From Video Games to the Jesuits: The Unlikely Journey of Shane Liesegang

How a former video game designer found spirituality and purpose in the Jesuit order

Shane Liesegang had it all: a successful career in the video game industry, a vibrant social life, and the sunny backdrop of Los Angeles. But beneath the surface, Liesegang was consumed by anger and a sense of emptiness. Frustrated with his own negativity, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that would eventually lead him to leave his job and join the Jesuits, a religious order known for its commitment to service and spirituality. This unexpected transition not only transformed Liesegang’s life but also brought him back to the world of video games, where he found a unique way to merge his newfound faith with his passion for storytelling.

A Journey of Self-Reflection

Liesegang’s realization that his anger was futile came during a moment of frustration on the notorious Los Angeles highway, the 405. Instead of directing his anger at other drivers, he began to empathize with their situations, imagining the reasons behind their actions. This shift in perspective sparked a spiritual quest that would lead him to explore his faith and eventually find solace in the Catholic Church.

The Intersection of Video Games and Religion

While working in the video game industry, Liesegang found himself drawn to the intersection of religion and gaming. He discovered that his experience with liturgical texts and rituals in the Catholic Church gave him a unique understanding of the language and cadence needed for creating immersive fictional religions in video games. This realization planted the seed for a potential career that would combine his passion for storytelling with his newfound faith.

Joining the Jesuits

Inspired by Pope Francis, who is also a member of the Jesuit order, Liesegang decided to explore the possibility of joining the religious order himself. In 2015, he officially became a Jesuit and embarked on a journey of theological and philosophical studies. Liesegang’s experience in video game design has proven to be an asset in his work with college students, who are often surprised to learn about his background in creating popular games like Skyrim.

Writing Theology for Starfield

Liesegang’s unique background in both video game design and theology led to an unexpected opportunity. He was asked to write the core texts for a fictional religion in Starfield, a highly anticipated space exploration game. The religion, known as the Sanctum Universum, explores the idea of experiencing God among the stars. Liesegang’s work on Starfield raised questions about the role of video games in his future ministry and the potential impact of incorporating spirituality into gaming narratives.

The Future of Video Games and Ministry

While Liesegang remains open to the possibility of future video game projects, he sees his calling as more than just creating Christian or faith-based entertainment. He believes that video games, like the real world, are systems that can be impacted and changed by individuals. His unique perspective as a designer allows him to view the world through a lens of agency and potential for transformation.

Conclusion:

Shane Liesegang’s journey from video game designer to Jesuit priest is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the unexpected paths that life can take. His ability to merge his passion for storytelling with his newfound faith has opened doors for exploration and dialogue within the gaming industry. As video games continue to evolve as a form of storytelling and entertainment, Liesegang’s unique perspective offers a fresh lens through which to view the intersection of spirituality and gaming.


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