- The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
- Indie Game: The Movie (2012)
- Playing Hard (2018)
- Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine (2003)
- Minecraft: The Story of Mojang (2012)
- Free to Play (2014)
- Atari: Game Over (2014)
- GTFO: Get the F&#! Out (2015)
- The Video Game Revolution (2004)
- The Making of 'The Last of Us' (2013)
The gaming industry has grown from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon, influencing culture, technology, and entertainment. This curated list of documentaries provides an in-depth look at the evolution, challenges, and triumphs of this dynamic sector. Whether you're a gamer, a developer, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of video games, these films offer a rich tapestry of stories, innovations, and the people who shape this ever-evolving landscape.

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
Description: While not strictly about the gaming industry, this documentary explores the competitive world of arcade gaming, focusing on the rivalry between two players for the high score on "Donkey Kong." It's a fascinating look at the culture surrounding video games.
Fact: The film has inspired a resurgence in interest in classic arcade games.


Indie Game: The Movie (2012)
Description: This film dives into the world of independent game development, focusing on the creators of "Super Meat Boy," "FEZ," and "Braid." It captures the passion, struggles, and triumphs of indie developers, showcasing the personal side of game creation.
Fact: The film was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter, one of the first documentaries to do so.


Playing Hard (2018)
Description: This documentary focuses on the lives of professional gamers in South Korea, where esports is a cultural phenomenon, exploring the dedication, lifestyle, and the intense competition of the gaming scene.
Fact: It provides a rare glimpse into the rigorous training regimes of esports athletes.


Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine (2003)
Description: This documentary covers the famous chess match between Garry Kasparov and IBM's Deep Blue, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and gaming, and the human element in this high-stakes competition.
Fact: Kasparov accused IBM of cheating, leading to a significant controversy.


Minecraft: The Story of Mojang (2012)
Description: This documentary follows the unexpected success of "Minecraft," detailing the journey of its creator Markus Persson and the impact of the game on the indie game scene.
Fact: The film was released just before Microsoft acquired Mojang for $


Free to Play (2014)
Description: Produced by Valve, this documentary follows three professional gamers as they compete in the first-ever "The International" Dota 2 tournament, showcasing the rise of esports and the lives of those who live to play.
Fact: The film was released for free on YouTube, reflecting the "free-to-play" model of the game it covers.


Atari: Game Over (2014)
Description: This documentary investigates the urban legend of Atari burying thousands of unsold "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" game cartridges in a New Mexico landfill, exploring the rise and fall of Atari.
Fact: The excavation featured in the film actually found the cartridges, confirming the legend.


GTFO: Get the F&#! Out (2015)
Description: This film examines the role of women in the gaming industry, highlighting the challenges they face, from harassment to underrepresentation, and celebrates the contributions of female gamers and developers.
Fact: The title is an acronym for "Get the F&#! Out," a phrase often used in gaming to express frustration or surprise.


The Video Game Revolution (2004)
Description: This PBS documentary traces the history of video games from their inception to the early 2000s, offering interviews with key figures in the industry and exploring the cultural impact of gaming.
Fact: It includes interviews with pioneers like Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari.


The Making of 'The Last of Us' (2013)
Description: This behind-the-scenes look at the development of "The Last of Us" offers insights into the creative process, the challenges faced by Naughty Dog, and the emotional depth of the game's narrative.
Fact: The documentary includes interviews with the game's voice actors, including Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson.
