Lets Play - Please Explain it to me

[FamilyFriendlyGaming]

I do not get the Lets Play movement. Watching others play games just irritates me. Why? Because a conversation goes like this:

Someone else: "I am stuck in this area do you see anything?"

Me: "hmmm let me see. Oh there on the right.
Please go right.
Your other right.
Not north
not up
RIGHT!!!!
Go back down and then right.
Good thanks for going back down.
Right, go right from there.
Go the other direction from where you are going."

Someone else: "oh you mean there. Oh thats it thanks."

Me: "I need to go hit a punching bag now."


So I don't get the whole wanting to watch videos of others playing a game. I would rather play a game than watch someone else play one. Maybe that is just me. Maybe I just don't get it.

Please help me understand.

[ccgr]

I don't get it either, I want to play and not watch

[DeadManReedeemed]

One reason may be because they don't have the system the game requires or because they may not be able to get the game so they at least want to see how it looks. I personally watch playthroughs (or Let's Plays without commentary) so I know exactly what's on the game before I play it.

[FamilyFriendlyGaming]

One reason may be because they don't have the system the game requires or because they may not be able to get the game so they at least want to see how it looks. I personally watch playthroughs (or Let's Plays without commentary) so I know exactly what's on the game before I play it.

That makes sense. So you use them as an add on to reviews.

[DeadManReedeemed]

That makes sense. So you use them as an add on to reviews.

There is no point in using them as add-ons to reviews if you're not the one playing.

[FamilyFriendlyGaming]

That makes sense. So you use them as an add on to reviews.

There is no point in using them as add-ons to reviews if you're not the one playing.

*lol* MY apologies I was not clear. I meant as part of your research into whether you should buy a game or not. Most gamers use reviews as part of their research.

[ChickenSoup]

Many let's plays are entertaining just because the people playing them are funny. I watch the Yogscast (adult content warning) because I find them humorous. Some, especially in Minecraft (EthosLab, docm77, others) greatly help me understand technical aspects of a game and help me to implement those ideas in my own game. I'll also watch an LP if I'm considering buying a game.

[Chozon1]

It's more interesting than most TV shows, for one.

It's like...A TV show in the real world based entirely on videro games.

[ChickenSoup]

It's more interesting than most TV shows, for one.

It's like...A TV show in the real world based entirely on videro games.

Yus. And without commercials :3

/chromeaedblockeralsoblocksYTads

[FamilyFriendlyGaming]

Thank ya'll for your answers.

So its:
1. Research to determine if you will purchase a game or not
2. FAQ/Walkthrough learning how to get more out of an existing game you own
3. Entertainment

Is that accurate?

[DeadManReedeemed]

Thank ya'll for your answers.

So its:
1. Research to determine if you will purchase a game or not
2. FAQ/Walkthrough learning how to get more out of an existing game you own
3. Entertainment

Is that accurate?

Yep, that's pretty much it.

[Sstavix]

Exactly. Sometimes the person playing the game can make all the difference. An otherwise abysmal game can be hilarious with the right commentary to go along with it.

Although not exactly a "Let's Play," I know my kids enjoy watching me play video games. They've watched me go through the first Metroid Prime and Super Paper Mario, and they're enjoying Kirby's Epic Yarn right now (a game that, fortunately, they have the skill to join me in some of the easier levels. And fortunately, a game that allows me to carry them along through some of the harder parts! ) So a portion of the appeal may also lie in the mental state of the viewer as well - they want to see a game, but don't have the skills to get through it.

[baconisgood23]

I like watching Tobuscus's Minecraft Let's Plays both because it helps me understand the game better and because his commentary is really funny to listen to. I love listening to him spout jokes at random or yell at the game when he dies.