled to confirm that Psyonix’s Rocket League will be one of the first games to take advantage of this new capability by enabling cross-network play between Xbox One and PC players, with an open invitation for other networks to participate as well.”
In an Article by IGN
President and CEO of Sony Kenichiro Yoshida is quoted saying:
"For many years, Microsoft has been a key business partner for us, though of course the two companies have also been competing in some areas,” "I believe that our joint development of future cloud solutions will contribute greatly to the advancement of interactive content. Additionally, I hope that in the areas of semiconductors and AI, leveraging each company’s cutting-edge technology in a mutually complementary way will lead to the creation of new value for society."
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Is quoted in the same IGN article saying
“Sony has always been a leader in both entertainment and technology, and the collaboration we announced today builds on this history of innovation, “Our partnership brings the power of Azure and Azure AI to Sony to deliver new gaming and entertainment experiences for customers.”
Reuters is reporting via anonymous sources that Tencent and Riot have been working on a mobile version of “League of Legends” for more than a year, although a separate source said it was unlikely to be launched in 2019.
Wowhead@Wowhead
Due to players reporting aspects of WoW Classic that were not actually bugs, Blizzard made a list of these commonly-reported features such as feared players running quickly and slower creature respawn rates.
Right now Sims4 is free to play for PC
You can claim the base game of The Sims 4 from Electronic Arts, through Origin, through May 28.
To claim The Sims 4, fans can head to the Origin client or their online storefront. The Sims 4 can be downloaded for Mac or Windows PC; there’s also the option to purchase the Digital Deluxe edition for $49.99, and a reminder that the content is part of EA’s Origin Access subscription program.
While the expansions are still locked behind a paywall,
The download will you to keep the copy of The Sims 4; it’s not a trial
The game will remain in our libraries after the promotion ends on May 28.
Memorial Day Weekend Sales
Gamestop:
Offering discounts on games, accessories, and collectibles.
Epic Games Store
Has launched their “Epic Mega Sale”.
They are offering $10 off every game over $14.99
Some games have been marked down even more!
They are also offering a new free game each week of the sale.
Nintendo Switch:
Nintendo Switch Online members can take up to $19.99 off two Switch games.
Switch Online members can buy two eShop vouchers for $99.99, redeemable for a selection of first-party Nintendo Switch games.
Video Game Deals”
Pre-order: Team Sonic Racing on Nintendo Switch and Xbox One — $32.89 at Amazon ($7.10 off)
Dragon Quest 11 on PS4 — $29.99 at GameStop ($20 off)
Nier: Automata on PS4 — $29.99 at GameStop ($10 off)
Grand Theft Auto 5 on PS4 and Xbox One — $14.99 at GameStop ($15 off)
Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4 — $34.99 at Amazon ($25 off)
Resident Evil 2 on PC — $30.09 at Green Man Gaming ($29.90 off)
Spyro Crash Remastered bundle on PS4 and Xbox One— $34.99 at Amazon ($25 off)
$50 Battle.net gift card — $40.72 at Amazon ($9.28 off)
Stories Untold — free at the Epic Games Store (usually $9.99)
Ashen — $19.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $39.99)
World War Z — $19.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $34.99)
Metro Exodus — $34.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $49.99)
Vampyr — $39.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $49.99)
The Witness — $9.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $39.99)
Subnautica — $7.49 at the Epic Games Store (usually $24.99)
My Time at Portia — $13.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $29.99)
Oxenfree — $9.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $19.99)
What Remains of Edith Finch — $9.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $19.99)
Super Meat Boy — $4.99 at the Epic Games Store (usually $14.99)
Jackbox Party Pack 5 — $12.49 at the Epic Games Store (usually $29.99)
Pre-played Xbox One and PS4 games — up to 50 percent off at GameFly
Team NINJA@TeamNINJAStudio
Some PS4 users are invited to take part in the Nioh 2 closed alpha to help gather feedback for the development. To ensure the team can manage the feedback, there are no plans to expand the alpha at the moment, but please keep an eye on our channels for more info in the future.
New Handheld Console called Playdate
For over 20 years Panic has mostly made Mac and iOS software.
They started publishing games, like Firewatch and, soon, Untitled Goose Game.
Now they are developing a new handheld called Playdate.
It’s yellow. It fits in your pocket. It’s got a black and white screen.
“It’s not super cheap, but not super expensive”.
It includes brand new games from some amazing creators.
They reached out to a few top game designers, like Keita Takahashi and Zach Gage and Bennett Foddy and Shaun Inman.
The Playdate will offer twelve brand new video games, one each week.
The Playdate has a crank that flips out from the side.
It is a rotating analog controller
Some games use the crank exclusively and Some won’t use it at all.
Playdate will cost USD $149.
All twelve games in Season One will be included — there’s no extra charge.
It will ship in early 2020.
You can sign up at https://play.date/ to get notified when it will be available to purchase.
Amazon turns warehouse tasks into video games to make work ‘fun’
According to The Washington Post, Amazon has a new approach it hopes will make employees’ lives easier.
It plans to turn work into a video game.
Amazon started installing screens next to workers’ stations that feature simple games with names like PicksInSpace, Mission Racer, and CastleCrafter.
Physical actions of Amazon Employees , like assembling orders and moving items, are translated into virtual in-game moves.
