Once a mere technological distraction, the video game is now a powerful media product whose influence permeates the very fabric of our culture. Video gaming has become the top play activity for children, surpassing all other forms of play. Insert Coin explores the extraordinary relationship an entire generation has formed with the video game and examines the phenomenal impact video game play has had on youth and their culture.

A one-hour independent television documentary and book, Insert Coin was produced and released in 1999 shortly following the Columbine High School Massacre. The project was created and directed by Brent Stafford to fulfill in part the requirements of the Master of Arts program in the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University

Upbeat and intended to cause debate, Insert Coin is thought provoking for any parent or educator or young person who is interested in what has become a key player in the technological revolution of the late 20th century.

Violence in Video Games

Addiction & Isolation

History of Video Games

How Video Games are Made

Marketing, TESTING & Why Kids Play

Scale & Scope of the Industry

TELEVISION NEWS COVERAGE & INTERVIEWS (click to view)

TALK RADIO INTERVIEWS (coming soon)

PRINT COVERAGE

Maclean’s Magazine | Canada’s National Weekly:

The Province Newspaper:

AQ Magazine:

SFU News:

Blitz Magazine “Violence & the Zone” | by Brent Stafford

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