I do not believe this is a discussion topic that will soon be forgotten.

"RECENT ADDITIONS" The 2nd Official GK3add (partly visible left) raised quite alot of controversy as well, this time the add represented the imagery of a cross with a palmleaf growing out of the base of the cross. Albeit quite innocent imagery, untill you know what symbolism lies beyond. The palmleaf is a direct reference to the offspring of the cross, thus the offspring of Jesus Christ. It is not yet known however if this theory will be incorporated into the actual game. I can tell you however that this symbolism is used as wel in the church of Rennes-le-Château, namely on the bassrelief of the altar. The altar shows Marie Magdalen praying in front of a small cross that is made of wood, the wood however is not straight, but bent like a fresh branch and is still rooted into the ground.

"QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS"

Yes, In her November 26, 1997 entry in Designer Diaries. Jane Jensen, brought up the topic of controversy:
"The plot of GK3, for instance, is daring. It will offend some people. I'm sure fans will wonder why I felt compelled to write something so controversial as opposed to playing it safe with, say, a nice little ghost story."

Adam Bormann (GK3 production assistant), on July 11th 1998 at the Sierra Message board said:
"Yes, it's true that GK3 will no doubt offend some people. Anytime someone does anything "out of the ordinary" dealing with religious issues, someone, somewhere will be offended.
It's a GREAT story, and Jane has poured her heart into it. And I hope everyone realizes this, and enjoys it for what it is. Please realize, we are not trying to attack anyone's convictions or beliefs, we are telling a story."

2. What started this discussion?

This first GK3 Add:

3. Is that Jesus with a twin? Where did this idea ever stem from?

Well we already know that GK3 will be based on the mystery that surrounds a certain Father Saunière and his church, in Rennes le Château. You can read about the many aspects and theories around this mystery in the further reading part of the Mystery section. But let's take a closer look at the church.

and I quote:

"On the right of the altar, the Holy Virgin is holding a baby. On the left, Joseph is also holding a child. Two babies Jesus in one church. We enter the theory of Jesus' twin brother."

This is taken from www.rennes-le-chateau.com which is in my opinion the best site out there dealing with the mysteries of Rennes le Château. From this main page you may read about it in French, English, or German.





4. Do you need to be concerned with this controversy?

No, The controversy was there long before Jane Jensen ever read Holy Blood Holy Grail, and it will probably be here long after we are all gone. Personally I doubt anyone will ever know for sure what that priest found.

5. Are any of the other Gabriel Knight games controversial?

Yes, In GK2 King Ludwig II's madness and mysterious death/suicide were explained by werewolfry. However , being a good person basically, he fought it, and never killed anyone. In the end the Black Madonna of Altötting (the Virgin Mary) helped Gabriel Knight to not only get the werewolf, but to help Ludwig save his soul.

Gabriel Knight is a GOOD GUY. He fights evil. He and his ancestors were Schattenjägers (shadow hunters). Maybe you won't totally agree with where Jane Jensen finds this evil but the underlying message is still there.

6. Should you let your children play this game?

It is your choice, but I would say Absolutely.
Of course if you want to research the topic a bit first yourself you should find everything you need in our References section. I would also recommend playing the game with your children, if you are seriously concerned. This way when questions arise you can reaffirm that this is a fictitious game, and share what you want them to know from you. Plus you will enjoy it too.

Look at it this way if they have net access, and can check books out of a library your children may have already been exposed to this controversy, and gotten whatever perspective that researcher chose. Believe me when I say there are some theories out there that take the level of controversy WAY past anything GK3 will. Plug Rennes-le-Chateau into any search engine to see what I mean.

7. Will this game be rated?

Yes, the ESRB rating seal rated it M+17.