Watch Indie Game: Life After

Indie Game: Life After is a documentary film that explores the lives of three independent video game developers and their struggles to create a successful game. The film was directed by Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky and was released in 2016. The documentary follows the lives of Jonathan Blow, Phil Fish, and Edmund McMillen, who are all working on independent video games. Jonathan Blow is the creator of Braid, which is a critically acclaimed puzzle-platformer game released in 2008. Phil Fish is the creator of Fez, another critically acclaimed puzzle-platformer game released in 2012. Edmund McMillen is the creator of a number of successful independent games, including Super Meat Boy and The Binding of Isaac.

The film explores the lives of these three developers as they work on their games and try to make a name for themselves in the gaming industry. It shows the challenges they face, including financial difficulties, creative struggles, and the pressure to succeed in a highly competitive industry.

One of the main themes of the movie is the intense emotional toll that game development can take on independent developers. They often have to make difficult decisions about their games, sacrificing their personal lives and sometimes even their mental health in order to make their visions a reality. The film gives a raw and unfiltered look at the stress and anxiety that these developers experience while trying to create their games.

Another theme of the movie is the intense pressure that independent developers face to succeed. With the rise of digital distribution platforms such as Steam, the gaming industry has become more accessible to independent developers. However, this has also led to increased competition, and many developers struggle to make a living from their games. The film explores the financial struggles of independent developers and the risks they take to create innovative and unique games.

The film also touches upon the relationship between game developers and their fans. The indie gaming community is known for its close relationship between developers and fans, and the film highlights the importance of this relationship in the success of indie games. The film also explores the impact of social media on game development and how developers must navigate the expectations and criticism of their fans.

Throughout the movie, the lives of the three developers are portrayed in a sympathetic and humanizing way. The film shows their dedication to their craft, their struggles to create successful games, and the personal sacrifices that they make along the way. The filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the emotions and experiences of the developers, making the movie both engaging and emotional.

In conclusion, Indie Game: Life After is a captivating documentary that provides a unique and insightful look into the lives of independent game developers. Through the experiences of Jonathan Blow, Phil Fish, and Edmund McMillen, the film explores the challenges and struggles that indie developers face in the gaming industry. It is a raw and emotional portrayal of the impact that game development can have on the lives of those who pursue it.

Indie Game: Life After is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.