The foundations of Let’s Play : Live action representation of video games in television and online 1975-2018

Abstract

In this article, I look at television shows based on video games in comparison to modern Let’s Play –videos. The paper draws a timeline from the earliest shows to modern days and discusses the evolution of video games representation throughout the years. For the study, I gathered a global dataset of old television programs about the subject and categorized the findings. When comparing the narrative and representation of the television shows with Let’s Plays, the study suggests that even though there are some similar elements between the two, they are still cultural products of their own. As Let’s Plays are more narrative products than the television shows, they are a phenomenon of their own. The study shows that the television shows contribute moreto the cultural activity and legacy of watching other people play.