Video-Game videos on YouTube

[luc0s]

Video-Game videos on YouTube

(Scroll all the way down for a TL;DR version of this post.)

Okay, so I was thinking about this for a long time, and I decided to just make a topic about it here on this forum in the hope to get some advice, opinions and experiences from you guys. So this is what it's all about:

Sometimes I like to watch video-game related videos on YouTube. It's something I enjoy to do while doing homework or other work at the same time (dual-monitor setup for the win). I watch a vast variety of video-game videos on YouTube: reviews, walkthroughs, let's plays, and competitive videos such as e-sports or "versus" videos (where two people race each other in a speedrun of a video-game of their choice).

After being inspired by a bunch of YouTubers (such as MaximusBlack & Novawar from LAGtv and AttackingTucans & JoshJephson from Versus) I thought: "hey, playing video-games and talking about them should not be that hard, I could do that too!".

So at first I started a channel together with my brother, because I thought it would be cooler to do have a duo for the commentary rather than me sitting in front of my computer alone talking to myself. The channel I started was THE SUPER CO-OP BROS.

That turned out not to be too succesful, because my brother and I don't really seem to have that synergy that I was looking for or hoping we would have. I guess it's because we were both very inexperienced with this whole "let's play" phenomena at that point, and we just didn't really know how to handle it. Perhaps we could give it another shot soon, but right now I decided to set up a solo YouTube channel and give that a try.

So I created my solo channel, LucosTheDutch. I decided to do a Mass Effect playthrough first with some humor mixed into it. You know, since BioWare decided to stop their Mass Effect franchise seriously, I decided to stop taking it seriously too. So now I was doing some kind of comedy playthrough, where I sort-of roleplay Shepard as a giant douchebag. It's a lot of fun to do, but playing through the actual game feels like a drag at this moment. Let's face it, Mass Effect 1 sucks gameplay-wise. I want to continue with it, but at the same time I don't feel like it at all. I don't know, maybe I should take a break from it and try something else.

So that's what I did. I started my first "versus" playthrough with my cousin Rick. We're currently racing each other in the games Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue. It's a lot of fun and we'll keep uploading a new episode every Sunday.

But now I'm really wondering: What next? What should I do with my channel? I want to become more popular so I can get a partnership and earn some extra bucks with my channel. That would be ideal. But at the same time I want to do something unique and fun, maybe even something inspiring.


So my question to you guys is: Do you watch YouTube and if yes; what kind of videos do you like to watch and what kind of videos are you looking for?


TL;DR version: I started a new YouTube channel and wish to do something unique and cool with it. So I want to know what kind of videos you folks watch on YouTube and what kind of videos you would like to see on YouTube (that aren't already there).


EDIT: If you also own a YouTube channel and wish to talk about it and ask advice or questions, feel free to do so here! I made this topic for all YouTubers here, not just for myself! Let's help each other out! />/>/>

 

[AserPik]

Id like to see some good quality videos of games of the past. I cant find any decent videos of games from ps1/ps2 or even the original xbox. But then again that requires a capture card and the consoles.

Perhaps do some arena videos of TW2:EE? Make restrictions for yourself etc (e.g. no quen)

But all in all make it actually funny...there are way too many videos of "hey guys...this is my playthrough...subscribe". Make a personality, like Robbaz, Costin and Roosterteeth (to name a few). I find very rarely that I watch videos for the game content, but I watch them for the youtuber's take on that content and their personality.

 

[volsung]

So my question to you guys is: Do you watch YouTube and if yes; what kind of videos do you like to watch and what kind of videos are you looking for?

I'll start by saying I don't even browse that much, and I am usually the last person to learn about a new or old meme or viral video. In fact, I had to look up what TL;DR meant I do use the Internet a lot but not too much for web surfing.

So that said, I also don't watch a lot of Youtube or videos of any sort really. But when I DO watch videos, especially video game related, I do it for a few different and concrete reasons:

1) I want to see what a game looks and plays like because I am interested in purchasing.

2) I want to see how other people play a game I have, watch strategies or alternate paths.

3) I want to have light, brainless fun with things like Mega64 or Conan's Clueless Gamer.

In the case of number 3 as you probably know, videos are mostly for pure humor. Conan in particular is a comedic genius and his comments alone are worth watching his game reviews.

