I listen to or watch quite a few podcasts and streams related to gaming. For the most part it is where my gaming news comes from and my window to games that I may not have picked up, or maybe even heard of. Frequently viewers want advice on how they can get started doing this sort of thing. Playing video games and making money. Part of me wants to say this is unique to this Youtuber/Streamer fanbase. But ask a morning DJ and they'll tell you how often people tell them that all their friends say they have a great voice for radio. Or turn on American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance to see the army of minimally talented individuals who believe they have a shot.
I've fallen for it myself. I glance around and I have a magnificent web cam that points at a great angle showing off my gaming swag. I had one of those Yeti USB mics at the top of my Christmas list this year. I have this blog that I keep telling myself I am going to stay regular on. Looking deeper...this Aeron chair isn't for broadcasting, it's for marathon gaming sessions. These AS400's are not for hosting radio shows, they are for sound immersion without disturbing my girlfriend. This blog goes weeks without updates because I'd rather be playing games than typing about them.
The reality is that I am a consumer and that's ok. In fact, that's great! There is much less stress watching a brilliantly produced Youtube series than there is thinking one up and executing it.
I found gamebreaker.tv while looking for scraps of info on Star Wars the Old Republic a year and half ago. It was among a half dozen podcasts I listened to in the lead up to that game. The build up, launch and collapse of my interest in that game has left me with a network of casters and content producers who I relate to, who's interests vary and extend beyond mine. It's a great way to experience games that I would otherwise overlook. Trials and Day Z are great examples. These are games I will never play. But watching other people play them is amazingly entertaining.
Thank you to all the serious Streamers and Youtubers out there. Us consumers appreciate the hard work that goes into what you do. I have no interest in taking over one of your shows, but if you ever want to play a game sometime, give me a shout. I am quite bad at most genres.
