Heart of Neon Documentary Kickstarter Launches May 22, 2025: A Deep Dive into Jeff Minter and Llamasoft

Heart of Neon Documentary Kickstarter Launches May 22, 2025: A Deep Dive into Jeff Minter and Llamasoft The widely anticipated documentary Heart of Neon, chronicling the prolific career of Llamasoft founder Jeff Minter, is set for a major milestone as its Blu-Ray Kickstarter campaign officially launches on May 22, 2025.

Directed by Paul Docherty—renowned for his unique perspective combining experience from both the film and video game industries—the documentary promises an unprecedented exploration of Minter's artistic journey and his enduring impact on the video game landscape. Llamasoft, known for its innovative and often eccentric game design, has been a foundational force in the gaming sector since its inception in the early 1980s.

With Jeff Minter at the helm, the studio produced classics such as Tempest 2000 and Polybius, leaving a distinct mark on platforms ranging from early home computers to modern consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

Heart of Neon sets out to deliver the most comprehensive look at Minter’s career to date, featuring in-depth interviews with key figures from major industry players including Microsoft, Sony, and Atari, alongside testimonials from those who have worked closely with Minter throughout his storied career. Director Paul Docherty describes Heart of Neon as an "extraordinary story that no fan of video game history can afford to miss." Reflecting on the documentary, he emphasizes its unique approach: "This film offers a rare opportunity to witness the video game industry evolving through the eyes of an outsider—someone who has remained steadfastly true to their vision." Notably, elements of Docherty’s extensive interview archive were recently featured in Digital Eclipse’s 2024 interactive documentary, Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story, available on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and eShop.

According to Digital Eclipse editorial director Chris Kohler, the footage used in the interactive title only scratches the surface of Docherty’s comprehensive work.

Kohler noted in a previous industry interview that: “Heart of Neon isn’t just a chronological recap of Jeff’s career; it’s a deep exploration of the man himself and the relationships he’s built with his fans throughout decades of creativity.” Heart of Neon has been years in the making, with development marked by partnerships and collaborations that highlight the legacy of Llamasoft and Jeff Minter.

For longtime admirers of Minter’s unique approach to game development—and for those interested in gaming’s rich, often unconventional history—this documentary represents a must-watch event. Retro gaming fans and documentary enthusiasts can sign up now to be notified when the Heart of Neon Kickstarter campaign launches on May 22, 2025.

The Blu-Ray release aims to bring the full scope of Jeff Minter’s story to the homes of fans and collectors alike, ensuring that the legacy of Llamasoft remains accessible for generations of gamers.

For updates, follow the campaign on Kickstarter and stay tuned to platforms like Nintendo Direct and the Nintendo eShop for related news.

Kickstarter Jeff Minter Llamasoft Ray Heart of Neon Paul Docherty Digital Eclipse Chris Kohler Microsoft Sony Atari Nintendo Switch