Why Let’s Play Is Such a Popular Video Genre

Of all the videos that can be found on YouTube, one particular genre is doing well for itself, attracting millions of viewers on a daily basis. These kinds of videos focus on internet personalities playing video games while providing commentary. They’re commonly known as “Let’s Play,” or LP for short.

How dis this genre become so popular?

1. It’s a show with video games.

You might assume that since the video is simply watching someone play video games, the only entertainment value present is targeted towards video game players. This isn’t true, as these YouTube personalities tend to be known for being witty or funny in their commentary as they play the games.

Popular gamers such as PewDiePie and Markiplier can be recognized by their combination of comedic acting and sometimes hysterical behavior, which attracts millions of views.

2. Video game fans are also invited.

However, even without the comedic value, the videos can give other gamers information about the kind of video games they want to play. A gamer who has heard about a particular game can find out what it’s really like when it’s being played for them.

Because of this, both indie developers and even professional game developers sometimes ask these Let’s Play channels their games to provide publicity for their game through a series of videos.

3. Players and fans are united.

Due to a Let’s Play commonly being hosted on YouTube, there is a fair amount of interaction between the gamer hosting the LP channel and their fans. The Let’s Player can often be seen asking fans to decide on what choices they should make in playing the game or even what game they want to see played.

Fans also leave comments to provide encouragement or criticism. This level of input given to the fans keeps them hooked and makes them more likely to subscribe.

For those unfamiliar with it, Let’s Play videos may sound odd. However, they are a thriving video genre on YouTube, with the most successful Let’s Players attracting millions of views and subscribers. Both video game players and non-gamers alike can definitely find something on an LP to interest them.

Interested in getting your YouTube video discovered by masses of targeted fans? Click this link: www.promolta.com

Kevin Kwon is a recent graduate from UC Berkeley, currently 23 years old. He works in San Francisco, and hopes to continue in the graduate studies regarding the field of psychology.

Leave a Comment