Gaming With an Audience

When I play games at home, I often find myself playing on Twitch.  I don't view it as a big production or a way to generate money per say (I do try and support charities).  No, I view it as another way to make friends, hang out with others, have a fun time, just like when I was a kid.  When I'm playing games like Dragon Age for example; I'll look towards the people watching for guidance, help, or just to joke around with.  In this way, even a "single player" game can become multiplayer.  It's a way for both the player and the watcher to affect the outcome of the game.

Now I'm just a baby in this compared to other streamers.  I only stream on my Xbox One (as I can't afford a PC rig to stream on right now), I pretty much only stream over the weekends, and streaming through my Xbox doesn't allow me to get fancy with all the UI bells and whistles PC gamers can.  I have an old Apple laptop that I place in front of me to read the chat lobby, and that's pretty much it.  Through the laptop I can talk/chat with my watchers.  But no green screen, no chat projected over my stream, no crazy sounds or news ticker for people who donated to a charity, etc.  I have to admit, I kind of prefer it that way.  Keeping it simple allows me to focus on the people hanging out with me, and the game I'm playing.  Not to speak out against others who do all of this, it's just my preference right now.

We're still in a day and age where certain generations find it odd that people like to watch others play video games. To be honest, I don't understand the disconnect.  What about sports?  Basketball, baseball, football, what are you doing when you watch those games?  Say your favorite sport is Football.  When's the last time you could talk to your favorite quarterback about what play he's about to execute?  Unless you ran onto the field, tackled him, and waved awkwardly, he probably doesn't know you even exist.
Now would I consider what I do as a "sport."  Hmm, probably not.  I know it's been debated, and that's not the point of this journal.  But what I am trying to show, is that it isn't that big of a leap when you think about it.  Being able to game through Twitch allows you to connect to others that goes past your favorite sport.  So whether it's connecting with friends, or watching a tournament, I think these two areas are very close to each other.

I have to say it's been very rewarding and a lot of fun.  I've been blessed with the friends I've made, and the people who have helped spread the word about me.  A guy named Tasi has even gone so far as to host my stream from time to time.  Which introduces me to his watchers as I play.  For a big extrovert such as myself, it's a good feeling to know people want to hang out and watch my silly Irish face.
So what about you guys?  Do you stream at all?  Watch "Let's Play's" on Youtube or Twitch?  What are your thoughts on how games are changing socially?