Break the Game, a documentary focused on trans speedrunner Narcissa Wright’s journey in the Legend of Zelda community, was initially set to premiere this month on PBS’ POV series but was unexpectedly removed from the schedule in February. Director Jane Wagner revealed that the executive producer of POV expressed concerns about potential political repercussions of airing a film centered on a trans individual, especially in light of recent threats to public media by lawmakers and the Trump administration.
Despite the cancellation, PBS has rescheduled the film for a June airing. However, Wagner is set to debut Break the Game through a live stream on Twitch, hosted by popular streamer Trihex this coming Monday. Following the premiere, Trihex will facilitate a Q&A session with Wagner and host a roundtable discussion featuring other Twitch streamers to explore themes of representation, mental health, and cyberbullying.
In a recent interview with Polygon, Wagner emphasized that streaming the film on Twitch provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with a global audience of gaming enthusiasts without censorship or traditional media barriers. “It allows us to bypass traditional gatekeepers,” she said.
Wagner had originally suggested adding Twitch streams to the PBS licensing arrangement when POV picked up the film, but PBS stated it was not permitted under its agreement. However, after the initial broadcast was canceled, Wagner was informed that PBS had reconsidered its stance on incorporating Twitch streams.
The choice of Twitch as the platform for this documentary makes sense, given that the film consists of footage from Wright’s streams and highlights her interactions with her audience as she attempts to break a speedrunning world record. Wagner noted that Trihex’s background as a speedrunner, along with his personal resonance with the film’s themes, makes him an ideal host for the discussion.
Wagner perceives PBS’ change of heart as reflective of a broader transformation within independent filmmaking and the media landscape. “We are witnessing a trend of media consolidation that is curtailing opportunities for independent storytellers, compounded by the chilling effects of potential retribution from the Trump administration,” she remarked. “I hope that by voicing these experiences, I can inspire others who have faced similar censorship to advocate for our shared right to tell important stories.”
