Why Live Gaming Remains a Big Hit

Live gaming entails one person or more playing a video game, recording it as they do, and then broadcasting the footage online.

02:36 09 November 2023

Live gaming entails one person or more playing a video game, recording it as they do, and then broadcasting the footage online in real time to a live audience via platforms such as Youtube and Twitch.

In doing so, the audience can watch and engage by writing to the player and other audience members about what's happening in the game, any tips they have, words of encouragement, and general banter.

Be it testing out new games, sticking within a preferred gaming genre, or playing games they may have professional experience in. Numerous gamers online have developed their channels on Twitch and YouTube to show them playing games in one capacity or another.

Statista reveals that live game streaming marketing is forecast to make $11.69bn this year, with a phenomenal 1.65bn users expected to join by 2027.

The predictions are undeniably promising for the world of live gaming, and here's more about why its popularity continues to flourish.

Suspense

In live gaming, anything could happen;

• The player could obliterate an obstacle course on the first try
• Experience an unknown glitch in a game never seen before
• The streamer could fall off their chair
• or they could win a life-changing sum of money!

Those who don't tune in to watch may experience FOMO, which fuels a fan's passion to engage with the streaming channels they love as much as possible.

Because, while watching back highlights is good, it’s not the same as actually witnessing someone achieve an incredible win on live roulette, or a gamer saying something non pc.

Connection

Thought you were alone in the world playing the Sims, Binding of Isaac, or Goat Simulator? Think again.

Live gaming demolishes the idea that we’re all just lonely gamers with obscure interests and no friends, because streaming channels have a large following, playing random games just like you.

Moreover, many fans make friends directly with small and sometimes big-time streamers. And, they can converse with people in the chat who are there for the same thing, to engage in watching a great game unfold, to gather tips, or to have a laugh.

Entertainment

The entertainment factor is a big component that keeps swarms of people heading over to see their favourite streamer.

There are so many different characters to watch, and a lot have hilarious jokes, experiences, and retorts to fans. That alongside watching them play the game they love, makes one big enjoyable show for the viewer.

Multi-Task

If you can find entertaining things to do alongside the demanding, dull stuff in life - then you’re marginally winning.

From podcasts to live gaming, these are the perfect mediums to keep your serotonin and morale high while engaging in other need-to-do tasks.

Unlike having to solve crossword puzzles, or make a new chess move, watching and or listening to live gaming is effortless.

And now and then if you feel like chiming in with a comment or gif, it’s possible to do without exerting too much mental or physical energy.

Aspiring Streamer

It’s no secret that successful streamers make a killing from what they do. For those interested it's around $3,000 to $5,000 a month.

Streamers make a living from paid subscriptions, advertising products, and sponsorships.

To the avid gamer, who can’t find any other passion in the world that resonates as much with them as video games, becoming a live streamer is ultimately their dream career.

Which for a portion of the audience is one of the main reasons they enjoy watching other streamers' channels.

In doing so, they can gain insight into life as a streamer and keep watching until they pluck up enough courage to begin a channel themselves.

Variety

While there are some hot gaming genres people are more drawn to than others, such as

League of Legends and Fortnite, these aren't the only games available to watch for people to watch.

With a plethora of streaming personalities online, there are people playing everything from Amnesia to retro games.

As such, there's something for all gaming lovers to watch at will should they choose to.

In conclusion, whether it's dreams of becoming a streamer one day, the need for connection in a community that enjoys niche games, or the suspense of waiting for something exciting to happen. There are many reasons why live gaming is a big hit and continues to attract more people to watch.

So, while you may have thought when your friend was done with the controller, it was your turn to play, apparently playing is only part of the fun of gaming, and watching can be just as thrilling.