What would you rather watch?

At this point, if you are not the SuperBestFriends i wont watch your YT Channel, i just play the games i own

I usually watch "Let's Plays" because of the personality of the people playing. Commentary is a plus when it isn't someone who is annoying and never shuts up with pointless chatter, a full-on analytical review isn't necessary but taking about the pros and cons of the game is good. I can't be bothered watching streams though. Loading screens and menus aren't fun when you are playing yourself so why would watching someone else go through them be fun? A well edited LP is better than a five hour stream.

I tend to prefer LPs of games that I don't want to play myself, titles on consoles that I don't own or that my Laptop can't run. Watching Many A True Nerd play the Total War games is brilliant even though I can't stand real-time strategy games.

The only game related content I watch at all is of the tutorial and tip video sort, before starting a game I know is complicated to learn -- like some of the more complex strategy games and difficult RPGs/Roguelikes. It can make it a lot easier to pick up and l can earn the basics much faster so I can move on to the deeper parts of the game. Other than that, the only thing I do is look up boss fights/puzzle solutions or something if I find myself stumped at a point in a game for far too long.

Let's Plays are just not for me. People screaming, overreacting and hamming it up for the views just gets on my nerves. Thoughtful Gaming is the only channel I'm subbed to and I don't expect that to change. He focuses on different ideas and ways of playing some of the classics, and explains why certain things work (or not). He also talks very calmly and has a pleasant voice so he's my go to for any games I want to play, that he has covered.

Thank you all for the comments! :D
Got some new channels to check on YouTube and you gave some great game tips for the wishlist.
Overall people just love to play games themselves, myself included :D.

i'm surprised with the poll, for obvious reasons...

View attached image.

Bump and thanks.

Used to watch let's play but time is more restricted now than years ago. Also, I found channels involved in quirky video game paraphernalia, retro content, or technology content.

I'll be honest, it depends. For some games I like watching others play, while some I just like to play myself. Sometimes I see a youtuber play it, get frustrated at how they play and buy the game for myself to play.

Or, like I did with West of Loathing: started watching Northernlion play it, loved how it looked so I bought it for myself and played it until I finished the game, then went back to watching NL play it.

There are some cases though, where I bought the game and realized I actually just liked watching the youtuber play it more than myself playing it. Either way, in the end it depends on the game, my mood and the youtuber I watch.

While I obviously love playing games, they wear me out super easily due to health stuff. Since I'm often not feeling well let's plays are the perfect alternative. (I can also watch for longer vs playing because less brain power haha) I'm picky so generally only watch a couple people consistently, since I've been watching them for several years and know I love their content. It's part comfort/loving their personality more than what they're actually playing, though I often enjoy the game regardless. I've "played" so many games I wouldn't have gotten the chance otherwise and am really grateful.