Why do people watch streamers? I'm posting this because I am legitimately interested in the appeal of them. I've asked this question to my friends and coworkers (all in our late 20's early 30's) and we do not understand why people enjoy watching their live feeds. I personally would rather play the game than watch someone else play and give their commentary. I'm not here to bash streamers or people that enjoy watching them, just looking for an answer to better understand that sort of culture.
Edit:
First off, I want to thank all of my fellow Guardians for taking part in this conversation. The majority of the feedback I received was positive, and with it I have learned something new. I came in with a basic knowledge of the topic and have gained a greater understanding on streamers and their viewers. Thank you.
A lot of you have made some great and valid points about the topic. It may take a little bit but I will try to respond to each post you have made (you responded to my original post so it's the least I could do). To the few trolls that showed up, you will get no response from me, and I ask others to let their reply die. Don't give them the satisfaction of killing the positive vibe this post has created.
Feel free to keep this post active and let people know about your favorite streamers and if you plan on starting one yourself. Again I ask to keep it positive, show the bright side of this community. Let's take back the forums and show Bungie what their real community looks like, and not the the negative few that try to make waves.
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10 RepliesIt's like... watching a youtuber! But live! While you can talk with them!
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1 ReplyWhy do people watch films? For enjoyment. Why do people watch sports? For enjoyment. Why do people watch streams? For enjoyment. That's what it comes down to in the end. Some people just enjoy watching, listening, and being a part of a community.
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4 RepliesIf they are a good player, you can learn some stuff from them. I think of streaming like a talk show, playarea, thing, one person is in the spotlight, doing the things etc, while the audience has a place to hangout and chat amongst themselves or with said streamer. Some streamers create a lovely atmosphere, amd then eventually a mini-community. Also sometimes their music choices are amazing [spoiler]cough cough Broskian.[/spoiler]
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1 ReplyI mostly watch if im in the bath or taking a dump or something. I like to see how the good players play. It has helped tbh
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1 ReplyI watch streamers as a fellow streamer. I also find it fun to hang out with my friends when they stream, some of them I don't have a chance to talk to/see otherwise whether it be the streamer themselves or someone in chat. Just like here, twitch itself is one large supportive/criticizing community. Which I find rather enjoyable. Its nice to see you asking rather than, "hey twitch is gay, ur all fgts" like a lot of people do here lol. Have a nice day everyone.
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2 RepliesAEGabriel is entertaining, not because of who he is, but because no one titan skates better than Destinys fastest titan
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2 RepliesI see it the same way I see all sports... Why watch football when you can go out and play football. It's probably because you like and admire the skill of that player or team.
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1 ReplyNever understood the appeal, then again, really insipid bs is popular.
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1 ReplyEdited by Ritches: 8/29/2015 10:35:25 PMThey appeal to social inept people and children who dream of only having to play video games to make money. Whereas in reality only 0.01% probably make enough to have a comfortable life. Some streamers allow you to check out a new game or learn how to be a better player. The most popular destiny streamers though they have good alter egos I guess. Well done to the streamers though on making money from it. Doing what they enjoy.
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1 ReplySome people are not that good and enjoy seeing others who excel at the game show what it has to offer.
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3 RepliesI watch streamers when I'm away from home ( which is a lot) but also the fact that I can have conversations with the streamers.
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2 RepliesI don't watch streamers but I think video gaming has become a quasi-spectator activity. I remember year before online gaming me and two of my friends would take turns watching/playing on a game (because only one console for single player games). I kind of view it like that.
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2 RepliesAnd you do realize the big ones are in bungies pockets.
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1 ReplyI understood why people watch to a point but to give these people ridiculous amounts of money to watch them play the SAME game you play. Just will never understand it.
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1 ReplySome are funny, so I watch as I would watch trash tv, to unwind. Some are really helpful and instructional if you are getting into a game and want some pointers. I see a lot of bashing here and I'll say that even if you were just watching someone play a game you know inside out, maybe you'll learn something new you'd never have seen another way. It's just another form of entertainment at the end of the day. Try it and you like it, great, if not, that's fine too. If you prefer TOWIE or Jersey Shore, that's ok but please don't breed ;)
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1 ReplyInstead of watching a TV show I go to twitch
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1 ReplyIts fun to watch them. There are some that you watch because honestly they are so good its kind of unbelievable some of the shit they do. What i like about it also is there is no editing. I think most people can go and make a montage and upload it to youtube but very few can get kills like that constantly. Like watch kjhovey, the kills he gets with his sniper are unreal. Also its helped me get better at crucible seeing what they do. Some I watch just because they're funny. Rhabby is funny as shit and so is bluewestlo. I also like watching planet destiny because their stream is so chill
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2 RepliesI had the same mentality as you. I recently got into. I play it while playing destiny. Double destiny. Much funs
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1 ReplySame thing goes to watching movies with actors or watching sports why do we watch it ... Because it's entertaining some people happened to like watching people play video games
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1 ReplyWhen I can't play but have internet access I will watch streamers. For example I spent 2 weeks out of town in a hotel without my Xbox. I don't watch a lot of TV, don't even have cable at home. I grew up watching my brother play video games (waiting for my turn of course) so I enjoy it. I enjoy the streamers I watch because of the commentary. If I can play I'll do that but if I can't I might watch them. I like Laced Up Lauren but only watch when she's playing Destiny really. There are a few others but thats my reasoning. As others have said, it's the same as watching sports for me. I'd rather play football but as I'm not able to do that I'll watch it because I enjoy it.
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1 ReplyI watch little bits and pieces, but only when im not at home with xbox.
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1 Reply*Sigh* Every time. It's called entertainment, why do people watch Football live? [b]Because it's entertaining.[/b] Why do people watch Youtube? [b]Because it's entertaining.[/b] Why do people watch Jersey Shore? I have no clue.
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1 ReplyI like to watch streamers before buying a game, especially when I'm on the fence about one.
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3 RepliesWhy do you watch the news? Might as well go be a news reporter. Why watch sport? Might as well go be a professional athlete then. etc
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1 ReplyI think one main reason is that it's a very easy way to find new friends online that play the same games as you.
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1 ReplyI enjoy watching AEgabriel play with he's titan since i main a titan,he has master the skating technique with makes him really fast with a titan,so i learn a lot from he's play style