In the case of number 1 and 2, I want exactly the opposite. If I want to see a game, the last thing I want is hearing somebody's wretched narration full of lame jokes. Now please don't take this personally, I haven't even seen your videos. But seriously. I don't watch Let's Plays because people's narration is AWFUL! And if that is the only thing I find, then I turn the volume down.

So if you are trying to appeal to people like me, and you probably aren't, then my advise is:

1) Don't speak or narrate. Just play the damn game. If you really *have* to speak, then do that only when necessary, for example to point out something important or unique. Spare us the extensive narration of obvious details.

2) If you are a comedic genius, then yes, narrate and comment on the entire thing! This also applies if you are a gifted poet or singer.

Cheers and good luck!

Edit: Oh one last thing. If you do a gameplay video of any kind, please record yourself only after you have mastered the game. If I watch a gameplay video I don't want to look at minutes and minutes of fruitless attempts. That is, show something worth watching.

 

[Glaroug.531]

Sometimes I like to watch video-game related videos on YouTube. It's something I enjoy to do while doing homework or other work at the same time (dual-monitor setup for the win).

If it weren't for Zemalf's lets play of the Witcher, I may never have picked it up. He has a superb Witcher and Witcher 2 series that I highly recommend. I absolutely LOVE let's play videos, and they are a staple for doing homework, especially math. I've even managed to fool my brain into excitement and pleasure when the words like "Taylor Series" pops in my head because that means Opeth and Lets Play Videos.

Its a strange thing, how watching someone else play a game could be so enjoyable. I was first introduced to them with Leuroi's Pokemon Walkthroughs. Just a guy with a game boy and a camera. Another fellow by the name VoicesfromtheDark had a very humble beginning, starting with a Lord of the Rings gameboy advance play through. He received very little views but he didn't care. Since then he's made some pretty entertaining "movie" like Skyrim episodes thanks to the power of modding. I enjoy the personal feel they bring n the commentary, as if they are speaking to me, and each has their own special style that brings something different and special to the game that's unique and enjoyable. Many of Zemalf's and VFTD's videos are blind, which is extra awesome because most of the time we are experiencing the game for the first time together. The sounds mighty cheesy, but o well.

I've been meaning to check out Costin's channel. I hear he has some really awesome Witcher let's plays.

EDIT: Wow, looks like we all have very, very different tastes

 

[Pangaea666]

(First of all, ME1 was the best game in the series, by far, so not sure why you say it had horrible game mechanics - but I digress).

I watch Youtube game content for different reasons. Sometimes to see if a game might be to my liking (since demos are mostly dead now - might hurt sales, you know). Or there are games that I just like watching because people do different things than me in the same game. If we're talking Minecraft of other games of that type, don't just fire up the game and play for half an hour and then stop recording. That is numbingly boring. Have a goal, and edit the videos. Too many just record whatever they're doing, and end up with a crap product.

I also like to watch reviews, if the reviewer happens to be sensible and somewhat objective (because I've long ago stopped trusting 'official' game reviews). It can also be fun to see people crap over game I don't like for whatever reason, the prime example probably ME2 and ME3, or DA2, or Skyrim. Some of the stuff people managed to get Shepard say (via clever editing) was bloody hilarious for example.

In short, it depends on what you want. Reviews? Be serious and objective about it, not a fanboy. Playthroughs? Edit the videos and have a purpose in what you want to show. Funny videos? Well, then you need to actually be funny and do something cool. If you happen to be an introvert (no idea) then this is probably not the best idea. Humour is tough to pull off.

 

[luc0s]

First all all, thanks for the replies and advice guys! And thanks for sharing your opinions with me! It will give me a better understanding of what gamers such as you folks look for on YouTube.


Now to reply to some individual comments:

Id like to see some good quality videos of games of the past. I cant find any decent videos of games from ps1/ps2 or even the original xbox. But then again that requires a capture card and the consoles.

I can do that. I don't need a capture card for that. Emulators will do the job just fine. That's what I also did for my Zelda Skyward Sword playthrough (on my Co-Op channel) and my Pokemon Versus playthrough (on my solo channel).

Do you have any specific games in mind which you would like to see a playthrough of?