What does that mean? The faster someone picks items and places them in a box, for example, the faster their car will move around a virtual track
The intent is to make their work “less tedious”, while encouraging more productivity by pitting workers against one another in the virtual game world.
The games are voluntary
They are currently installed in five warehouses in the US and the UK
The article states that In at least one facility, managers reward workers who achieve high scores with Amazon “swag bucks.”
This is a company currency that workers can only exchange for Amazon-branded merchandise, like t-shirts and water bottles.
Minecraft Earth
Quoated from the official Minecraft website, The world of Minecraft will be entering our universe in a whole new way thanks to the power of augmented reality.
Minecraft Earth is an all-new augmented reality game you can play on your mobile devices that brings the Minecraft world into our universe! Through the lens of the game, you’ll be able to build creations with friends and place them in the real world at life-size. You’ll discover exciting new mobs to use in your builds. And you may need to put your survival skills to the test as you explore a new side to your neighborhood and battle Minecraft mobs in real life!
Minecraft Earth will be free to play.
Minecraft Earth is coming to iOS and Android this summer on AR-capable devices. We’ll have more to share soon
.Minecraft Earth will be available in closed beta this summer.
More info can be found in their FAQ section
The closed betas for Minecraft Earth will be launching this summer on iOS and Android.
Community Spotlight
The Reformed Gamers podcast hosted by
@TheTheoLogan & @jeffrey_south
The Reformed Gamers!
Their Itunes Info states:
“The show all about theology, video games and tacos (and anything else)! Join two reformed seminary students as they discuss the latest in video games, theology and the cross roads where they intersect! The two guys play games on show, review games and talk about different topics such as, "Help, my spouse is a gamer! What do I do" and more.”
In their latest episode release yesterday, May 20th, 2019 Logan and Micah headed back into Raccoon City to discuss Resident Evil 2 Remake, how Umbrella acts a lot like sin, and the cautionary tale of gaining the world but losing your soul in the process. They also talk about how surprisingly fun the road to getting the Platinum trophy is.
Game Spotlight
Birdgut
Reviews Very Positive (228)
RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2019
DEVELOPER: Micah Boursier
PUBLISHER: Micah Boursier
BirdGut is a hand-drawn 2d puzzle-platformer set inside the internal organs of a bird.
A bee hatches in the hive, but something's wrong. Born different from the others, the bee is exiled from the hive and forced to survive the world on its own. That is, until a bird attacks and eats it.
But that's only the beginning... Inside the bird, all of the bugs that it eats are brainwashed and put to work in fantastical, mechanical factories that exist in the place of its organs, except for the outcast bee, whose very disability prevents them from being brainwashed. The bee takes it upon itself to destroy the massive bird from the inside out, and free all the enslaved critters within.
Features:
A curious hand-drawn art style, with plenty of quirky moving parts
A wealth of unique environments to explore, each with their own special obstacles and puzzles
Physics-based fun, and classic platforming
A diverse cast of insect characters
Three separate endings to choose from
Hidden Secrets in every level
22 achievements to collect
Giant worms
Title: Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
Genre: Indie, Simulation, Strategy, Early Access
Developer: Landfall
Publisher: Landfall
Release Date: Apr 1, 2019
ABOUT THIS GAME
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is a wacky physics-based tactics game.
Experience accurate warfare through the ages, TABS uses state of the art physics-based simulation to provide you with never-before-seen insight to our greatest battles of history.
Dauntless is a free-to-play action role-playing video game developed by Phoenix Labs and published by Epic Games.
I thought it was cool when I found out Phoenix Labs was formed by former Riot Games developers Jesse Houston, Sean Bender and Robin Mayne,[3] and as of January 2017 includes 40 developers formerly from BioWare, Blizzard Entertainment, and Capcom developers.
The game launched in beta in May 2018 for Microsoft Windows.
I got to play a bit of it.
The game officially launched yesterday, on May 21, 2019 for PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, including full support for cross-platform play.
Dauntless takes place in a fantasy setting, where a cataclysmic event has torn the world apart, releasing monstrous creatures known as Behemoths that prey on the surviving humans.
Players take on the role of Slayers to take down Behemoths, collecting loot that they use to craft and upgrade weapons and equipment as to take down larger and more powerful Behemoths.
While hunting, the game plays as a third-person action game; the player uses a combo system to attack the creature, while monitoring their own health and stamina gauge.
Such hunts can take upwards of twenty minutes of in-game time to complete.
The game can be played both as single-player or cooperatively with up to four people.
What Should We call it?
Tempest Berserkers
Hidden Mafia
Nameless Rebels
Recruits of the Trusted
Assassins of the Deserted
Affliction of Loyalty
Wizards of the Dove
Gentleswords
Earthstars
Bloodsong
Closing Thought
As we going into our gaming realms this week, let us be intentional and mindful with our actions.
What’s something we can do to glorify God in and out of game?
Please let me know what you came up with!
Lets keep our brothers and sisters all over the world in our prayers.
Send any prayer requests ( private or public) you'd like to share to:
AChristianGamingPodcast@gmail.com or tweet the show @A_CGPodcast!
Follow the show on Twitter: twitter.com/A_CGPodcast
You can follow the show on Instagram!
You can follow me on twitter @RainnaPlays
Email the Show at AChristianGamingPodcast@gmail.com !
You can call the ACG Hotline at 269 248 1724