How one former video game designer found his calling in the Jesuit order, blending his passion for storytelling and spirituality.
In the early 2000s, Shane Liesegang seemed to have it all – a successful career in the video game industry, a vibrant social life, and the sunny backdrop of Los Angeles. However, beneath the surface, Liesegang was plagued by anger and a sense of emptiness. A transformative moment on the infamous LA highway, the 405, sparked a spiritual awakening that would lead him on a journey from video game designer to the Jesuit order. Now, Liesegang finds himself blending his passion for storytelling and spirituality as he writes the core texts for a space religion in a blockbuster video game.
A Nerd’s Journey
Liesegang, a self-proclaimed “pretty big nerd,” grew up immersed in video games and theater. His academic pursuits in psychology and computer science, combined with a critical examination of video games, set him on a path to explore the possibility of making video games for a living. Graduating from the University of Virginia and pursuing a master’s degree in entertainment technology at Carnegie Mellon, Liesegang’s unique skill set opened doors in the video game industry, leading him to work for Electronic Arts and later Bethesda, known for games like Fallout, Skyrim, and Starfield.
A Spiritual Awakening
Religion had not played a significant role in Liesegang’s life until his encounter with St. Monica, a Catholic parish in Los Angeles. The vibrant community of young adults provided a space where he could explore his faith without judgment. As Liesegang moved to Maryland to work for Bethesda, his interest in religion and video games began to merge. He found himself working on liturgical texts and rituals for the fictional religions in the studio’s games, drawing on his experiences at church to infuse authenticity into the virtual worlds.
Joining the Jesuits
Feeling a yearning to impact others’ lives in a profound way, Liesegang delved into the Jesuit order, seeking answers to his spiritual inquiries and curiosity about Pope Francis, a fellow Jesuit. In 2015, Liesegang made the decision to join the Jesuits, embarking on a journey that would lead him to study philosophy at Fordham University and theology at Boston College. During this time, he also spent two years in Beirut, working with refugees and discerning his future ministry.
Writing for Starfield
Just when Liesegang thought he had left the world of video games behind, an unexpected opportunity arose. He was asked to write the core texts for a space religion featured in Starfield, a highly anticipated video game. Liesegang crafted the theology for the Sanctum Universum, one of the game’s three main religions, which explores the idea of experiencing God among the stars. While incorporating elements of Catholicism, Liesegang ensured the texts focused more on philosophy and the search for transcendence. He sought approval from his Jesuit superior, emphasizing that his work was fictional and not an attempt to create a new religion.
The Future of Ministry
Liesegang’s work on Starfield has sparked discussions about the intersection of video games and ministry. While he doesn’t envision creating explicitly Christian video games, Liesegang remains open to future projects that allow him to utilize his storytelling skills. Drawing on his experience as a game designer, he sees the potential for individuals to impact real-world systems, just as characters in video games can influence their virtual environments. Liesegang’s unique perspective and expertise make him a valuable asset in exploring new avenues for ministry.
Conclusion:
Shane Liesegang’s journey from video game designer to Jesuit priest exemplifies the power of personal transformation and the fusion of seemingly disparate passions. His experience in the video game industry, combined with his deepening spirituality, has allowed him to bring a unique perspective to his ministry. As he continues to explore the intersection of faith and fiction, Liesegang’s work serves as a reminder that spirituality can be found in unexpected places, even in the virtual worlds of video games.
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