Documentary
United States of America
Insert Coin is a documentary film that tells the oral history of Midway Games, the Chicago-based video game company that created some of the most iconic arcade games of all time, including Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
The film features interviews with the key players involved in the creation of these games, including the programmers, designers, artists, and executives who helped turn Midway into a global phenomenon. These interviews are interspersed with archival footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the company's operations, providing a comprehensive look at the culture and creativity that made Midway so successful.
Through these interviews, the audience is introduced to a team of geeks and misfits who banded together in the back of a Chicago factory to create video game magic. Many of these employees had no formal training in programming or design, but they shared a passion for video games and a willingness to experiment and take risks.
The film explores how Midway's games broke new ground in terms of gameplay, graphics, and storytelling, and how they captivated players in a way that few games had done before. It also delves into the controversies surrounding some of Midway's most controversial games, particularly Mortal Kombat and its signature fatalities.
Overall, Insert Coin is a celebration of the creativity, camaraderie, and genius that brought Midway Games to life, and the impact that the company had on the world of video games. It is a must-see for anyone who loves video games, or anyone interested in the history of technology and innovation.
