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Indie Game: The Movie

Play trailer Poster for Indie Game: The Movie 2011 1h 34m Documentary Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 31 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Indie game developers create games and release them to the world.

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Indie Game: The Movie

Critics Reviews

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John Wenzel Denver Post 06/01/2012
3/4
Like punk rock or alternative comedy, it's a DIY pursuit that pits go-it-alone types against an industry machine, often breeding exciting but intensely idiosyncratic art in the process. Go to Full Review
Radheyan Simonpillai NOW Toronto 05/29/2012
4/5
You don't have to be the type who keeps an Atari in a trophy case to be enthralled by Indie Game: The Movie. Go to Full Review
Guy Dixon Globe and Mail 05/25/2012
3.5/4
This is about developers communicating with the world in the most creative, productive way they know how. It's about the artistic process. Go to Full Review
Amie Simon Three Imaginary Girls 03/04/2019
Everybody would benefit just from seeing how hard these guys work doing something they love to death. Their enthusiasm is awe-inspiring. Go to Full Review
Stephen Saito Moveable Fest 12/17/2018
While it's wonderful that the film is able to shine a light on an exciting group of innovators as they come into their own, Swirsky and Pajot should get equal recognition for capturing the moment as it's happening. Go to Full Review
Nicola Balkind The Skinny 02/20/2013
4/5
Aptly demonstrates just how much they are willing to sacrifice to that end, bearing hardship and putting lives on pause to reach that final product of a completed game. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Piplish R 01/09/2025 I simply love this film, it is one of the greatest gaming documentaries ever made! It does an amazing job of showing the rollercoaster ride these creators are on, with the late nights, financial risks, and the emotional toll, but also the moments of triumph and relief. It’s a fascinating look into the indie scene that feels both inspiring and a little nerve-wracking. It really made me appreciate just how much heart goes into these games. If I had to be a bit picky, I would’ve loved to see more moments of joy sprinkled in. The developers’ journeys are intense, and a few more light-hearted or celebratory scenes could have balanced things out. It’s a lot of emotional weight, and while it’s compelling, a bit more of the fun side of game-making would’ve been nice. Overall, I’m so glad this film exists. It gives a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look at the indie game world, showing the grit and passion that makes this industry so special. Whether you’re a gamer or just curious about creative struggles, this one’s a must-watch! See more Keith S @Artlabhastings 06/17/2023 This film is about indie developers and the struggles of getting games finished and done on time. The most concerning, surrounding the launch dates and partnerships, which tend to fail and delay. I believe this film it was an accurate description of some developers lives, but not all turn out that way. Some start off really successful and wind up in a bad place, some start off small and make it big and some aren't heard of at all. So yes it is the life for some, but not all. I enjoyed watching the parts closer to the end where they were all panicking about the games releases/showings. Where most normal people would find it stressful, I found it relatable and a good step into the panic and stress you most likely will feel in the industry. I absolutely would recommend this film, it gives you an insight on the effort and stress game developers go through. A great educational resource for those who have no idea how hard it is. Review by Rain M. (Age 14 yrs.) See more Aaron S 12/08/2022 This movie will more than likely not be great if you don't have a base level appreciation of video games or at least what they CAN mean to a large group of people. I certainly fit into the category of people to whom games are more than just a fun thing to do in your spare time. There's so many worlds within the world of games and following indie development is one of the more interesting ones to me. I'm not a programmer or anything, but the appreciation I have for the developers in this documentary is astronomical. I get extremely emotional thinking back to this time in video games (2012-ish) because it's when the lightbulb went on after playing Fez. This game was packed with so much raw creativity and bliss that I couldn't not be swept away by it in a way that went beyond just appreciating a piece of media. It unlocked a part of me. Getting to know these creators complete with their charms and neuroses and seeing their workspaces, support circles, and their processes is such a fun experience for me. I've watched Indie Game the Movie countless times and almost immediately when I finish it I want to watch it again. I love it so much. See more 03/19/2019 One of the main keys of this documentary is the use of the interview technique. The game developer is free to express their emotions and feelings. As if, they had found a new container and it was just right to vent all their feelings they had gotten. Indie Game: The Movie managed to deliver a pleasant viewing experience for both gamers and non-gamers. Through this series of stories, there are joys and sorrows. This film also provides very meaningful information besides it's about video games. In essence, making work is not easy. It also requires a lot of time especially for those who are independent. This film changes the minds of some people who are still stuck in one perspective. See more 11/01/2018 In the way the film treats its subjects it can be accused of being too heavy-handed in the 'games as art' discussion. A sweet film that can appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike - it feels like a wonderful celebration of the artistic process as much as it does fan service for videogame hobbyists. See more 01/18/2018 Whether you are a gamer or not, this is a very inspiring movie! I recommend this one! See more Read all reviews
Indie Game: The Movie

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Movie Info

Synopsis Indie game developers create games and release them to the world.
Director
Lisanne Pajot, James Swirsky
Producer
Lisanne Pajot, James Swirsky
Genre
Documentary, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 2, 2017
Runtime
1h 34m
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