55 Video Game Documentary Films

In a future Tokyo dominated by video games, arcades are not relics of the past but vibrant hubs of entertainment. "100 Yen" is a documentary exploring the history and culture of these thriving game centers, from their origins to the…

This documentary examines the LGBTQ+ community within gaming culture and the growing presence of queer people in the video game industry. The 2013 GaymerX convention marked a significant moment for visibility and recognition of the queer geek community on a…

The video and computer game industry is a $6 billion annual business. A tenth of American households own a Sony Playstation, and children with gaming equipment spend an average of ten hours a week playing. Despite reaching millions of children…

This documentary follows filmmaker Ben Gonyo over two years as he immerses himself in the world of massively multiplayer online games, such as World of Warcraft, exploring the unique subculture that thrives within them.

8 BIT is a documentary exploring how video games have shaped today's culture. It blends documentary footage with art and cultural analysis to connect seemingly unrelated things: the 1980s video game demo scene, chiptune music, and modern artists who use…

The leading figures in Europe's thriving chip music scene use vintage video game and home computer hardware – like the Nintendo Game Boy and NES, Atari ST, Commodore Amiga and C64 – to create a fresh musical style. They repurpose…

"From Bedrooms to Billions" is a 2014 documentary by Anthony and Nicola Caulfield that chronicles the history of the British video games industry from 1979 to today. It highlights how the creativity and foresight of a small group of people…

This documentary follows the world's top Tetris players as they train for the Classic Tetris World Championship. It chronicles over two decades of Tetris history, from Thor Aackerlund's win at the 1990 Nintendo World Championships to Harry Hong achieving a…

This short documentary chronicles the creation of the 2003 video game *Silent Hill 3*. It offers a glimpse into the development process of the acclaimed title.

This documentary features exclusive interviews and archival footage that chronicles Sonic's journey, from his creation to his rise as a defining figure in video game history.

"I Got Next" is a documentary about the competitive fighting game community. It focuses on four key players – Justin Wong, Ryan "Gootecks" Gutierrez, Joe "iloveu" Ciaramelli, and Mike Ross – as they navigate the scene following the release of…

This behind-the-scenes documentary chronicles the development of the video game *Hitman: Absolution*. It offers a look at the process of creating the game, from its initial conception to its final release.

GameLoading: Rise of the Indies is a documentary that looks at the world of independent video game developers. It explores their work, the games they create, their aspirations, and how they have significantly impacted the gaming world.

This film explores the surprising rise of a new board game craze, likely happening right in your own community. It offers a glimpse into this world, introducing the people who play and create these games – a refreshing alternative to…

"Video Games: The Movie," from executive producer Zach Braff and director Jeremy Snead, is a documentary that follows the rapid growth of video games, from a hobby for enthusiasts to a major global industry. Narrated by Sean Astin and featuring…

Steyerl's *Factory of the Sun*, presented at the 2015 Venice Biennale, examines the advantages and dangers of images spreading in today's world of massive data exchange. Blending news, documentaries, video games, and internet videos, the work uses light and speed…

Three professional video game players face challenges from their personal lives, families, and the demands of real life as they compete in a $1,000,000 tournament with the potential to transform their futures.

Branching Paths explores the world of independent games in Japan, focusing on the developers, publishers, and those drawn to the scene.

This Xbox Originals documentary investigates the downfall of Atari, focusing on the enduring mystery of the "Great Video Game Burial of 1983." The story goes that millions of unsold E.T. Game cartridges were buried in the desert, but the film…

This film examines the rising popularity of Let's Play videos and explores how the blending of video games and online communities is changing the landscape of entertainment, traditionally dominated by established musicians.

Minecraft: The Story of Mojang documents the first year of the company's rapid rise to global prominence, as its game captivated millions of players worldwide. Through perspectives from industry leaders, journalists, influential figures, and dedicated fans, the film captures a…

CNBC explores the evolution of the video game industry, starting with early experiments like a tennis game on an oscilloscope and following the rise of Atari and arcade games in the early 1980s. The program traces the history of electronic…

This film chronicles the intense experiences of video game developers as they bring their creations to life and release them to players worldwide. It’s a story about the process of making video games, fundamentally exploring the act of creative expression…

A global phenomenon is taking shape in the world of video games. Thousands gather in arenas to watch tournaments, while tens of millions more tune in online. The most popular competitive game is played by one percent of the world's…

Video Games Live is a concert event bringing together music from beloved video games. Featuring top orchestras and choirs performing exclusive arrangements alongside video footage, synchronized lighting, soloists, electronic percussion, and live action, it delivers a high-energy entertainment experience. The…

This documentary explores the history of video games, tracing the evolution from early hits like 'Pong', 'Pac-Man', and 'Mario' to modern blockbusters such as 'Call of Duty' and 'Grand Theft Auto'. It examines the industry's origins, its key creators, and…

This documentary explores the multi-billion dollar video game industry and the people who shaped it. Decades after its initial release, the industry has exploded! Hosted by Tony Hawk, the world-renowned skateboarder and creator of popular games like "Tony Hawk’s Pro…

In 1982, the top players in the video game world offer their perspectives on everything from game controllers to celebrity admirers and the meaning of life itself.

