Top 10 Documentaries on Game Design

Description: While not strictly about game design, this film explores the competitive side of arcade gaming, which influenced game design by highlighting the importance of player interaction and community.

Fact: The film inspired a resurgence in interest in classic arcade games and even led to the creation of a video game based on the movie.

Description: This documentary captures the passion, struggles, and triumphs of independent game developers. It follows the creators of "Super Meat Boy," "FEZ," and "Braid," showcasing the personal and professional challenges they face in bringing their visions to life.

Fact: The film was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter, raising over $90,

Description: Chronicles the history of video games, focusing on the cultural and technological evolution, with insights from industry legends.

Fact: The film features interviews with game designers like Hideo Kojima and Tim Schafer.

Description: This documentary investigates the urban legend of Atari burying thousands of unsold "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" game cartridges in the New Mexico desert, exploring the rise and fall of Atari.

Fact: The film crew actually dug up the site and found the cartridges, confirming the legend.

Description: This documentary delves into the famous chess match between Garry Kasparov and IBM's Deep Blue, exploring the intersection of human intelligence and artificial intelligence in game design.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Kasparov and the IBM team, providing insights into the psychological and technical aspects of AI in gaming.

Description: Focuses on the impact of video games on society, particularly after the Columbine High School massacre, and how game designers respond to public perceptions and criticisms.

Fact: The film features interviews with game developers, psychologists, and survivors of the Columbine tragedy.

Description: Follows the quest of a man to break the world record for the arcade game "Nibbler," showcasing the dedication and community spirit that influences game design.

Fact: The film was crowdfunded and features a reunion of classic arcade game enthusiasts.

Description: Explores the role of women in the video game industry, highlighting the challenges they face and their contributions to game design.

Fact: The film was inspired by the Gamergate controversy, aiming to shed light on gender issues in gaming.

Description: A comprehensive look at the history of video games, from their inception to the early 2000s, highlighting key figures in game design and the cultural impact of gaming.

Fact: It was produced by PBS and includes interviews with pioneers like Nolan Bushnell and Shigeru Miyamoto.

Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the creation of the 1984 game "Karateka," one of the first cinematic video games, and its influence on modern game design.

Fact: It includes interviews with Jordan Mechner, the game's creator, and explores the game's development process and its impact on the industry.