Indie Game: The Movie
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Time Out New York
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    May 15, 2012
    60
    This is a movie about a subculture, made for that subculture; only hard-core Xboxers need apply.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Nicolas Rapold
    May 18, 2012
    90
    Along the way comes a bracing, honest confession about these interactive creations, voiced by one designer but no doubt applying to many more makers of all kinds: "I made it for myself."
  3. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Guy Dixon
    May 25, 2012
    88
    Video-game developers: Geeks, nerds, socially adrift obsessives. Indie Game thankfully gets past such base introductions in a flash and graduates to far more engrossing levels – levels which open up into the real worlds of the best independent game developers working their craft.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Duane Byrge
    May 14, 2012
    80
    Well-crafted and intelligent, this film is an illumination of the agony of creation – the self-doubt, the obsession, the life sacrifices – that are the core, not merely the side-effects of those define themselves through "art."
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Gary Goldstein
    May 18, 2012
    70
    Fortunately, Pajot and Swirsky don't overdo the minutiae (this is a movie even non-gamers can enjoy), offering just enough insight into the creative process to feel enlightening.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Nick Schager
    May 14, 2012
    63
    Makes a compelling case for games as not only clever hand-eye coordination exercises, but also as manifestations of their creators' emotional and philosophical viewpoints.
  7. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Brian Miller
    May 15, 2012
    70
    An insightful new geek documentary, well directed by first-timers Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky.
  8. Variety
    Reviewed by: Rob Nelson
    May 14, 2012
    70
    The picture scores big points by drawing a sharp distinction between corporate vidgame programmers and indies.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Latimer
    8
    I am a gamer, and from that viewpoint, it was great to sit down and watch a story documenting and celebrating the creative work that is behind making the games I enjoy. The documentary focuses heavily on the struggle and eventual success of Braid (Jon Blow), Fez (Phil Fish), and Super Meat Boy (Edmund and Tommy). Familiarity with the games would greatly enhance the experience because the story is about the intimate yet sometimes overlooked communication that occurs from the developers to the player through them. All of the games are wonderful, so at the least it is motivation to try each of them.… Full Review »
  2. Mitchellsymes
    10
    I am a gamer Have been since I was 4/5 years old I have wanted to makes games most of my life this Movie shows how hard it is to be a indie game developer and how much time and work goes in to the games it also shows the life of these indie game developers and what it takes to get rid of the bugs in the games it shows all the things they need to give up to make games and how they are just like us they smile at the reviews and laugh they are not just indie game developers they have family it shows that and friends and the music is great in the movie we get really close to what they are trying to put in to the games and how the games are some parts of their childhood… Full Review »
  3. DarkChaplain
    10
    Very enjoyable, emotional, authentic, educational and just great. If you've ever had an interest in making video games, or are simply enjoying playing them a lot, you owe it to yourself to risk this look behind the scenes.
    This whole movie felt just absolutely right and heartwarming, showing a pretty insightful view of what it is like being an independent developer. It is authentic and makes it obvious that these are real people with real fears, weaknesses but also strengths, skill and dreams.    … Full Review »
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