"Dungeons & Dragons: A Documentary" provides a comprehensive exploration of the game Dungeons & Dragons and its significance as a cultural force. The film examines the game's origins, its enduring popularity, and its impact on society. A uniquely engaging experience…

A group of independent game developers share their experiences with the challenges, setbacks, and successes of creating games, exploring the essence of being an "indie" creator and the nature of creativity itself.

This documentary examines the impact of the Commodore Amiga computer. It explores how the Amiga revolutionized video game development, music production, and publishing, fundamentally altering the landscape of the video game industry.

A quiet arcade champion faces off against the legendary Donkey Kong world record holder in an epic gaming battle that captures the attention of the entire industry. For two decades, Billy Mitchell has held the top score, considered unbeatable. But…

This documentary chronicles the creation of Fallout 3, the highly anticipated third game in the popular post-apocalyptic roleplaying series. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and concept art, the film was exclusively released to those who purchased the game's collector's edition.

This documentary captures an exhibition tournament in Japan, highlighting the contrasting approaches to gaming between American and Japanese cultures.

Second Skin explores how online virtual worlds have profoundly changed the lives of three groups of computer gamers. The rise of Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs) has created virtual spaces where millions can interact at once. With 50 million players…

Infinite Lives: The Road to E3 is an independently-produced documentary following four friends from the American Midwest on their 2300-mile, week-long road trip to E3, the major gaming industry expo. Founded in 1995, E3 showcases the latest and greatest in…

"The Art of the Game" follows a group of college students vying for jobs in the growing video game industry, documenting a shift in popular entertainment. The film weaves together their stories to explore the passion, creativity, and evolving artistic…

Inside The Dragon's Lair explores the history of the groundbreaking video game, Dragon's Lair. The film offers a detailed look at the extensive creation of this revolutionary title, which utilized laserdisc technology to amaze audiences when it launched in 1983…

Following a 2012 incident of public sexual harassment, *GTFO* examines the $20 billion video game industry's pervasive issues with discrimination and misogyny. As the gaming community becomes more diverse each year, differing values have created conflict, and women face escalating…

"Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story" explores how the iconic board game achieved global popularity, focusing on the diverse individuals who compete to become the Monopoly World Champion.

"Indie Game: The Movie" continues with "Life After," a short film anthology offering updates on the filmmakers featured in the original documentary, alongside stories of new game creators. This collection features over 100 minutes of fresh footage.

This documentary explores the evolution of the online community surrounding Nadeo's racing game, Trackmania. Through interviews with developers and players of diverse ages, the film examines the profound impact Trackmania has had on their lives.

"League of Legends: Learning to Lead" explores the rising popularity of the competitive game as an e-sport. Players from university students to professional gamers discuss their perspectives on League of Legends and the strategies they employ. The film examines the…

For two years, Ryan and Amy Green have been developing *That Dragon, Cancer*, a video game based on their son Joel's battle with a serious illness. Documenting the family's experience during the game's creation and Joel’s ongoing treatment, David Osit…

Pixel Poetry is a documentary film exploring how video games have shaped progressive creative culture. The film uses common debates surrounding video games – such as whether they are art or influence violent behavior – as a starting point. It…

"Memoirs of a Spectrum Addict" is a documentary film exploring the ZX Spectrum computer – its history, creators, games, and devoted fanbase. The film is a comprehensive tribute to the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, featuring never-before-seen interviews with key figures in…

The members of the Evil Geniuses Starcraft 2 team are talented and driven, but they have to fight for a place in the world of professional video gaming. *Good Game* follows the team as they learn that a single mistake…

In Jettingen, Germany, Ludo Fact is a leading manufacturer of board and card games worldwide. This documentary follows the journey of a board game from initial concept to the shelves of stores and homes. It reveals the complete manufacturing process,…

Independent video game developers are expanding the possibilities of storytelling, music, animation, and design. Texas has the second-largest number of game companies in the United States. Alongside large companies such as EA and Blizzard, a smaller but dedicated community of…

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of their iconic fighting game, Street Fighter, Capcom wanted something truly special. AREA 5 created a documentary that travels to three countries and spans over two decades. It tells the story of how this game…

Can video games help shape the future of our cities? As urban areas face growing populations, can games empower residents, especially young people, to participate in planning and improving their own communities? Games are now being used to design and…

Director Rob Van Alkemade (of "Training for the Apocalypse" and "What Would Jesus Buy") explores the rise of YouTube and Twitch streamers like PewDiePie, Smosh, and Angry Joe – personalities who have transformed from bedroom entertainers to major media figures…

"Beep" is a documentary exploring the history of game sounds, from Victorian arcades to modern video games, encompassing mechanical games and pinball as well. The film is part of a larger project that includes webisodes, DVD extras, a book, and…

This film explores the global popularity of video games and their profound impact on technology and popular culture.

This film chronicles the making of a game, celebrating the challenges of pioneering something entirely new. Without established paths or instructions, the team relied on repeated experimentation and setbacks to forge their vision. It's the story of a diverse group…