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Play Value

TV series

Play Value

20078 min1 season · 22 episodes
DocumentaryComedy

This series traces the sweeping history of video games—from the golden age of arcades to the home‑console revolution that reshaped the industry. Through fast‑paced commentary and archival insight, it explores how hits like Space Invaders, Pac‑Man, and Donkey Kong fueled an arcade boom, why the market collapsed in the early 1980s, and how Nintendo revived gaming with the NES. The story expands into the fierce rivalry between Atari and Nintendo, the global battle for Tetris rights, and the constant cycle of innovation that defined consoles from the 1970s through the 2000s. Blending humor with industry analysis, the episode shows how creativity, competition, and a few spectacular missteps shaped modern gaming.

Created by
Jesse Black

Seasons and episodes

1 season · 22 episodes

Ended
1

Season 1

22 episodesJuly 30, 2007
Open season page
  1. S1 E1

    You Can Keep Your Quarters: The Death of Arcades

    Jul 30, 20078 min

    Back in the day, people left their homes to play video games! Hosts discuss the rise of arcades and all the old school games: Space invaders, Asteroids, Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger, and many more! Enjoy this blast from the past while you

  2. S1 E2

    Up from the Ashes: The Rise of Nintendo

    Jul 30, 20078 min

    Nintendo's long trek from playing cards to gaming monopoly. While most Americans thought video games were a fad, Nintendo was pushing their way to the top of the gaming world. Learn how Nintendo created their gaming monopoly and revisit the

  3. S1 E3

    Ashes to Ashes: The Fall of Atari

    Aug 16, 20077 min

    The stunning rise and steep decline of Atari. Atari started the home video game, quickly becoming the fastest growing company in American history. In the last six months of 1982, however, it all fell apart even faster than it started. Here’

  4. S1 E4

    Splitting the Iron Curtain: A Brief History of Tetris

    Aug 23, 20078 min

    You won't believe the drama behind one of the best loved games of all-time. Tetris is not only one of the most universally loved games ever created, it also has one of the most fascinating histories. This episode covers everything from its

  5. S1 E5

    Atari-gate!: The Theft of Nintendo's Code

    Aug 30, 20078 min

    The history of the bitter feud between Atari and Nintendo. In the high-stakes world of early console gaming, Nintendo knew it would have to think outside the box to prevent crappy games from being compatible with its new system. Atari wasn'

  6. S1 E6

    The Dirty Dozen: 12 Failed Consoles — Part One

    Sep 13, 20078 min

    The trashcans of the past are stuffed with consoles that didn't catch on. From the Atari 5200 and the ill fated Nintendo Virtual Boy, to the Atari Jaguar and the poorly timed Sega CD, the trashcans of the past were stuffed with consoles tha

Starring

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Play Value?
Play Value is not currently listed on a streaming service in the US. Use the country picker on the page to check other markets.
How many seasons of Play Value are there?
Play Value has 1 season and 22 episodes. Status: Ended.
Will there be a new season of Play Value?
Play Value has ended; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on November 11, 2008.
Who stars in Play Value?
Play Value stars T.J. Allard, Dan Ackerman, Libe Goad, Jeff Rubin, Josh Shabtai.

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