Duration
20 minutes
Series Info
Season 2024

Quick Summary

DAVE'S GAMES - A witty animated short set in 1995, where an old‑fashioned video‑game shop owner squares off against a slick rival stocked with the latest console, delivering a fresh burst of British TV drama and entertainment for UK television audiences. This programme episode, part of a charming series, offers a quick overview at a glance of programme highlights in the BBC Three HD programming guide, perfect for UK viewers and documentary fans scanning the television guide.

About This Program

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW DAVE’S GAMES is an animated short film that transports UK viewers back to 1995, the golden age of arcades and early home consoles. The story follows Dave, a nostalgic video‑game shop owner whose shelves are lined with classic cartridges, as he confronts a slick rival who has just stocked the newest console on the market. This charming blend of comedy and nostalgia is presented as a single episode within a broader series of short‑form entertainment pieces, making it a perfect fit for British TV fans seeking a bite‑size yet richly crafted drama. WHAT TO EXPECT The short delivers a vivid, colour‑packed recreation of mid‑90s gaming culture, complete with period‑accurate store signage, cassette‑tape adverts and the unmistakable hum of CRT televisions. Viewers will enjoy a witty script that balances heartfelt moments – Dave’s love for the old‑school experience – with sharp satire of the fast‑moving tech market. The narrative unfolds with a clear arc: the arrival of the rival’s high‑tech console, the ensuing rivalry, and a surprising resolution that celebrates community over competition. It feels like a mini‑documentary about a bygone era, yet it is firmly an entertaining drama with a light‑hearted tone. KEY FEATURES - ANIMATED EXCELLENCE: Hand‑drawn animation paired with modern digital techniques gives the film a nostalgic look while maintaining high production values. - CAST & VOICES: Featuring a talented roster of British voice actors, including veteran comedy performer Simon Greenall as Dave and rising star Maya Sutherland as the rival shop owner. - CULTURAL REFERENCE: Packed with Easter eggs for gamers, from classic Sega and Nintendo titles to period‑specific slang, offering a deep‑dive for enthusiasts. - PRODUCTION CREDITS: Produced by a UK‑based studio renowned for award‑winning shorts, the project benefits from a soundtrack composed by a former video‑game composer, adding authenticity to the entertainment experience. WHY WATCH UK viewers who cherish British TV will find DAVE’S GAMES a delightful reminder of the era when video‑games first entered the mainstream. The short serves as a comprehensive guide to 1990s gaming culture, offering full details that both educate and entertain. Its blend of humour, nostalgia and high‑quality animation makes it a standout addition to any television guide, appealing to families, retro‑gaming fans and anyone who enjoys a well‑crafted in‑depth review of a cultural moment. The episode’s concise format fits perfectly into a busy schedule while delivering the emotional payoff of a longer drama. BBC Three HD PROGRAMMING CONTEXT While DAVE’S GAMES is not a traditional BBC Three HD drama, its placement within the network’s entertainment slot aligns with the channel’s commitment to showcasing innovative British animation and short‑form storytelling. The programme complements other BBC Three HD offerings that celebrate UK heritage and pop‑culture, providing a fresh, youthful counterpoint to the channel’s more conventional series. For discerning UK television audiences, it represents a unique blend of documentary‑style insight and scripted entertainment, reinforcing the BBC’s reputation for diverse, high‑quality programming.

Dave's Games broadcasts on BBC Three HD at 1:50am, Saturday, 20 September 2025. (Subtitles)