As YouTube’s popularity began to grow over the past few years, content creators have been coming up with inventive ways to entertain viewers across the globe.  Somewhere down the line, certain filmmakers got the clever idea to turn an everyday act of self-entertainment into viral entertainment for others to enjoy.
Thus the “Let’s Play” video genre was born—a series of video walkthroughs where gamers upload feeds of themselves playing popular video games. The concept is simple enough, but certain YouTube channels known for their Let’s Play series such as Rooster Teeth and PewDiePie have gathered millions of subscribers.

But why are Let’s Plays so popular?
It’s easy to see why some viewers may be turned off to the idea of Let’s Play series. Most series run close to 100 episodes because the channel wishes to broadcast a certain game in its entirety for viewers. Some viewers aren’t looking for that type of dedication in their videos—it’s safe to assume most viewers are looking for short videos to provide them quick entertainment.

Another reason viewers might be turned off to Let’s Play series is because, well, most people would rather play the games than watch someone else play them. It’s easy to get bored watching someone else play a game when playing the game yourself could be way more satisfying.

Despite this, content creators have found ways to make their Let’s Play series entertaining by the way they perform their commentaries.

These commentators, referred to as Let’s Players in this situation, may find ways to keep their Let’s Plays entertaining with funny dialogue.

For instance, Popular Let’s Players JonTron and Egoraptor of Game Grumps achieved YouTube fame with their infamous Let’s Play series of 2006’s “Sonic the Hedgehog”, commonly referred to as “Sonic 06”.  Sonic 06 is known for being one of the worst games ever created, and the hysterical reactions from the two commentators was testament enough to that notion. As the game would glitch, the two would either laugh hysterically and joke about the game or vulgarly rage to the point of nearly quitting the game.

The hilarious reactions to the game’s faults were reason enough to watch all 108 episodes of the series.

And hundreds of thousands of people did just that.

During many Let’s Play videos, some commentators would also talk about things that are going on about their personal lives or even tell a personal anecdote that relates somehow to the game.

When commentators do this in their videos, we feel closer to them. A certain bond has been created and when that happens, our perspective of the game begins to change. We laugh with the player, we feel their frustration when they face a difficult task and we cheer for them when they succeed.

It’s not unnatural for a viewer to feel a connection with a certain Let’s Player because after a while, the commenter might as well be another friend on their Xbox Live or PSN friends list. And why not? One of the most effective ways gamers bond with one another is by playing a game together and sharing the experience.

Let’s Plays generally work the same way; only instead of a couch and a console, video game enthusiasts are connected by their computer monitors and their favorite Let’s Players.

The most important thing that Let’s Players have accomplished is sharing a form of entertainment gamers and casual viewers can both appreciate. Whether you’re a Let’s Player or just a viewer, there is lots of fun to be had.

So. Let’s Play.