Game development is a blend of creativity, technology, and business, offering rich material for media presentations. Series on this topic can reveal the fascinating intricacies of game creation to audiences, potentially captivating millions of fans. However, not all shows manage to stay true to the essence of game development, whether they aim to entertain or inform.
High Score
If you’re interested in the history and evolution of video games, High Score is a must-watch. This Netflix documentary series, which explores the golden age of video games, highlights the innovations and pioneers behind some of the world’s most iconic games and franchises. Unlike other documentaries on the subject, High Score offers an unbiased and nostalgic journey through the challenges, breakthroughs, and cultural impact of early video games. In other words, it’s perfect for anyone curious about or aspiring to work in game development.
Silicon Valley
Though HBO’s Silicon Valley doesn’t directly focus on game development, it takes a humorous and sarcastic look at startup culture and the tech industry at large. Through a fictional startup, viewers get a glimpse into the challenges and quirks entrepreneurs face in an environment filled with coding, funding, and fierce competition. The show paints a broader tech landscape, making it a worthwhile watch to understand the ecosystem where game development exists.
Video Game High School
Video Game High School (VGHS) is a comedic action web series that touches on game development through its characters and storyline, though it mainly centers on competitive gaming narratives. Set in an alternate reality where professional gaming is the world’s top sport, VGHS is an elite school training the best of the best. While the focus is more on gaming culture than development, VGHS offers a fun and quirky take on the gaming world that fans and aspiring developers might enjoy.
Mythic Quest
One might expect Mythic Quest from Apple TV+ to make the list; however, I wouldn’t recommend it to those looking for a deep dive into the world of game development. The show attempts to blend humor with a behind-the-scenes look at the development process. It follows a team of game developers navigating the ups and downs of running a leading MMORPG, Mythic Quest.
A major critique is that the show leans too heavily on traditional workplace comedy tropes—entertaining, yes, but often at the cost of accurately portraying the hard work that goes into making a successful game. At times, the series prioritizes laughs over authenticity, which can feel superficial to those familiar with the industry.
Additionally, Mythic Quest is said to miss opportunities to delve into more serious issues like crunch culture, game dev ethics, or the tension between creativity and commercialism — topics that are crucial to the industry. As a result, viewers seeking real insight would benefit more from a show that explores these aspects in greater depth.
Conclusion
This article aims to guide viewers who are curious about the world of game development. While Mythic Quest offers an entertaining, light-hearted look inside a game studio, it falls short for those wanting a more realistic take on the challenges and realities of game dev. High Score, Silicon Valley, or even Video Game High School provide more informative, insightful, enjoyable perspectives on the game development world—making them perhaps better picks for fans and aspiring developers alike.
