Watch Gamemaster

Gamemaster is a 2020 documentary film directed by Charles Mruz and starring Nashra Balagamwala, Charlie Bink, and Scott Rogers. The film explores the world of tabletop gaming, following Balagamwala, a board game designer, as she creates a new game from scratch. The documentary begins with Balagamwala discussing her passion for board games and her desire to create a game that challenges players' perspective on arranged marriages. She is seen sketching her ideas and discussing them with her friend and fellow game designer, Bink. Balagamwala explains that she wants to create a game that is both fun and educational, addressing a social issue in a way that is entertaining and engaging.

As she works on her game, Balagamwala attends gaming conventions and conferences, where she meets other designers and enthusiasts. She also visits game stores and libraries, discussing games and their impact on people's lives. Along the way, the film provides insight into the history of board games and their evolution over time.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the creative process of game design. Balagamwala is shown working through the challenges of creating a game that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. She discusses the importance of playtesting and refining ideas based on feedback from players. Throughout the film, viewers see the game evolve from a simple concept to a fully realized product.

In addition to Balagamwala's story, Gamemaster also features interviews with other game designers and industry experts. Scott Rogers, a game designer who has worked on titles such as God of War and Drawn to Life, discusses the importance of storytelling in games. Other designers discuss the role of luck versus strategy in game design, as well as the significance of inclusivity and diversity in gaming.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the documentary is its focus on the positive impact that games can have on people's lives. Balagamwala and Bink discuss how they've seen games bring people together and provide a sense of community. They also discuss the therapeutic benefits of gaming, such as helping people cope with mental health issues or providing an outlet for stress relief.

Overall, Gamemaster is a fascinating look at the world of tabletop gaming and the creative process of game design. Through Balagamwala's journey, viewers gain insight into the challenges and rewards of creating a game that is both entertaining and meaningful. The documentary also highlights the significance of games in our culture and their potential to bring people together and create positive change.

Gamemaster is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.