Games Videos - The Documentary Network

The Rise of Competitive Gaming & E-Sports

Documentary.net staff — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:05:47 +0000

As games have increased in sophistication, they have become a stage for ever higher displays of human skill and brilliance. The result is a tier of the gaming world filled with startling disciplined, talented, and highly competitive players. Born out of arcade tournaments and LAN parties, the world of competitive gaming is now entering a mature phase, featuring major global events attended by thousands and watched by millions online. With valuable sponsorship and prize money of increasing value, competitive gaming is claiming a space similar to that of traditional sports. This new industry is still in its early stages, developing broadcasting models and negotiating the culture of its widening audience. But whether it's fighting games or MOBAs, the players and spectators are passionate, and individuals and leagues are working hard to elevate e-sports into the highest echelons of human achievement. Featuring: TL Taylor, MIT http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Stakes-... AJ Mazur, IGN Damien "Damdai" Dailidenas, winner of the 25th Anniversary Street Fighter II Tournament

For Amusement Only: The Life and Death of the American Arcade

Documentary.net staff — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:18 +0000

From The Verge comes a short documentary film about the history of arcade games. Laura June writes: "If you’ve never been inside a “real” arcade, it could be hard to distinguish one from say, oh, a Dave & Buster’s. Authenticity is a hard nut to crack, but there are a few hallmarks of the video game arcade of days gone by: first, they have video games. Lots and lots of video games, and (usually) pinball machines. They’re dark (so that you can see the screens better), and they don’t sell food or booze. You can make an exception for a lonely vending machine, sure, but full meals? No thanks. There’s no sign outside that says you “must be 21 to enter.” These are rarely family-friendly institutions, either. Your mom wouldn’t want to be there, and nobody would want her there, anyway. This is a place for kids to be with other kids, teens to be with other teens, and early-stage adults to serve as the ambassador badasses in residence for the younger generation. It’s noisy, with all the kids yelling and the video games on permanent demo mode, beckoning you to waste just one more quarter. In earlier days (though well into the ‘90s), it’s sometimes smoky inside, and the cabinets bear the scars of many a forgotten cig left hanging off the edge while its owner tries one last time for a high score, inevitably ending in his or her death. The defining feature of a “real” arcade, however, is that there aren’t really any left." Read the full article here: http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/16/3740422/the-life-and-death-of-the-american-arcade-for-amusement-only

Caine’s Arcade 2 – The Real Life Fairy Tale Continues

Documentary.net staff — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:30:19 +0000

This is the followup to the original Caine's Arcade short film. 9-year-old Caine Monroy spent his summer building an elaborate cardboard arcade inside his dad’s used auto parts store, and invited the world to play. 5 months later, Caine's Arcade has gone global, inspiring a wave of cardboard creativity, an Imagination Foundation, and a Global Cardboard Challenge. Register & Find an Event to Play: http://cardboardchallenge.com Watch the original film here.

The Politics of Competitive Board Gaming Amongst Friends

Documentary.net staff — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:23:50 +0000

Over the last year, Jay Cheel and his group of friends have become quasi-casual board gamers. It all started with the occasional game of Dutch Blitz and Speed Scrabble, but when The Settlers of Catan was brought into the mix, they were all hooked. If you are into board gaming, some things may sound familiar to you. Some Production notes: "I shot this with the Panasonic AF100, using the following lenses: Nikon 50mm, Nikon 35mm, Panasonic Lumix 14mm. I didn’t do a whole lot for lighting aside from assisting some of the practical lights in Matt’s apartment (a 650 bounced off the ceiling), and stringing some coloured Christmas lights in the background for some visual points of interest. For the interviews, it was simply a single bulb cool light hung directly overhead the subjects."

Video Games

Documentary.net staff — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:12:47 +0000

Video games are more important than they seem. They are a storytelling medium, a place for self-expression. The age-old tradition of gaming teaches us strategy, maneuvering, and the importance of making choices. From the cinematic experiences of mainstream gaming, to the hyper-personal environments of indie games, gaming activity defines the way we live and interact with information, and each other.

History of Gaming

Documentary.net staff — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:55:46 +0000

Ever played on a C64 or Sega Mega Drive? Check out the evolving games over the years. The film covers different eras of the video-game history. The filmmakers say "Took us a week to organise the various props (controllers, monitors. lighting, camera, etc.), two whole days to film and several days of postproduction." We say: Bring back those good times! Nice flick! Games covered: Tennis for Two, Oscilloscope, 1958 Pacman, Arcade, 1980 Donkey Kong, NES, 1986 Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, 1991 Street Fighter II. SNES, 1991 Super Mario 64, Nintendo 64, 1996 Final Fantasy VII, Sony Playstation, 1997 Need for Speed: Hot Pursiut 2, Sony Playstation 2, 2002 Ecco the Dolphin, Sega Dreamcast, 2000 Super Smash Bros. Melee, Nintendo Game Cube, 2001 Wii Sports Golf, Nintendo Wii, 2006 God of War III, Sony Playstation 3, 2010 Rock Band, XBox 360, 2008 Rock Band Song: "Social Code"? by Satisfied