Making a video game

[Digity]

Do you think making a video game is a bad idea? We all know how addictive video games can be and they're ultimately a distraction/escape. I'm currently working on making a game with a friend to refresh my programming skills, but I think the plan is to eventually sell it in the app store. I have mixed feelings about this. I want to write the code to expand my programming skills and experience, but I don't like the idea of contributing to all the distractions out there on a smart phone.

[Manopubbangama]

Do you think making a video game is a bad idea? We all know how addictive video games can be and they're ultimately a distraction/escape. I'm currently working on making a game with a friend to refresh my programming skills, but I think the plan is to eventually sell it in the app store. I have mixed feelings about this. I want to write the code to expand my programming skills and experience, but I don't like the idea of contributing to all the distractions out there on a smart phone.

Make an education game for kids and you will get lots of gratitude from parents who see it as a wonderful tool to help educate their young ones.

I see no harm in that, at all.

[Digity]

I don't think I can change the direction of the game. It's already decided and it's more my friend's project that I'm helping out on.

[Manopubbangama]

I don't think I can change the direction of the game. It's already decided and it's more my friend's project that I'm helping out on.

Just my opinion, but your intention is to sharpen your skills.

I see nothing wrong with it.

Unless the video game is somehow explicitly pornographic or something.

Of course, any type of malware is explicitly wrong livelihood, but video games aren't that.

Hone your craft, make some good money to become financially independent and ultimately you will have more control over creative content.

[SarathW]

Do you think making a video game is a bad idea? We all know how addictive video games can be and they're ultimately a distraction/escape. I'm currently working on making a game with a friend to refresh my programming skills, but I think the plan is to eventually sell it in the app store. I have mixed feelings about this. I want to write the code to expand my programming skills and experience, but I don't like the idea of contributing to all the distractions out there on a smart phone.

I think this does not violate the right livelihood in Noble Eightfold Path.
I can't see how it break the five precepts either.
However, this may be the wrong livelihood for a monk if he does not do this as a tool to teach Buddha Dhamma.

[DooDoot]

I see no harm in that, at all.

The Buddha often taught certain activities, such as dancing & comedy, lead to rebirth in hell; and to hold a contrary view is "animal" birth.

[SarathW]

I see no harm in that, at all.

The Buddha often taught certain activities, such as dancing & comedy, lead to rebirth in hell; and to hold a contrary view is "animal" birth.

What about singing and other entertainment?

[Zom]

The Buddha often taught certain activities, such as dancing & comedy, lead to rebirth in hell; and to hold a contrary view is "animal" birth.

Often? -)

Indulging in sensual pleasures doesn't lead to bad kamma accumulation, unless it is connected with stealing, etc.
Making computer games is not a Wrong Livelihood.

[DooDoot]

Do you think making a video game is a bad idea? We all know how addictive video games can be and they're ultimately a distraction/escape.

I think it is wise that you reflect upon if your action is beneficial.

I'm currently working on making a game with a friend to refresh my programming skills

The Buddha praised having vocational skills, which would include computer programming.

but I think the plan is to eventually sell it in the app store. I have mixed feelings about this. I want to write the code to expand my programming skills and experience, but I don't like the idea of contributing to all the distractions out there on a smart phone.

Possibly program something that is more beneficial. This said, a simple game is not that unwholesome. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[chownah]

Digity,
I'm wondering why you are wanting to refresh your programming skills.
chownah

[santa100]

I have mixed feelings about this. I want to write the code to expand my programming skills and experience, but I don't like the idea of contributing to all the distractions out there on a smart phone.

Notice that there're vast areas of application for programming other than mobile development. Matter of fact, coding skill can virtually be applied to almost every industry out there, not just STEM: manufacturing, finance, healthcare, socialwork, retails, etc. Bottomline is you don't have to create mobile games to sharpen your coding skill. There're tons of other ways (maybe even better ways) to do to beef up on data structures, algorithms, OOPS, concurrency, etc. which are must-have skills that are way more marketable than game development to help getting a software engineering gig.

[Manopubbangama]

I have mixed feelings about this. I want to write the code to expand my programming skills and experience, but I don't like the idea of contributing to all the distractions out there on a smart phone.

Notice that there're vast areas of application for programming other than mobile development. Matter of fact, coding skill can virtually be applied to almost every industry out there, not just STEM: manufacturing, finance, healthcare, socialwork, retails, etc. Bottomline is you don't have to create mobile games to sharpen your coding skill. There're tons of other ways (maybe even better ways) to do to beef up on data structures, algorithms, OOPS, concurrency, etc. which are must-have skills that are way more marketable than game development to help getting a software engineering gig.

It is quite a craft and definitely "the new literacy" of the 21st century and just like any other craft it can be used for good or bad, but is not inherently bad at all.

At least not according to Buddhism.

Regarding the overall implications of modern technology, I am as concerned as anyone, in fact, probably more so.

Don't know if anyone here has seen the show "Black Mirror" but it is highly intellectually provocative regarding the implication of modern technology.

[santa100]

It is quite a craft and definitely "the new literacy" of the 21st century and just like any other craft it can be used for good or bad, but is not inherently bad at all.

I wouldn't come to the conclusion that it's "not inherently bad at all" simply due to the fact that the OP hasn't revealed the exact content/nature of his mobile game. Is it some kind of sexual fantasy game, or shooting/killing game? or is it some kind of educational/learning game? If not sure, s/he can always play it safe by applying his software skillsets in "safe" industries like writing healthcare softwares, education softwares, or manufacturing/agriculture softwares, etc. Bottomline is that for software engineers, the options are much more numerous than just doing game development.

[Manopubbangama]

It is quite a craft and definitely "the new literacy" of the 21st century and just like any other craft it can be used for good or bad, but is not inherently bad at all.

I wouldn't come to the conclusion that it's "not inherently bad at all" simply due to the fact that the OP hasn't revealed the exact content/nature of his mobile game. Is it some kind of sexual fantasy game, or shooting/killing game? or is it some kind of educational/learning game? If not sure, s/he can always play it safe by applying his software skillsets in "safe" industries like writing healthcare softwares, education softwares, or manufacturing/agriculture softwares, etc. Bottomline is that for software engineers, the options are much more numerous than just doing game development.

My meaning was that coding itself was not inherently bad - I mentioned in my first post that pornography would indeed be a breach of Theravadin lay ethics.

But I agree with your last part, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy the profession - if I find something morally objectionable I can pick up my bag and find something that I agree with - think about how many jobs where people don't have this luxury.

Not saying that the craft is without pain points, but it does give a certain amount of flexibility, which can we can apply to our own cultivation of ethics.

[Laurens]

I suppose it depends on the type of game, something gratuitously violent might be against the ethics of some Buddhists.

I don't see that there is much wrong with contributing your skills to help your friends develop a game. Video games aren't necessarily harmful, although some people might use them in a harmful manner. But if you worked in a bakery you aren't doing anything immoral, if someone chooses to come in a lot and make themselves obese and unhealthy that's their problem. A lot of people just enjoy video games as an escape, or a means to pass the time while they are on the train or whatnot. Might not be the best use of time from a Buddhist perspective, but not everyone is Buddhist...

Aside from being involved in a game that promotes immoral behaviour, or makes immoral behaviour a central part of the game, I don't really see that there is much of an issue. People can become addicted to games, and they are a bit of a waste of time, but I don't think it is down to you if people go down that path. Some people may beg to differ, but I think there are much worse things you could do with your time.