This isn't about World of Warcraft, but it will be familiar to some of you who spent hours building up bases and creating Spirit Towers. Beyond the Game is a new documentary from the Netherlands about two world-famous Warcraft III players and how the game has affected their lives and the people around them. It looks intriguing -- having been to a few gaming tournaments and interviewed a few of the top players myself, I agree that these guys are living some really strange lives. Even if you're not a Warcraft III player, this kind of esports is getting more and more popular around the world (from the old Counterstrike to WoW's Arenas, of course), and even though it hasn't quite hit the mainstream yet, more and more players are finding this kind of existence.
The film is set to be released in parts of the EU mid-March, and is being shown at a few gaming tournaments in various places around the world. There's no word on a US or DVD release yet, but we'll keep an eye out for it.
I am shocked a human could even compete against one of the terminators. Terminators are forced to play starcraft at internet bars until they drop dead. Of course a normal human won't win!
The thing i like about this is that it proves that you can make a movie about a game, even if it is only via a documentry. This reminds me of second skin in the way it looks at the player and what they do behind the scenes. the cinematography looks brillient, although they probably shouldnt ahve told the winner of the tournament in the trailer. they could ahve had a good climax at that point.
Still, its a good film and if they ship to Ireland, then im gonna grab it up.
I have only seen trailers for second skin but it looks really good. I haven't been able to find it anywhere. Last I heard they didn't have a DVD deal yet and it has only been shown at a few film fests. Any word on if thats changed?
As for this movie it looks interesting. I like watching anything about gaming, especially documentaries. Guys like this sometimes come from poor families and have little money and education. They go to internet cafes to play and getting into these tournaments gives them a chance to be something and make some real money. If you think about it, it is a really cool way to make a living.
Mar 5th 2009 at 8:30PM 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
F0REM4N Mar 5th 2009 8:41PM
I still prefer Command and Conquer, if only that was an MMO?
Liel Mar 5th 2009 8:42PM
Wow was one dude actually crying
Hextoras Mar 5th 2009 8:47PM
Now I just LOST the game, thanks.
agnoster Mar 5th 2009 8:51PM
http://xkcd.com/391/
No need to thank me :-)
censorman Mar 5th 2009 10:26PM
I am shocked a human could even compete against one of the terminators. Terminators are forced to play starcraft at internet bars until they drop dead. Of course a normal human won't win!
Justin Mar 5th 2009 11:39PM
Terminators play warcraft 3?
i0fthestorm Mar 5th 2009 11:26PM
i couldnt help but chuckle when the screen flashed "the sacrifice"
what is the world coming to?
Max Mar 6th 2009 2:26PM
same lol
iz Mar 5th 2009 11:36PM
Hmm I can't wait for this to come out! I hope wowinsider covers it when it does! :)
Lemons Mar 6th 2009 2:13AM
The American kid would get beat by the Asian kid..
Centipede Mar 6th 2009 2:48AM
It's a Dutchman....
Grubby is the best Orc player the world has seen...
Centipede Mar 6th 2009 2:47AM
Here is what I found on the site:
"In the future a DVD of ‘Beyond the Game’ will be available."
I found it here: http://weblogs.hollanddoc.nl/beyondthegame/2009/02/17/official-trailer-on-youtube/#comments
Good news for all you US ppl.
Centipede Mar 6th 2009 5:37AM
... too bad WoW Insider did not tell who sent them the tip
;-)
Stormcape Mar 6th 2009 6:38AM
More on Grubby, one of the players shown in the movie: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_%22Grubby%22_Schenkhuizen
Darxide Mar 6th 2009 7:12AM
The thing i like about this is that it proves that you can make a movie about a game, even if it is only via a documentry.
This reminds me of second skin in the way it looks at the player and what they do behind the scenes. the cinematography looks brillient, although they probably shouldnt ahve told the winner of the tournament in the trailer. they could ahve had a good climax at that point.
Still, its a good film and if they ship to Ireland, then im gonna grab it up.
Erogroth Mar 6th 2009 11:15AM
I have only seen trailers for second skin but it looks really good. I haven't been able to find it anywhere. Last I heard they didn't have a DVD deal yet and it has only been shown at a few film fests. Any word on if thats changed?
As for this movie it looks interesting. I like watching anything about gaming, especially documentaries. Guys like this sometimes come from poor families and have little money and education. They go to internet cafes to play and getting into these tournaments gives them a chance to be something and make some real money. If you think about it, it is a really cool way to make a living.
kalatash Mar 6th 2009 12:42PM
Hmm... I wonder what it's bias/slant is going to be... is it going to paint them in a positive light, or a negative one?