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Dehumanizing Religion: Representation of Religious Behavior in Cultist Simulator

https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2019-2-85-102

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the way videogame “Cultist Simulator” by Weather Factory represents religious believers. I try to include this project in a wider context created by the ways in which different mainstream games portray religion and its followers. Main hypothesis is following: in many cases representation of religion is based around strict dualism between secular sphere, strongly associated with individualism and pursuit of personal happiness, and religious space which tries to strip any character of its individuality and uniqueness, and, ultimately, to dehumanize him. Cultist simulator, while retaining this base conflict between “human” secular space and “inhuman” religious world presents quite different approach. In this game, religion becomes the way for character and, through him, his player to express his own individuality.

About the Author

L. V. Moyzhes
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation

Leonid V. Moyzhes, postgraduate student

bld. 6, Miusskaya sq., Moscow



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Review

For citations:


Moyzhes L.V. Dehumanizing Religion: Representation of Religious Behavior in Cultist Simulator. Studia Religiosa Rossica: Russian Journal of Religion. 2019;(2):85-102. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2019-2-85-102

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ISSN 2658-4158 (Print)