I sometimes play a certain computer role-playing game (RPG). In this game, my character (whom I might name after myself but who does not otherwise resemble me) fights mythological creatures and collects handy items. In the end, I aim to have my character retrieve a powerful treasure from the place where it is kept.

If I choose, my character can choose to worship one of 18 available "gods". If my character kneels at an altar, prays to it, or sacrifices creatures, then the "god" I choose might give my character special abilities or better items.

1. I wonder if I may cause my character to worship a "god" while playing this computer game. What do you suspect is the answer?

2. What if I modify the source code of the game and rename all the "gods" to "Hashem"?

_{You may answer using logic. But please base your logic on rabbinic sources you've read or heard from. And please cite your sources.}

Disclaimer

Mi Yodeya is not always correct, and does not take the place of seeking advice from your rabbi.

Please ask your rabbi instead of trusting what you read here, for various reasons.

Edit

Possibly related, regarding idolatry:

• Avodah Zarah related game - Din Online - Ask the Rabbi

Possibly related, regarding violence:

• Is there anything wrong with playing violent video games? - The Jewish Press

Background

I sometimes play a certain computer role-playing game (RPG). In this game, my character (whom I might name after myself but who does not otherwise resemble me) fights mythological creatures and collects handy items. In the end, I aim to have my character retrieve a powerful treasure from the place where it is kept.

If I choose, my character can choose to worship one of 18 available "gods". If my character kneels at an altar, prays to it, or sacrifices creatures, then the "god" I choose might give my character special abilities or better items.

My questions

1. Can you cause a character to worship a "god" while playing such a computer game? If so, why?

2. What if you modify the source code of the game and rename all the "gods" to "Hashem"?

Disclaimer

Please ask your rabbi instead of trusting what you read here, for various reasons.

Related

Possibly related, regarding idolatry:

• Avodah Zarah related game - Din Online - Ask the Rabbi

Possibly related, regarding violence:

• Is there anything wrong with playing violent video games? - The Jewish Press

Other questions on ethics in video games:

• Ethics in video games: stealing

Wikipedia has an article on religion and video games, but it doesn't yet discuss Judaism.

I sometimes play a certain computer role-playing game (RPG). In this game, my character (whom I might name after myself but who does not otherwise resemble me) fights mythological creatures and collects handy items. In the end, I aim to have my character retrieve a powerful treasure from the place where it is kept.

If I choose, my character can choose to worship one of 18 available "gods". If my character kneels at an altar, prays to it, or sacrifices creatures, then the "god" I choose might give my character special abilities or better items.

1. I wonder if I may cause my character to worship a "god" while playing this computer game. What do you suspect is the answer?

2. What if I modify the source code of the game and rename all the "gods" to "Hashem"?

CYLOR.

_{You may answer using logic. But please base your logic on rabbinic sources you've read or heard from. And please cite your sources.}

I sometimes play a certain computer role-playing game (RPG). In this game, my character (whom I might name after myself but who does not otherwise resemble me) fights mythological creatures and collects handy items. In the end, I aim to have my character retrieve a powerful treasure from the place where it is kept.

If I choose, my character can choose to worship one of 18 available "gods". If my character kneels at an altar, prays to it, or sacrifices creatures, then the "god" I choose might give my character special abilities or better items.

1. I wonder if I may cause my character to worship a "god" while playing this computer game. What do you suspect is the answer?

2. What if I modify the source code of the game and rename all the "gods" to "Hashem"?

_{You may answer using logic. But please base your logic on rabbinic sources you've read or heard from. And please cite your sources.}

Disclaimer

Mi Yodeya is not always correct, and does not take the place of seeking advice from your rabbi.

Please ask your rabbi instead of trusting what you read here, for various reasons.

Edit

Possibly related, regarding idolatry:

• Avodah Zarah related game - Din Online - Ask the Rabbi

Possibly related, regarding violence:

• Is there anything wrong with playing violent video games? - The Jewish Press

I sometimes play a certain computer role-playing game (RPG). In this game, my character (whom I might name after myself but who does not otherwise resemble me) fights mythological creatures and collects handy items. In the end, I aim to have my character retrieve a powerful treasure from the place where it is kept.

If I choose, my character can choose to worship one of 18 available "gods". If my character kneels at an altar, prays to it, or sacrifices creatures, then the "god" I choose might give my character special abilities or better items.

1. I wonder if I may cause my character to worship a "god" while playing this computer game. What do you suspect is the answer?

2. What if I modify the source code of the game and rename all the "gods" to "Hashem"?

CYLOR.

_{You may answer using logic. But please base your logic on rabbinic sources you've read or heard from. And please cite your sources.}

I sometimes play a certain computer role-playing game (RPG). In this game, my character (whom I might name after myself but who does not otherwise resemble me) fights mythological creatures and collects handy items. In the end, I aim to have my character retrieve a powerful treasure from the place where it is kept.

If I choose, my character can choose to worship one of 18 available "gods". If my character kneels at an altar, prays to it, or sacrifices creatures, then the "god" I choose might give my character special abilities or better items.

1. I wonder if I may cause my character to worship a "god" while playing this computer game. What do you suspect is the answer?

2. What if I modify the source code of the game and rename all the "gods" to "Hashem"?

CYLOR.

_{You may answer using logic. But please base your logic on rabbinic sources you've read or heard from. And please cite your sources.}