Watch From Bedrooms to Billions

From Bedrooms to Billions is a British documentary film that explores the first decade of the video game industry, from the early 1970s to the mid-1980s. The film takes a deep dive into the early days of gaming culture and the pioneers who helped shape it. The film is directed by Anthony and Nicola Caulfield and is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a particular aspect of the industry, such as game development, hardware, and music. Through a vast amount of archival footage and interviews with key figures who were part of that era, the film offers insight into the rise of computer and video game entertainment.

The narrative explores how British computer enthusiasts honed their skills in programming, leading to the development of ground-breaking games like Elite, Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy. The portrayal of the cultural environment from which these games have sprung up is illuminating. The film draws a historical arc of the industry with significant milestones, from the creation of the ZX Spectrum to its commercialisation in what became a massive industry.

The film is primarily a retelling of the games and electronics industry boom that happened in Britain and focuses on the pioneers, leaders and visionaries of the time. Developers like Matthew Smith, founder of Software Projects, his peers like Jim Bagley and Eugene Evans, among others, discuss their early experiences developing video games.

These pioneers’ recollections are supplemented with stories of the technological advancements that made it possible. Discussions about the machines and software and how they work together give the viewer a deeper understanding of the mechanics of computing.

Additionally, engaging graphics are interspersed throughout, providing a visual overview of advances in hardware technology, which was fundamental to the industry's success. Alongside this, the well-researched background on game design, sound design, and artwork in early games provide an intriguing sense of the sheer passion needed to create new technology solutions.

The movie does a good job of exploring the music and soundscapes that accompany many of the games. Interviews with industry composer icons such as Rob Hubbard and Martin Galway, discuss the methods they used to produce iconic game soundtracks on machines that had limited capabilities.

The film also touches on the commercialisation of the industry, including discussions around the rise of games journalism and trade shows such as the ZX Microfair. The impact of the money-driven market is explored along with development tools, licensing and the individuals involved in promoting the games.

This movie’s focus is undoubtedly the individuals, the unsung creatives, whose talents helped set the stage for the success stories of today's digital industry. For example, the director profiled heavyweight Star Wars game developer David Braben, who was inspired to create his game Elite while he was still in school.

From Bedrooms to Billions is a nostalgic movie that offers a great insight into the technological and design theme of creating games. It offers a rare window into an industry that is now one of the most significant entertainment sectors in the world.

Despite its informative tone, the film's production is not without its faults. The movie lacks strong characterisation, and the filmmakers could have delved more deeply into the individuals and industries that they explore. However, the filmmakers do manage to extract an impressive amount of detail and explore unknown areas of the gaming industry, especially concerning its British roots.

To conclude, From Bedrooms to Billions is a must-see for gaming enthusiasts, technologists, and computer geeks. The film is a love letter to the creative and pioneering spirit that drove a new and emerging industry in the UK. By diving deep into the technicalities, achievements, and individuals that shaped the birth of gaming, this film delivers a master class on the historical formation of this essential interactive medium.

From Bedrooms to Billions is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.