1) Don't speak or narrate. Just play the damn game. If you really *have* to speak, then do that only when necessary, for example to point out something important or unique. Spare us the extensive narration of obvious details.

2) If you are a comedic genius, then yes, narrate and comment on the entire thing! This also applies if you are a gifted poet or singer.

Cheers and good luck!

1) Well, sadly, yes, I HAVE to speak, due to the copyright laws. It's legal (under the fair use policy) to upload video-game videos (and make money of them) only if you add your own narration or commentary to it.

2) I tried to be funny with my Mass Effect playthrough so far. You could check it out and tell me if you think my sense of humor has potential, or not (I don't mind if you think my humor sucks, I can handle any kind of fair feedback). The best Mass Effect episode I made so far is the latest one, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8gb4HKVDfI

I was first introduced to them with Leuroi's Pokemon Walkthroughs.

You like Pokemon don't you? I can tell, due to your avatar and the fact that your first let's play that you watched was a Pokemon let's play. If you like Pokemon, please check out my Pokemon Versus let's play (in which I race in the first gen of Pokemon games against my cousin) and tell me what you think and how I could improve. Here is the first real episode where we start with the game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vnQ5sT1Fa8

 

[Glaroug.531]

Pokemon holds a special place that can never be topped. The nostalgia and re-playability are far too powerful. I'll check them out. Sounds like it uses "Pangaea's Principle":

Playthroughs? Edit the videos and have a purpose in what you want to show.

This is pretty important I would say, especially in popular games. Its nice to watch someone do something different and unique instead of playing the same generic Dragonborn for instance.

 

[RSIK_4]

i would love to watch some TW2 arena mode and dark and insane mode also....i dont complete yet insane and dark mode

 

[luc0s]

Pokemon holds a special place that can never be topped. The nostalgia and re-playability are far too powerful. I'll check them out. Sounds like it uses "Pangaea's Principle".

And what would "Pangaea's Principle" be?

And yeah, I agree, Pokemon is awesome and you'll never be too old for it, no matter what everyone else says. That said, I do think the series is stagnating. I don't like the newer games nearly as much as the older games. That's not because of nostalgia, it's because the newer games don't add too much new things, it's just the same shit all over again. Pokemon Gold and Silver are still the best in my opinion, and HeartGold + SoulSilver are really excellent remakes of those two fantastic games.

 

[luc0s]

i would love to watch some TW2 arena mode and dark and insane mode also....i dont complete yet insane and dark mode

I finished The Witcher 2 on Dark Mode last year when the Enhanced Edition came out. I finished it on the Xbox360, and I'm trying Dark Mode on the PC right now as we speak. The controls on the PC are a bit different, a bit more difficult and sluggish I have to say. I'll have to get use to those less-than-fantastic controls first, before I feel comfortable doing a Dark Mode playthrough for YouTube. But I definitely will give it a shot once I feel I can pull it off in one shot without dying (too often)!

 

[RSIK_4]

I finished The Witcher 2 on Dark Mode last year when the Enhanced Edition came out. I finished it on the Xbox360, and I'm trying Dark Mode on the PC right now as we speak. The controls on the PC are a bit different, a bit more difficult and sluggish I have to say. I'll have to get use to those less-than-fantastic controls first, before I feel comfortable doing a Dark Mode playthrough for YouTube. But I definitely will give it a shot once I feel I can pull it off in one shot without dying (too often)!

yup i want to try my hand on insane dark mode ...

failed no. of times actuallly....

last year i started playing on insane mode but got dead in flotsam by 5 times actually....

dark mode started but not completed yet ....

like to complete these difficulties !!!!!!

 

[atc.710]

Ahh.. an aspiring youtube let's player... let me encourage or discourage you

First of all, IT'S TOUGH AS BALLS to start anything on youtube if you don't already have a fanbase

Now here are a few things you have to consider:

1. Old or new?

when you're playing new games, you are competing with all the big names out there and it's almost impossible to get your videos out. These people (totalbiscuit, omfgcata, achievement hunter, to name a few) have EARLY COPIES of the game to make sure they get their videos out by the time you just bought the game. Your videos will be at page 5 or so at this point and NOBODY will notice it, which sucks

With retro games, you have a bit of leeway. Some people will want to watch old video games that they grew up with in the 80's or 90's like heroes of might and magic, pokemanz, and command & conquer. But remember that this is a niche, meaning the amount of views won't be as much, but competition is a lot less fierce.


