I'm sat in front of my computer, the volume up on my headphones for the full effect and the brightness up in a darkened room. The characters bounce across the screen before my very eyes swiftly and gracefully. Some might say that I am playing a video game while others could say that I am watching someone play it for me. No matter what the medium or console, there is some debate over which form is more enjoyable: watching someone play a video game or you playing it yourself.
Both are different in their own ways as well as similar. Playing a video game fully immerses you in the game while watching one being played gives you the perspective of the person playing it. Let's talk about the pros and cons of both.
Watching a video game is kind of like going to the movies: someone is able to eat while playing without having to worry about getting a controller or console dirty. If there are multiple players in the video, someone is able to hear what every person thinks about the game or their humor. Multiple YouTube channels are dedicated solely to playing video games and with the millions of viewers that they get each day shows that this sort of thing is in high demand.
It is also like living vicariously through someone else's experiences and getting a taste of that video game. If someone doesn't have the money to spend on video games, they are able to see the full effect of the game through someone else's eyes or they could turn the sound off in order to really take in the gameplay and the game in all its glory. I've found that watching videos of games helps me to experience a game that I don't have the money for.
Seeing a game being played also sets a gauge for reviewing. If someone is on the fence about a video game, seeing the gameplay could help them make that decision quicker.
The cons of watching video games are that you don't get the full experience. The feeling of controlling a character, the rage that comes with it, and the motions under your fingertips all elude people who watch the video game being played. Someone may get a few laughs from the gameplay, but someone isn't able to create their own experiences by watching a game.
Watching video games is also pretty lonely unless you have someone to watch it with you, but the same could be for actually playing the game. The feelings someone gets while watching a video game as to actually playing are different as well. Someone's fear, joy, or rage might not be as great while watching a video game as opposed to playing it. Plus watching too many videos isn't good for your health.
Playing a video game gives someone the full experience of playing the video game. Someone is able to go through the story of the game chronologically without being spoiled. The shock, fear, joy, and rage are genuine as someone goes through the ins and outs of the games. Decision making is also all up to the player and not made for the person as it is in a video about video games.
Someone is fully able to take in the game as it takes up their small or large screens. Playing with friends is also enjoyable because they know the person who they are playing with. Exercise games are also more enjoyable when actually playing them. Playing in the dark is also ten times scarier when actually playing the game.
On the other hand video games can be damaging to the if played too much. But that is up to parents and the individual to figure out when enough is enough. They can be too rage inducing at times and sometimes the graphics or features are not the best. Without watching or looking at reviews, a game can become a huge disappointment.
So watching or playing video games, which is more enjoyable? That is up to the viewer or the player to decide! Until then happy video gaming!
