Documentary
United States of America
Glitch: The Rise & Fall of HQ Trivia delves deeper into the meteoric rise of HQ Trivia, offering an insider's perspective on what made it such a cultural phenomenon. It explores the personalities and rivalries at the heart of the company, from founder Rus Yusupov to his creative partner Colin Kroll, whose tragic death in 2018 began a chain of events that ultimately led to the app's demise.
The film also examines the challenges HQ Trivia faced as it tried to monetize its massive user base, as well as the corporate turmoil that ensued as the company struggled to maintain its success. It explores the controversy surrounding changes to the game's format and the departures of key personnel, including beloved host Scott Rogowsky, whose departure was met with widespread outrage among fans.
Ultimately, Glitch offers a cautionary tale about the perils of success in the fast-paced, tech-driven world of mobile apps, and a sobering reminder of how easily even the biggest names in tech can fall from grace. As one former HQ Trivia player reflects in the film, "It was a fun ride while it lasted, but in the end, it was a glitch."
