About two weeks ago, Jimmy Kimmel criticized YouTube’s gaming content, not understanding the appeal of let’s plays, streams, or other forms of gaming media. “To me, watching another person play video games is like going to a restaurant and having someone eat your food for you,” he said. “If you like them, play them.” I have a different perspective on his simile. I imagine that watching someone eat my food doesn’t sound fun. However, if I watch someone eat something that looks succulent, then I may want to try it the next time I visit a restaurant. That’s how I view let’s plays.
Kimmel seems like an open-minded fellow and, as such, released a video on September 4 in which he got to know YouTubers Markiplier and MissesMae to gain understanding of the appeal. (That is, after receiving some vicious attacks from Twitter users.) I don’t want to attack Kimmel. I understand where he’s coming from. Even I, a young man in his mid-twenties, was against let’s plays until I started associating them with watching my older brothers play video games. Anyway, Markiplier and MissesMae did an admirable job of showing Jimmy a taste of what it’s like, and hopefully this listicle helps you understand why let’s plays are popular.
Let’s Plays Helps Busy Gamers Keep in Touch
I work with a guy to whom I’ll refer as Trevor, because that’s his actual name, who passes the time at work by going through playlists containing a series of let’s play videos. Because I work with him, I understand that his schedule doesn’t allow much time to play video games, particularly the longer ones like The Witcher 3 . The problem is, Trevor will always be a gamer, no matter what schedule he has to deal with and bills he needs to prioritize. This is why he watches let’s plays, so he can at least experience what the games. Let’s plays allow him to keep up with gaming trends, and the videos show him as much as he needs to know without actually handing him a controller so he can discuss games with his friends. As a member of games media who works another job full-time, I understand the want and need, to keep up with relevant games.
Some Prefer Youtubers Over Reviewers
As a critic, I’m saddened when someone bashes the hard work and time I put into a review, even though I’m in favor of commenters offering a different perspective of the game in question. Some readers have an inherent distrust in game journalists, and they prefer to turn elsewhere for information about a game. Let’s plays help fill this niche. While viewers will not be able to truly comprehend the poor controls of a game, whether they’re described by a narrator or a writer, they can certainly see the frustration in action.
Revisiting Beloved Games From Another’s Perspective
Just as let’s plays help us stay in touch with the latest gaming trends, so too can they allow us to catch up on the classics. Granted, if I’m watching a let’s play without commentary of, say, Half-Life 2, then I might feel too bored to carry on. However, if I watch a series of let’s plays of a gamer who astutely analyzes the game’s story while offering criticism, then I’m more inclined to follow him or her on their journey through Ravenholm. Chances are they won’t dissuade me from thinking it’s the best single-player FPS of all time, but I’m open-minded enough to consider their perspectives.
Videos Compliment Written Guides
As a technical communicator, I’m simultaneously intrigued and skeptical about online video tutorials. Admittedly, I’ve relied on YouTube videos to troubleshoot car problems. Would I rely solely on videos for this task? While it’s nice to have a dynamic visual representation, I still appreciate manuals with clear and concise instructions too. The two work best together.
Such is the case with let’s plays. For many, these videos, the best of which are recorded by a player who knows what he or she is doing, provide a visual representation that gamers can’t get from a guide on GameFAQS. Other times, you’re just watching your favorite YouTuber flounder about, forcing you to rewind, fast forward, and replay it until you find exactly what to do, showing the occasional superiority of GameFAQS. Regardless of which medium you prefer for your instructions, one offers a better visual representation.
Watching Let’s Plays is Akin to Sports Replays
I’m not into watching sports. I’d rather play them than wading through hours of footage to see one spectacular tackle. That said, I came to a depressing realization as I spent most this year watching Game Grumps videos nonstop. This is similar to watching a sports game. For one thing, YouTube has plenty of personalities to choose from. Me? I prefer Jim Sterling, because he doesn’t tend to overreact when playing horror games designed to scare YouTubers in hopes of promoting their game. Then again, waiting for a personality to over-enthusiastically scream at a game seems to have the same appeal as waiting for that big play in a football game. We laugh when they fail, and we cheer when they succeed.