mvayaskWhat do you call a person who is fond of video games but doesn’t actually play them? This might seem a bit strange, but let’s have a chat. In the realm of sports, it’s quite normal for people to like a particular thing without actually engaging in it. Take basketball, for instance. We have professional basketball players who are at the top of their game, casual basketball players who enjoy the sport casually, and basketball fans who either attend games or watch them from the sidelines. So, it stands to reason that in the case of video games, there are:
- Professional esports players who are highly skilled and dedicated to the competitive aspect of video games
- Gamers who immerse themselves in the gaming experience, playing various games for enjoyment
- And then there are those who are simply games fans, who might be interested in the games but don’t necessarily play them actively. They might watch others play, follow the gaming scene, or be passionate about the culture surrounding video games
However, that last one doesn’t quite roll off the tongue the way “basketball fan” does. I’ve never really heard someone refer to themselves as a “games fan” in a common or natural way. But you could definitely hear someone say “Oh, I’m a basketball fan!” or “I like basketball!” and not immediately assume that they are a skilled player on the court. The way people express their fandom in the context of video games is still somewhat ambiguous and up for debate.
That being said, doesn’t everyone who likes video games actually play the games? Well, not necessarily. Maybe that was the case in the early days of video games when they were relatively new and less accessible, but these days, there are plenty of people who simply enjoy watching others play video games. Millions of people around the world tune in to watch other gamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube every day. In fact, last year saw the most watched esports event of all time – the 2023 League of Legends World Championships, which peaked at an astonishing 6.4 million viewers.
Both video games and sports are designed to be experienced and enjoyed in different ways. While both can offer thrilling gameplay and intense competition for those who actively participate, they also have the appeal of being enjoyable for spectators. The spectacle of professional athletes in action or the skillful play of esports teams can captivate the audience, even if they don’t have the opportunity to step onto the court or into the virtual gaming arena themselves. And with the rise of live streaming and social media, the gaming community has become more interconnected and accessible than ever before, allowing even those who don’t play to be a part of the excitement.
In this video, Christina Gayton delves into what makes watching video games such a captivating experience, how the phenomenon of mirror neurons plays a role in our spectating enjoyment, and what the most appropriate term might be for these “game fans”. She explores the various aspects that contribute to the allure of watching others play, from the technical skill and strategy on display to the social interaction and community that surrounds the gaming world. It’s a fascinating exploration of a growing trend in the gaming landscape and the different ways in which people can engage with video games, whether it’s through playing or simply observing.
