February 11, 2009

Theology on Tap to explore impact of video games on popular culture

Gamer, archdiocesan Chancellor Francis Maier to address young adults

By Roxanne King

In 1972 home entertainment was revolutionized forever when Pong was introduced by Atari Incorporated.  The simple two-dimensional game hooked up to the television and for hours, people would watch the little dot go back and forth on the screen in a simulated ping-pong (table tennis) match. 

Today, Pong, along with other favorites of the past such as Asteroids, Pac-Man and Frogger are dinosaurs to the young people of today who prefer the fast-paced world of Grand Theft Auto, Halo, Mario Kart Wii and Guitar Hero.

In 2007, the Entertainment Software Association reported that the video game industry took in more than $9.5 billion.  What sort of impact are media games exerting on popular culture?  Francis Maier, chancellor for the Denver Archdiocese, will discuss this subject at the next edition of Theology on Tap.  Maier, himself a gaming expert, will discuss how gaming influences who we are.

Maier’s talk, “The Video Game Culture” is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at C.B & Potts Clubhouse, 1415 W. Elizabeth in Fort Collins and at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at Braun’s Bar and Grill, 1055 Auraria Parkway in Denver.  More information is available online at: archden.org/youth. Theology on Tap is sponsored by the Office of Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver.