I’m wondering about the legitimacy of experiencing games through YouTube playthroughs. On one hand, I feel like I can fully appreciate and critique the story. For example, I got really emotional watching Undertale and felt super connected to the characters. But on the other hand, I know my understanding of the actual gameplay is limited to what I see the streamer do. Can you really say you’ve ‘played’ a game if you’ve only watched it? What parts of the experience are we missing out on? I’m curious to hear others’ thoughts on this. Is it a valid way to experience games or are we missing out on something crucial?
As someone who’s gone through both playing games and watching playthroughs, I’d say there’s definitely value in YouTube experiences, but it’s not quite the same. When I watched a playthrough of The Last of Us, I got deeply invested in the story and characters. However, when I actually played it later, the tension during stealth sections and the weight of decisions felt completely different.
Watching can give you a good grasp of the narrative and visuals, but you miss out on the interactivity that makes games unique. The frustration of a tough boss fight, the satisfaction of solving a puzzle, or even just the freedom to explore at your own pace - these are things you can’t fully appreciate as a spectator.
That said, playthroughs are great for games you might never play otherwise, whether due to time, money, or platform constraints. They’re also useful for getting a feel for a game before buying. Just be aware that you’re getting a curated experience filtered through someone else’s gameplay choices and reactions.
i get wat ur sayin but its not the same as playin urself. u miss out on the challange and satisfaction of beatin levels and bosses. but if u cant afford games or dont have time to play em all, watchin vids is better than nothin. just dont say u ‘played’ the game, maybe say u ‘experienced’ it instead
I’d argue that watching a playthrough is more akin to experiencing a game’s narrative rather than truly playing it. While you can certainly appreciate the story, characters, and overall atmosphere, you’re missing out on the core interactive element that defines video games as a medium.
The act of playing involves decision-making, skill development, and a sense of agency that simply can’t be replicated through passive viewing. Think about the difference between watching someone solve a puzzle and solving it yourself - the satisfaction and engagement levels are vastly different.
That said, playthroughs can be valuable for those unable to access certain games or for getting a feel for a title before purchasing. They’re also a legitimate way to experience games as a form of entertainment. Just be aware that it’s a different type of experience, not a one-to-one substitute for playing.
While watching playthroughs can provide insight into a game’s story and visuals, it’s not quite the same as experiencing it firsthand. You miss out on the tactile feedback, decision-making pressure, and personal investment that comes with actually playing. That said, for some story-heavy games or if you’re limited by time or budget, playthroughs can be a decent alternative. It’s similar to reading a detailed plot summary of a book versus reading it yourself - you get the gist, but lose some of the nuance and personal connection. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking to get out of the experience. For critique or general knowledge, watching can suffice, but for a full, immersive experience, nothing beats playing it yourself.