Curiosity Stream
Sign In

Next Level

9 episodes 91%4KCC

Where video games collide with technology, politics, and modern culture.

See how gaming reaches far beyond the screen, influencing technology, entertainment, politics, and culture. Across topics like mental health, modding, virtual worlds, mobile ads, and aging players, this series turns familiar games into a sharper lens on the real world. Sign up to watch ideas, debates, and trends connect in surprising ways.

Episode guide

9 episodes
1
1Do Video Games Help or Hurt Our Mental Health?
The mental health conversation around video games. Are they addictive? Do they encourage aggression? Or are they just the target of moral panic?
22 min
2
2Are We on the Brink of Gaming's Cinematic Golden Age?
The intersection of video games and film: What elements get in the way of a good adaptation, and how are creatives from both industries working to bridge the gap?
22 min
3
3Can Modders Save Games By Breaking Them?
These so-called 'modders' have shaped industry trends and given players more control over their games—but their work can risk backlash from the increasingly corporate video game industry.
22 min
4
4Can Video Games Really Be for Everyone?
Video games can reach a broad audience. But deeply rooted mechanics and stereotypes can still create a barrier to entry for some players.
20 min
5
5What Does the Future of Video Games Look Like?
From dropping quarters into arcades to strapping on a virtual reality headset, the way we play video games is always changing.
20 min
6
6Hollywood Strikes Against AI
The rise of generative artificial intelligence has sparked a backlash from creative professionals across Hollywood. As uniquely digital performers, video game actors are on the front lines of the debate about using AI in entertainment.
22 min
7
7Mobile Gaming Madness
Mobile games are a huge part of the billion-dollar video game industry. So why do they rely so heavily on bizarre, misleading ads?
22 min
8
8D&D's Fan Rebellion
The role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons is more popular than ever these days, but that popularity is threatened by a consumer revolt.
22 min
9
9Golden Years Gaming
Games these days are for everyone—and that includes senior citizens.
22 min
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Thousands of the world's best documentaries and factual programming — nature, history, science, technology, and biography — including exclusive Curiosity Originals like Next Level. Stream it all ad-free, anytime.

Plans are billed annually — every plan streams in 4K. The Smart Bundle adds four partner services. There are no contracts — cancel anytime.

Watch on the web, iOS and Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, and most smart TVs. Start on one device and pick up right where you left off on another.

Yes. The library is full of family-friendly nature and science programming, and the Smart Bundle includes Kidstream — carefully chosen, ad-free shows kids will love and parents can trust.

Absolutely. There are no contracts and no cancellation fees — manage or cancel your plan anytime from your account settings.

Curiosity Stream is our streaming service — thousands of documentaries and originals. The Smart Bundle is Curiosity Stream plus four other independent streaming services (Tastemade, Kidstream, Curiosity University, and SOMM TV) on a single subscription.

Yes. Start on any plan and move up to the Smart Bundle whenever you like — the change takes effect right away, and your billing is simply prorated from your account settings.

Got your answer? Pick a plan and start streaming.Start streaming
Available now

Start watching Next Level today

Stream thousands of award-winning documentaries. Cancel anytime.

Start streaming