Insert Coin

"Insert Coin" is a 2020 documentary film that provides an in-depth examination of the cultural and technological impact of arcade game conglomerate, Midway Games. The film chronicles the golden age of arcade games, giving audiences an insider's view of one of the industry's most influential and creative companies. Directed by Joshua Y. Tsui, a video game developer himself and a former employee of Midway Games, it provides viewers with a deep-dive into the once-thriving gaming industry of the '80s and '90s.

The narrative is anchored by an array of renowned personalities from the gaming industry. The central figures include Eugene Jarvis, famed for his game design skills and his role in the creation of seminal games like "Defender" and "Robotron 2084"; George Petro, another significant game designer and engineer; and Jack Haeger, one of the key art directors. The film draws much of its sparkle from the colorful anecdotes, insights, and reflections shared by these industry mavens.

In "Insert Coin", the universe of gaming is vivified with a timeline that begins in the headquarters of Midway Games located in Chicago. A pioneer in its domain, Midway Games is remembered for disrupting the gaming scene with hits like "Mortal Kombat" and "NBA Jam". The film portrays Midway Games as an exhilarating, frenetic playground of innovation, where creative minds assembled to challenge the confines of technology and push boundaries under just one motive - "to entertain".

The movie gives insights into the creative process, the undeniable passion and the unguarded enthusiasm that drove the creation of these games, giving audiences more than just a glimpse into the artistic chaos that gave birth to some of the most iconic and cherished arcade games in history. Behind the scenes of these wildly popular games were the prodigiously talented artists, designers, writers, and engineers who constantly strived against technical constraints to fashion gaming experiences that were revolutionary and light-years ahead of their competitors.

Besides documenting the company's extraordinary accomplishments, "Insert Coin" also delves into the challenging periods the company faced. It paints a realistic, if unsentimental picture, of the highs and lows, tracing Midway Games' trajectory from a small, obscure company to its peak as a paragon in the gaming industry, and the inevitable decline that followed. The film illuminates a steady narrative arc where the thrill of innovation and success were tempered by corporate struggles, a changing audience, and the rapid evolution of technology.

Yet, throughout the narrative, "Insert Coin" retains an undeniable sense of fun. As viewers, you cannot help but be caught up in the infectious enthusiasm of the creators who sought to transform pixels into gameplay that would resonate with millions of avid gamers. The film serves as a love letter, not just to the golden age of arcade games, but to the ceaseless spirit of creativity and imagination that drove it.

The film offers an often nostalgic and insightful journey into gaming yesteryears, not merely dwelling on the successes but illuminating the failures, internal strife, and turbulence that accompanied the rapid expansion and ultimate decline of the corporate entity - giving the audience a balanced view of the gaming industry's history.

The documentary is interspersed with interviews from industry professionals who were part of Midway Games in its heyday, thereby enriching the narrative with personal anecdotes, insights, and the drama that unfolded behind closed doors. Coupled with these are visuals that serve as a time-machine, taking viewers back to the time when these games were conceptualized and developed - a welcomed trip down memory lane for any avid gamer.

"Insert Coin" is a celebration of the gaming culture, a peek into the creative process that goes into making memorable games, and a tribute to the trailblazers who dared to redefine the gaming landscape. The documentary is a must-watch for gaming aficionados, technology enthusiasts, and industry insiders, or simply anyone curious about the thrilling, roller-coaster ride of Midway Games' journey in the dynamic and vibrant world of video gaming. Its vivid storytelling and in-depth historical exploration are both delightfully entertaining and impressively informative, making for an enriching cinematic experience on the history of video gaming.