How Videogames Changed the World

Synopsis

How Videogames Changed the World is a thought-provoking documentary hosted by Charlie Brooker, exploring the profound impact of video games on modern culture, society, and technology. Released in 2013, this film takes viewers on a captivating journey through the history of gaming, highlighting significant milestones and the evolution of game design. Featuring interviews with industry experts, designers, and gamers, the documentary focuses on how video games have influenced everything from storytelling to art and even social interactions. The film delves into the psychological effects of gaming, the rise of the gaming community, and the controversies surrounding violence in video games, providing a comprehensive overview of how this once-niche hobby became a global phenomenon that shapes contemporary life.

Cast

• 

  Charlie Brooker

  Presenter

• 

  Jonathan Ross

  Self

• Keith Stuart Thayer

  Self

• Jeff Minter

  Self

• Al Alcorn

  Self

• 

  Malorie Blackman

  Self

Reviews

How Videogames Changed the World received a warm reception from both audiences and critics, holding an impressive IMDb rating of 7.7/10. Reviewers praised Charlie Brooker's engaging storytelling and his ability to present complex ideas about the impact of video games in an accessible manner. According to The Guardian, the documentary 'offers some genuinely thought-provoking insights about the evolution of gaming,' noting that the film brilliantly ties together various threads of gaming culture, from its humble beginnings to its present-day status as a cultural cornerstone. Rotten Tomatoes features several positive comments, with one critic stating, 'This documentary has a knack for showcasing how video games have become an art form unlike any other, sparking discussions about morality, creativity, and community.' Despite its overwhelmingly positive feedback, some reviewers felt that the film could have included more international perspectives, particularly given the global nature of the gaming industry. Nonetheless, critics agree that How Videogames Changed the World successfully paints a vivid picture of the gaming landscape, appealing to both hardcore gamers and casual observers alike.