Watch Insert Coin

Insert Coin is a 2020 documentary film that delves deep into the world of video gaming, highlighting the rise of the video game industry from the 1980s until present-day. The film takes a comprehensive approach to the topic, presenting an immersive experience into the people, moments, and games that shaped the gaming culture. The film follows the story of Midway Games, a Chicago-based video game company that was founded in 1988. The company was responsible for creating some of the biggest arcade hits of the time, including Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam. Through the perspective of Midway Games co-founder Eugene Jarvis, viewers are taken on a deep dive into the company's history and the video games they created.

Aside from Eugene Jarvis, Insert Coin features a wide range of gaming personalities who played significant roles in the industry. The film includes interviews with developers who were part of the Midway team, as well as with legends such as John Romero, Warren Davis, and Ernest Cline. Admittedly, the cast is an all-star lineup of video gaming celebrities who played a crucial part in shaping the industry, adding to the overall quality of the film.

Another highlight of the movie is the selection of the interview locations. Perhaps the most memorable is a visit to the abandoned Midway headquarters. The building is long forgotten, but the film brings it back to life with the memories of the people who worked there. It was a surreal sight, watching and listening to the developers reminiscing and sharing stories in the office spaces and alleyways they once called their own.

Throughout the film, the viewer gets a sense of what made Midway unique. There was an apparent connection between the developers and the games they created. As one interviewee notes, not many developers can say they made a game that people would continue to play for over 20 years. This is undoubtedly true of Midway Games - its games are so classic that gamers are still playing them today.

When discussing the games themselves, the movie doesn't hold back. It dives deep into the history of each title, highlighting their significance in the industry. The film also provides an insight into the development process, explaining how the games came to be and the problems they faced during production. This information was especially fantastic to hear for those who are interested in the behind-the-scenes aspect of gaming.

Perhaps the most engaging and personal story in the film belongs to Eugene Jarvis. We're given a glimpse into his life, his creativity, and how he went from a programmer at Atari to co-founding Midway Games. In many ways, he was the brain behind the company, and it's intriguing to follow his journey through one of the most significant periods in gaming history.

Insert Coin offers more than just a history of video gaming. The movie also provides insight into how the industry continues to evolve today. At one point in the film, Ernest Cline, author of Ready Player One, notes how new technology has allowed video games to blur the lines between reality and virtual reality. This section of the film is especially fascinating since it highlights the ongoing debate over the role of technology in gaming and its potential to change the industry further.

In summary, Insert Coin is a must-watch for any video gaming fan. It's not only a comprehensive look at the world of video gaming, but it's also a comprehensive look at the people, moments, and games that shaped the industry. The movie has exceptional production value, and the interviews are compelling from start to finish. The fact that the film is a personal memoir of sorts makes it even more compelling, since we're given an insight into the people who created the games we love. Even if you're not a gamer, it's worth watching if you're interested in technology or pop culture.

Insert Coin is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 57.