this post was submitted on 27 Jul 2025
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Original question by @zachimusprime44@lemmy.world

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[–] electric@lemmy.world 22 points 6 days ago (7 children)

I will also never understand the fascination with streaming. Just play the game, nerd.

[–] DeathByBigSad@sh.itjust.works 19 points 6 days ago (1 children)

For the viewer: Playing take a lot of energy, watching is more passive. Especially like horror games that raise your blood pressure / heartrate. Also, not everyone can afford games, some are console only, and even PC games have hardware requirements that people don't have, because people either have a potato computer, or just have smartphone only. Also, games are hard, watching a streamer dying is kinda funny.

For the streamer: Socialization (even tho its kinda one-sided, they can still read comments / live chat), and most importantly, money.

[–] electric@lemmy.world 3 points 6 days ago

I mean I couldn't handle horror games even if I was just watching! The hardware stuff is valid though. I used to watch videos of this family play APB wayyy long ago since it was on PC only I think (or paid). Watching others play in a livestream just feels like blue balling yourself though.

It's not just to watch the game, it's to watch/listen to the streamer. It's like a talk show.

[–] tiredofsametab@fedia.io 6 points 6 days ago

I'm glad people stream because I can (a) watch games that I find interesting but hate the mechanics/etc. of and can't/won't play and (b) I can learn different techniques and other things in games I do like (such as Link to the Past Randomizer).

I do also like streaming for language practice, mostly just on the input/listening side.

[–] Gerudo@lemmy.zip 6 points 6 days ago

I used to think this, but as I gave it a shot, I started learning new techniques in games like Overwatch. Learn from better players than me.

I also can just watch a stream of a new game and see if it's something I'd like to play. Saves me from buying a game I might not like.

[–] bleistift2@sopuli.xyz 5 points 6 days ago

It’s not just for the game, but the narration.

[–] wildcardology@lemmy.world 2 points 5 days ago

I only follow a handful of streamers, I really don't care what games they play. What's important to me is that they're entertaining, not too loud like 90% of U.S streamers.

I especially like streamers who play with their friends, I find solo streamers boring and compensate by being loud and shouting all the time.

[–] RexWrexWrecks@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago

Sometimes I just don’t have the time to play so I leave a streamer on in the background while I work and look at that screen every once in a while to catch s glimpse of a game that’s nostalgic and comfortable.