Most associate documentaries either with crime, Oscar-winning topics or generally stuff you’d stumble upon on the History Channel. However, the subject of video games is no stranger to this medium, as there have been countless documentaries made on the industries history, and certain elements of game development that shine a lot on the lengthy and often arduous process. We’ve hand-picked five must-watch video game documentaries today to showcase what we believe are some of the best you can find. Some might be readily available on streaming, while others may require a bit of digging to find, but rest assured, they all offer something very insightful that might change your perspective on video games forever.

Console Wars


One of the few video game documentaries now available on Netflix, Console Wars documents the heated rivalry between Nintendo and SEGA in the late 80s and early 90s. While not the fastest paced documentary, it’s still a well-researched and entertaining look into both sides of the two biggest industry giants at the time. SEGA’s response to the growing popularity of the SNES birthed the SEGA Genesis and Sonic the Hedgehog, and Console Wars goes into detail about the conception behind these creations. Sure, it might end on a particularly bittersweet note when SEGA’s popularity hit rock bottom after the release of a particular Sony console, but there’s something in here for anyone who wants to brush up on their gaming history.

Indie Game: The Movie


Arguably the best entry on this list, Indie Game: The Movie is not only extremely insightful into the development process of indie games: it’s also an oddly heart-warming and endearing adventure. Following the developers behind Super Meat Boy, Fez, and Braid, Indie Game: The Movie depicts their struggles and victories in a very personal light as it documents their journey first-hand. I found myself laughing and crying throughout, but most of all, it’s an incredibly uplifting tale that makes you appreciate these developers on a very different level than just being people that make video games on a computer. The creative process, the triumphant moments of completing a milestone, and the various pitfalls of strained friendships are all laid bare here - and it’s absolutely a must-watch, not just for video game fans but for everyone looking to be inspired.

Raising Kratos


Here’s one that you can watch for free on YouTube right now. Raising Kratos doubles as an introspective documentary about Sony Santa Monica’s difficult development process behind 2018’s critically acclaimed God of War, as well as a bit of a motivational tale about the hardships behind AAA game development. Particularly, the highs and lows of delivering an ambitious new title that dared to take new directions in a series best known for being a certain way. Featuring interviews with several PlayStation and Santa Monica devs, as well as the man of the hour, Cory Barlog, Raising Kratos is fascinating, rewarding and enlightening for those who want a closer look at how much pressure Santa Monica were under to not only live up to the legacy of God of War, but exceed it. Safe to say, they certainly succeeded.

Atari: Game Over


This 2014 documentary has become etched in video game history much like its subject matter. Directed by filmmaker Zak Penn, Atari: Game Over chronicles the great gaming industry collapse of the 80s. As history dictated, Atari’s maligned game adaptation of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial may have inadvertently led to the gaming industry completely collapsing, and this little documentary goes into detail why and how that happened. Penn and crew set out on a journey to unearth the almost fabled landfill in Mexico where dozens of these cartridges were reportedly buried by Atari, and to some unexpected results. Atari: Game Over is more “matter of fact” than many other documentaries on this list, but nonetheless still provides a deep dive into perhaps gaming’s darkest hour in history.

The History of Bethesda Game Studios


Ah, Bethesda. Once known as the saviour of gaming and among some of the greatest Western RPG developers, their downfall over the last few years makes this timeless documentary all the more fascinating (and heartbreaking, in retrospect). Another documentary freely available on YouTube by the superbly underrated Noclip, The History of Bethesda Game Studios is just as the title suggests: a look into the rise of Bethesda as a powerhouse in the gaming world. Featuring interviews from everyone’s favourite Todd Howard and more on the conceptual and active development processes behind critical darlings like Morrowind, Oblivion, Fallout 3 and Skyrim, Noclip’s expertly crafted documentary is told bluntly and straight-forward without sugarcoating its subject’s triumphs. Bethesda, for all their many missteps, still remain one of my personal favourite game developers - and regardless of my feelings towards Fallout 76 and its ensuing disasters - there’s just something magical about this studio who were once untainted by corporate shenanigans and just wanted to make the next greatest RPG.

What's your favourite video game documentary?