2. Solo or multiplayer
I'm not talking about the games (although the choice between esports and singleplayer is a big one). You have to consider about fatigue as a solo commentator. IF you have a great buddy or best friends who live near you and love to play video games together, DO IT. Couch gaming and dual commentaries when done right, will blow even pewdiepie out of the water (quality wise, not view count wise) The guys at frafromsubtle, in my opinion, are simply the best couch gamers I have ever seen. If you don't know them yet, you should >>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg6SK3fGLvo


3. Full or edited
Contrary to popular beliefs, you DON'T have to upload full let's plays in order to be big on youtube. By editing smaller clips, you don't lose viewer's interest and can add greater comedic value to an otherwise boring gameplay. Here are notable examples: Achievement hunter let's plays, choleraninja, and seananners. However, most of them play multiplayer games because they are not bogged down by narration and the inevitable end of a singleplayer game.

And a final word of advice: Stop thinking like a gamer and start thinking like an entertainer. It's okay to overreact, hell that's what pewdie and toby base their whole videos on. Don't worry tho, you don't have to be crazy and dyslexic to be popular. It's all about finding your shtick and it may take months before you finally do.

So that's it, i suppose... Don't get discouraged tho, look at all the popular let's players and you'll see that.. their early videos suck. You don't get fame overnight unless you sell your sex tape and build a reality show empire from there.

Good luck have fun.

 

[luc0s]

Ahh.. an aspiring youtube let's player... let me encourage or discourage you

First of all, IT'S TOUGH AS BALLS to start anything on youtube if you don't already have a fanbase

Oh my god, what a great reply you gave here ATC! Let me start by saying: HOLY SHIT, I feel so honored that your FIRST POST is on my thread in order to give me advice. That's something.

I understand that becoming popular on YouTube is becoming harder by the minute. Especially since YouTube changed their website and now tries to shove down their most successful partners down your throat (wherever you look, you'll always see PewdiePie everywhere, I'm honestly getting sick and tired of that guy).

Let's see what you have for me in terms of advice and see what I can do with it:

1. Old or new?

when you're playing new games, you are competing with all the big names out there and it's almost impossible to get your videos out. These people (totalbiscuit, omfgcata, achievement hunter, to name a few) have EARLY COPIES of the game to make sure they get their videos out by the time you just bought the game. Your videos will be at page 5 or so at this point and NOBODY will notice it, which sucks

With retro games, you have a bit of leeway. Some people will want to watch old video games that they grew up with in the 80's or 90's like heroes of might and magic, pokemanz, and command & conquer. But remember that this is a niche, meaning the amount of views won't be as much, but competition is a lot less fierce.

This is what I figured, which is why I mainly focus on replaying games of my childhood, such as Pokemon and Zelda, and upload that shit to YouTube. Hopefully I'll get a bunch of people who share my sentiments on these games as a small but solid fanbase.

2. Solo or multiplayer
I'm not talking about the games (although the choice between esports and singleplayer is a big one). You have to consider about fatigue as a solo commentator. IF you have a great buddy or best friends who live near you and love to play video games together, DO IT. Couch gaming and dual commentaries when done right, will blow even pewdiepie out of the water (quality wise, not view count wise).

This is also something I already figured out by myself, but still great to hear a confirmation.

I wanted to start a channel specifically aimed at co-op gaming with my brother, but it went less awesome as I hoped it would. It seems my brother and I have good synergy when it comes t playing games together, but less so when it comes to making entertainment together. I still want to do co-op gaming, but I'm not sure whether my brother is the best partner for me.

I'm currently trying a co-op playthrough again, this time it's a Pokemon Versus playthrough with my cousin. We're having a race to see who can beat Pokemon Red & Blue the fastest under a certain set of rules. I feel I have more synergy with my cousin, but we still have a long way to go before we can call ourselves real entertainers.

3. Full or edited
Contrary to popular beliefs, you DON'T have to upload full let's plays in order to be big on youtube. By editing smaller clips, you don't lose viewer's interest and can add greater comedic value to an otherwise boring gameplay.

