Jarvis CDM's Josh Tsui's documentary film about the video game industry in the '80s and '90s will make its Chicago debut at the Music Box Theatre. (Image courtesy of Josh Tsui)
Did you know Chicago was once the epicenter of video game development? Classic games from "Pac Man" to "Mortal Kombat" all passed through the Windy City on their way to international successes. One Chicago company, in particular, became the symbol of '80s and '90s video game dominance: Midway Games.
Josh Tsui, director of innovation at Jarvis CDM, created and directed the film "Insert Coin" to chronicle this moment in history. After a successful film festival run, including at South by Southwest, "Insert Coin" will make its Chicago debut at the iconic
Music Box Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m.
Exploring the creation of games from "NBA Jam" to "Mortal Kombat," "Insert Coin" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the cultural, economic and social forces that have shaped games and of the role Chicago has played in its development.
Following the screening will be an onstage Q&A with Tsui and
Eugene Jarvis (considered the godfather of video games with classics such as "Defender," "Robotron" and "Cruis'n USA"), George Petro ("NARC," "T2," "Revolution X") and the voice of "NBA Jam," Tim Kitzrow. Learn more online at the
Music Box.