Watch My First Time Playing

At Machinima, one of their most popular shows is My First Time Playing. The show is a documentary-style exploration of people's first experiences with video games, interviewing players of all ages and backgrounds. The beauty of the show lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia in its viewers as they reminisce about their own first gaming experiences.

My First Time Playing brings attention to the significance of video games in people's lives and how they've impacted them. The show captures the raw emotions and memories of each subject, as they recall the games that made a lasting impact on them. From the slightly older gamers who grew up with the early arcade games, to the newer generation who started with the Nintendo Wii, the show covers a wide range of gaming eras that often offer fascinating insights into the evolution of the medium.

Throughout the show, the subjects discuss their favorite games from their childhood, accompanied by in-game footage and commentary. Often, they recall the first time they played a particular game, like Space Invaders, Pac-Man or Super Mario Bros., and describe how it felt to hold the controller or the joystick for the first time. It’s interesting to see how much some of these games stand the test of time, as some of the players still play today, many years after their first experience.

The show manages to be both entertaining and educational. It’s intriguing to see how much video games have evolved since the days of pong and Atari, and how they've developed into one of the most popular forms of entertainment on the planet. The show reveals how the visually basic arcade games of the past still have a unique charm that makes them fun even to today's technology-focused gamers.

The show’s creators also pay tribute to some of the early gaming pioneers who paved the way for the medium. Guests such as Nolan Bushnell, the creator of Atari, make appearances on the show and speak about their experiences creating the first gaming consoles on the market. Through exploring the foundation of the gaming industry, My First Time Playing reminds us just how much appreciation we owe to the people who started everything.

Alongside the nostalgia, the show serves as an excellent educational tool. The subjects often shed light on cultural differences and perspectives on gaming, exposing viewers to diverse perspectives of gaming’s evolution. While many older gamers discussed playing games in arcades, some of their peers in other parts of the world shared details about gaming on a computer, including the commodore 64 and Amiga. Hearing about these machines that often never reached other parts of the world, serves as a reminder of just how different the gaming experience can be depending on where you grew up.

My First Time Playing also explores the relationship between parents and children, and how video games can bring them closer together. Many of the guests discuss playing games with their parents, with fond memories of playing Mario Kart or Dance Dance Revolution. The show highlights the challenge of getting non-gamer parents to play, and how it often leads to a new-found appreciation for the medium. In a world where parents are often trying to reduce the screen time of their children, it’s nice to see a show demonstrate how video games have the potential to make the family bond even stronger when done in moderation.

Overall, My First Time Playing is a fascinating show that explores the impact of video games on people's lives, providing a unique perspective on the medium. It’s perfect for gamers looking to learn more about the history of the medium or just for anyone who wants to relive their childhood memories. The show beautifully captures the emotions and experiences of every gamer, effectively demonstrating how video games have the power to create lifelong memories.