This is good advice which I certainly will take in consideration! Thank you so much!

 

[RSIK_4]

I would love to watch pokemon videos on youtube...bcoz I m big fan of pokemon

 

[luc0s]

I would love to watch pokemon videos on youtube...bcoz I m big fan of pokemon

Then start by watching mine!

Here is the playlist of my Pokemon Red versus Blue playthrough.

 

[AserPik]

Perhaps a playthrough of Spyro the Dragon (original)........
Great game.

Id be a big fan of a 'Jak and Daxter' series playthrough and if you could find it, 'champions of Norrath'.

BUT MOST OF ALL: Croc Legend of the Gobos.
I think it may have been the first ever game on PS1 (Correct me if I'm wrong)

 

[atc.710]

I feel so honored that your FIRST POST is on my thread in order to give me advice. That's something.

Have you heard about doing it 'witcher and striga style'? />

I'm currently trying a co-op playthrough again, this time it's a Pokemon Versus playthrough with my cousin. We're having a race to see who can beat Pokemon Red & Blue the fastest under a certain set of rules. I feel I have more synergy with my cousin, but we still have a long way to go before we can call ourselves real entertainers.

Look at matt, pat, and woolie
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSw1tcher

they mainly focus on making edited 30 minute versus videos on fighting games

You can learn alot from them />

 

[volsung]

2) I tried to be funny with my Mass Effect playthrough so far. You could check it out and tell me if you think my sense of humor has potential, or not (I don't mind if you think my humor sucks, I can handle any kind of fair feedback). The best Mass Effect episode I made so far is the latest one, here:

Haven't seen the video yet, but what you said is precisely the problem. You don't *try* to be something. You *are* something. Conan for example is a comedian and makes an ass of himself playing videogames in the cleverest and most hilarious way possible. But he is a natural, and clever is the operative word. Well usually. But humour is just one facet. Maybe you are gifted with words and insight, and you can point out things that nobody else would have noticed otherwise. Or draw connections. But don't make it into a video game version of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Actually, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea... but only if you review that Manos: The Hands of Fate game

I'll watch the vid and comment on it but just try to bring out the best of your features. Anyone can play a game and record himself but if you want to stand out don't just say something; say something worth hearing. This applies to pretty much everything.

Edit: OK I watched the first few minutes. Luc0s, you should find a different approach to your vids Find something unique.

 

[Pangaea666]

I watched it too, and although there is the odd funny comment, I was just reminded about how frustrating it was to not be able to skip those comments/quasi cutscenes when I've heard them many times before. It's not easy to make something unique and interesting, and get noticed in such a competitive field, but that is the challenge that must be overcome for people who want to make it big on YouTube.

Have not heard about any of these guys you talk about except Totalbiscuit, but I looked up that Pewder chap, and that was just facepalm stuff to me. If I sit down to watch games stuff on YouTube, I want something more serious than that. For example, when I wanted to see what Dwarf Fortress was about, I found some Dutch chap with a great series about it, and I liked that. I'm mostly not watching YouTube for entertainment, but for insight.

 

[luc0s]

Here is an idea that I just made up that I might like doing and that might be something unique or at least worth doing:

So in the other thread about software piracy, we talked about video-game demos, or the lack thereof these days. A lot of people would like to try a demo before they buy a game, but there aren't many demos these days. So I was thinking:

What if I show demo videos of the games I buy or try? I'm not talking about straight-forward gameplay or playthrough videos, but actual demo videos where I try out all the mechanics of the game and deliberately try to break the game to put the game to the test. Then, after not just playing, but actually testing the game for at least 3 hours or more, I'll cut it back to a video of 20 minutes, in which I'll show my findings. I'll show all the pro's and con's I found, I'll show all the bugs and awesome features I found and at the very end of it all I'll give my personal verdict of the game and whether I think it's worth buying or not.


Does this sound like a good idea? It certainly sounds like something that would be very fun to do, but would it also be fun to watch?


EDIT: I might add that I actually have experience with the professional play-testing of video-games (which were still in development). As a game-development student I've had to test video-games and write reports on them on a regular basis as part of my educational course. It's sometimes tedious, but it can also be really fun. It's mostly fun when the game we have to test is either really awesome, or really terrible.