Good Game

Good Game is a unique genre series that blends comedy, the competitive world of eSports, and the lives of quirky, individual characters into a mix of narrative brilliance. It first aired on YouTube Red in 2017 as a six-episode series and it primarily caters to the gaming community and web series enthusiasts. However, even those with no direct interest in eSports would appreciate the show's humor, drama, and group dynamic.

Good Game introduces us to an eclectic group of friends who come together to form an eSports team called eSports People. The team’s main objective is to win the Blood Match – a fictional tournament for the also fictional popular game, "Killcore." Their journey is filled with many comedic and ridiculous moments as they try to proof their worth in the gaming universe.

The characters come from a myriad of backgrounds, which adds to the charm of the series. Alex Taylor and Ryland Tate, played by known YouTube personalities Dan Avidan and Arin Hanson respectively, strive to make their mark as competitive gamers despite both being terrible at it. Alex represents the small-time game designer with big dreams, while Ryland embodies a failed pro baseball player trying to find a new purpose.

The other team members are a diverse bunch, adding flavor to the ensemble. They include Sam – a pro gamer who takes the game more seriously than the rest, Lorenzo – a testosterone-filled character who appears to have no clue about video games, and twins Kamal and Ash – who are in it - not for the gamers glory - but for the perks associated with being an eSports celebrity.

Part of what makes Good Game interesting is its unique setting in the world of eSports, a side of the gaming industry that hasn’t been thoroughly explored in scripted series before. As the team faces other eSports teams, the series offers a satirical and humorous look at the world of competitive gaming. It tackles the tropes and cliches associated with this world, all the while crafting an engaging and lighthearted storyline.

Good Game doesn't shy away from exploring the personal lives of its characters, incorporating themes of friendship, rivalry, and personal growth alongside gaming. It delves into the struggles of the team members, both in their personal and gaming lives, which helps to ground the show, making it a well-rounded web series that broadens its appeal beyond hardcore gamers.

The writing of Good Game is complemented by great performances from the cast. Avidan and Hanson, though more known for their YouTube Gaming Channel, Game Grumps, show good acting chops and share an undeniable onscreen chemistry. Jesse Cox also shines as the team’s eccentric manager, as do the other members of the ensemble cast.

Good Game also deserves credit for its production values. Whilst eSports themselves are depicted through animation, the game designs and sequences are of high quality. The series offers an aesthetic that is true to the gaming vibe. It uses visual effects and camera movements to create a believable gaming environment, capturing the tension, energy, and excitement of major gaming tournaments.

Good Game is a series that comfortably straddles different genres – it’s a sports series without any actual sports, a comedy that also explores personal struggles and a big nerd fest that non-nerds can also follow along with and appreciate. The series is less about the actual gaming and more about the trials, tribulations, and camaraderie of the team, which is what makes it universally appealing.

In essence, Good Game is a show about chasing dreams, finding a sense of belonging, testing friendships, and navigating the complexities of life. Through the lens of a rookie eSports team, it draws audiences into a narrative filled with moments of hilarity, drama, and poignant human connections. The series not only provides entertainment but imparts the message that the spirit of trying and unity is what truly defines a good game. Fans of comedy-drama and gaming-oriented content would undoubtedly find Good Game a delightful watch.