How to Watch a Video Game

It’s easy to assume that World Television Day is a frivolous hashtag, but the UN has chosen to highlight it today because it “represents a symbol for communication and globalization in the contemporary world.” In today’s landscape, we’re able to use more than one type of screen to consume this type of communication. From personal devices to computer screens, the concept of television has expanded.

One of the latest players to enter the television sphere is video games, which can't come to life without a screen. Playing a video game puts you in control, but television opens more doors by allowing you to partake as an audience member. Variety is the spice of life, and adding live streams, scripted shows, and creator content are all welcome viewing additions to the world of video games. With all these new ways to watch video games unfold, today we’re taking a look at some of our favorites.

In the past few years, we’ve seen a boom in television series based on or inspired by video games. Some games, like The Witcher series, are already based on books which have also been adapted into a series on Netflix. Others don’t follow a narrative at all but use the game’s environment as a setting, like Arcane, which takes place in the League of Legends universe. However, some games were created as a narrative experience, following the same structure as a book, television series, or film. One notable example is The Last of Us, released on HBO Max in 2022. The critically acclaimed game is known for its story, as well as the gameplay.

People who hadn’t played this particular game – or any game – got to experience Joel and Ellie’s heartbreaking journey together with deep-rooted fans. Bringing video games to a wider audience is a wonderful way to share our interests and establish connections. The more common ground we find, the easier it is to communicate. But most importantly – is it time for Season 2 yet?

Sports might not seem like a form of communication at a glance, but zoom out, and you’ll see scores of fans getting together to watch, root, and discuss games. A lot of the time, that happens in front of a screen. The rise of Esports has invited gamers into the arena, adding even more thrills and chills to an already competitive medium. Esports is believed to date back to the 1970s but skyrocketed in popularity when streamed media was introduced. Reports show that the industry will be worth a projected $1.9bn by 2025, securing its place in the world of sports.

Since gaming will always happen digitally, this makes streaming tournaments a seamless experience for the audience. In 2022, viewer numbers reached over 500 billion, and trends show that the demand to watch professional gamers compete in massive arenas is on the rise, especially when the audience watching from home all have a front-row seat to the action.

While participation broadcast television can often feel inaccessible to most, video game streams are open to everyone. Thanks to streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch, we can watch countless games unfold. The gaming community is filled with content creators who share their passion for games by live streaming, modding, reviews, and deep diving. One of the first professional streamers, PewDiePie, started out by sharing Let’s Play videos from his home in Gothenburg before becoming a global sensation. It was only this year that MrBeast took over as the most subscribed streamer on the platform.

In 2020, YouTube alone reported that audiences spent over 100 billion hours watching gaming content. Those streams and videos were created by all kinds of creators, both professionals and amateurs. Breaking into any industry is tricky, and streaming has leveled both the video game and media playing fields. The more doors we have, the more people from different walks of life can pass through them.

We live in a world with more options and opportunities to communicate than ever. Video games are just one of them, but what makes them so special is that they put you front and center, even if you’re watching someone else play. Just like how some films, books, or works of art require the audience to dig to unearth the deeper meaning, video games are a layered medium meant to entertain, provoke, comment, and enlighten. The more we take part in one another’s stories, the more we understand them. Keeping our ears, eyes, and minds open is the least we can do, especially when there are screens everywhere you look.

You can read more about video games on our website, including how they can impact our mental health.