What is the Difference Between Let’s Play vs Walkthrough

Let’s Play vs Walkthrough is the most popular format on YouTube in gaming space. Another one is live streaming on the platform as well. I am not going to talk about live steam on YouTube in this blog. There is a small streamer issues post I did already. Anyways, Let’s Play is basally, a user talk during gameplay using their commentary or not to interact with viewers. Some YouTube uses her face or faceless depending on their content preferences. In the beginning of the video, a content creator will introduce themselves and use call to action like “push that notification button” or “subscribe to my channel for more”. During gameplay, they will show their personality. It also based on their editing skills as well like zoom-ins, clips from different movies and how to keep them entertained. Let’s Play can allow users to developed marketing skills as well.

Depending on your channel size because larger or small video game developers will reach out to you. Let’s Players can promote and encourage viewers to buy the game. They can tell viewers how the game is in terms of gameplay, re-playability and if it’s worth to buy. Some game developers don’t want Let’s Players to spoil the game and abide by certain contact. If viewer don’t want spoilers, they can buy the game on their own or log-off up social media. But if you want video game spoilers view at your own risk. I know there is a argue about “Let’s Play channels is dying”, well it depends on the viewers choice to watch. Gaming niche is very saturated on YouTube and there is millions of content creators on platform. Also, it’s a very competitive community on YouTube because they want to be next JazzyGuns and Markiplier. I am not saying to copy them but put your own spin on your videos.

Walkthrough

Walkthrough is very similar to Let’s Plays but more of a guide. How to is in the same category with walkthroughs. This format does have commentary with content creator teaching you how to do certain things in game. For example, how to beat a certain boss and complete a level on any difficulty. How about getting special weapons or grinding to a certain level? Does that count as a walkthrough? The answer is yes, walkthroughs help viewers who have problems in the game. Myself, I use walkthrough of games like Accel World vs Sword Art Online because I was stuck at a certain level in game. Walkthoughs often solve problems for players who are stuck like myself. I remember strategy guides that will help players in the 90s. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time being stuck in Great Deku Tree went I rent from Blockbuster back in 1990s.

Nowadays, you don’t need them anymore because we are living in digital age. We got YouTube to help gamers alike. I don’t know anybody use GameFaqs anymore because gaming has changes throughout the years. I don’t know walkthrough is still relevant today as in past years. Mostly, larger content creators take up the genre than a small one. My advice is that “If you are willing to help a gamer solve a problem than it doesn’t matter if you’re small or large creator”. “Helping others don’t cost a thing and you never know who might come you for advice”. That’s my motto because there is nothing wrong with helping people complete a game. Walkthroughs can inspire others to upload one in the future. Whether you are trying to get 100 stars in Super Mario 64 or finding familiars in Ni No Kuni Wrath of the White Witch.

Thoughts on Let’s Play vs Walkthrough

I don’t think Let’s Plays and Walkthrough are not boring nor dying anytime soon. I have a let’s play video from one of my channels. Understandable that people want to enjoy the game themselves and don’t want to watch other play it. I am used to playing alone but want to share it with the whole world. There is negative comments and dislikes on my videos, but I don’t care. On one side, you can use shorts as well to promote your Let’s Play channel. What about walkthrough shorts? Yes you can chop it up into little pieces and convert it to 59 sec video. Post it on your socials like Instagram, Twitter and many more. Don’t do it too much because your followers will think its spam and unfollow you or get annoyed. Let’s Play and Walkthrough is narration at its finest and it could tell a story as well.

I hope you appreciate Let’s Play and Walkthrough more and people don’t like it because they got short attention span. Some argue that “why I want to sit and watch 20+ mins of person playing a game that I can enjoy myself”. That’s a valid argument but others want to see content creators who fun and brighten their day. I am hoping more small creators like myself get a audience on these Let’s Play or Walkthroughs. What are your thoughts on this topic? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading this article and I hope you tune in for more.