Are video games just harmless fun or can they open spiritual doors?

In this episode of Living Free in Truth, Connie sits down with Max, a business owner, and Matthew, a game designer and creative content director, to talk honestly about the impact of video games on our minds and spirits. From Diablo’s dark fantasy world to the hope of Christian creativity in the gaming industry, this conversation explores discernment, spiritual warfare, and how believers can approach gaming with wisdom.

We cover:

- Max’s testimony of spiritual oppression tied to playing Diablo

- Connie shares her experience with "We were here"

- How games shape worldview and thought patterns

- The dangers of occult themes in entertainment

- Why Christians should step into game design and storytelling

- Red flags to look for when choosing games

- Encouragement to keep Jesus at the center of all we consume

🎮 Whether you play games yourself or love someone who does, this episode offers biblical insight and practical wisdom.

00:00 – Welcome to Living Free in Truth00:35 – Meet Max and Matthew

01:27 – Matthew’s career in game design

01:55 – Why this episode is about video games

02:14 – Max’s testimony: hooked on Diablo

03:15 – The dark themes of Diablo & their effects

05:13 – Spiritual oppression and demonic manifestations

06:59 – What it felt like: sleep paralysis & dark figures

08:36 – Realizing the connection between games and spiritual doors

10:12 – How gaming altered thinking and worldview

12:13 – Overview of Diablo’s dark fantasy universe

14:15 – Connie’s own video game experience (We Were Here)

17:15 – Matthew: the double-edged sword of games

19:30 – Games as art and storytelling (but often without Christian influence)

21:18 – Games as connection vs. danger of idolatry

23:26 – Why Christians should create video games

25:21 – Christian games in history (and their challenges)

28:07 – The future: Christian creativity in the game industry

29:40 – Media as a double-edged sword—don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater

30:23 – Video games: a tool that can glorify God or self

31:17 – Red flags in games: occultism, spells, dark fantasy33:10 – Discernment and personal limits as a believer

35:12 – Glorifying God in how we use our time

37:12 – Diablo’s conscious choices on occult elements

39:01 – Freedom, choices, and idols of the heart

41:32 – Example of a game designed around misery & hell

42:03 – Why discernment with the Holy Spirit is essential

43:35 – Fiction vs. real-world occult practices

44:44 – The Holy Spirit as our guide into all truth

45:39 – Final encouragement: Christians, step up in creativity

46:18 – Closing thoughts