Indie Game: The Movie (A Semi-Review)

If you grew up at any point during the 80′s or 90′s and video games, you were an early stage participant of the video game revolution. First, there was Atari, then the Nintendo Entertainment System came around changing the way games were viewed and played; therefore creating a niche culture. Years later, XBOX360 and PS3 roll around and indie game publishers make their way onto the scene. Enter “Indie Game: The Movie.”

This movie follows the creators of Super Meat Boy and Fez, as they work endlessly, and not so tirelessly, so their games can be released by a deadline. Large gaming studios employ thousands for their releases, but indie game companies often have less than a handful of people working on the game.

There is a very tangible anxiety laden throughout the documentary, which makes it all the more intriguing. Although I am a very avid gamer (add Gamertag: MoeTrainsTracks to XBOXLIVE), you don’t have to be one to be drawn into the film. One of the Super Meat Boy designers is an upbeat, but hard worker who seems well adjusted, whereas his partner appears to be a self-deprecating recluse with serious anxiety and self esteem issues (But hey, I’m no psychologist). Fez’s creator has spent four years developing and redesigning his game, but has risked falling out of relevance after a strong original showing.

I know I never think about the intricacies of creating a game, especially from the large scale VG companies. When it takes over 10,000 people to create some of the most top rated games, one can imagine how difficult it is to create an indie game with a handful of people.

Go watch the movie if you get the chance. Great cinematography with excellent interviews and intriguing character studies. Highly reco

 

mmended to all…

Now I’m ready to play some XBOX!