Watch Gameplay: The Story of the Videogame Revolution

Gameplay: The Story of the Videogame Revolution is a documentary film from 2015 that takes a comprehensive look at the history of video games, from their early beginnings in the 1950s all the way through to modern times. Directed by Richard Goldgewicht and narrated by British actor Chopper Bernet, the film features interviews with a number of notable figures from the world of gaming as well as archival footage, stills, and music that helps bring the history of video games to life.

The movie begins with a brief look at the origins of video games, focusing on some of the earliest computer games like Spacewar! and the first ever video game, Tennis for Two. From there, the film moves on to explore some of the most important and influential games of the 1970s and 80s, including Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong. The movie also delves into the rise of the home console market and the impact that companies like Atari and Nintendo had on the industry.

One of the most interesting aspects of Gameplay is the way in which it uses interviews with individuals who were actually present during the early days of video games to provide insight into the development process and the cultural significance of certain games. For example, the film features an interview with Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari and the man responsible for bringing Pong to the masses. Bushnell talks about the challenges of creating a game that could be played in public and the unexpected success of Pong, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

Another key figure interviewed in Gameplay is Cain DeVore, a programmer and game designer who worked on some of the earliest home console games for the Atari 2600. DeVore discusses the limitations of the hardware at the time and the creative ways in which programmers had to work around those limitations to create engaging and enjoyable games.

Throughout the film, there is a focus on how video games have evolved over the years, both in terms of technology and in terms of their cultural significance. The documentary breaks down some of the most important trends and movements in gaming, from the rise of arcade games and the home console market in the 70s and 80s, to the advent of multiplayer online games and the emergence of mobile gaming in the 2000s and 2010s.

One of the most striking things about Gameplay is the way it balances its coverage of the history of video games with a discussion of some of the larger cultural and societal issues surrounding gaming. The film explores how certain games have been seen as controversial or even dangerous, such as the wildly popular Grand Theft Auto series, which has often been criticized for promoting violence and misogyny. The documentary also confronts the issue of representation in games, highlighting the lack of female and minority protagonists in many mainstream titles.

Overall, Gameplay: The Story of the Videogame Revolution is an engaging and informative documentary that should appeal to both gamers and non-gamers alike. The film covers a lot of ground, from the early days of video games to the present day, and is filled with insights and interviews from some of the most important figures in the industry. Despite its focus on the history of gaming, the movie never feels overly technical or dry, and is sure to entertain as well as educate.

Gameplay: The Story of the Videogame Revolution is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.