I can see both sides of the game-centered/commentator-centered arguement, but it really depends on the person and the game. For example I enjoy a LPer who used to go to SA but now primarily is on youtube called Raocow even though he usualy only plays Super Mario World hacks, because he is hilarious. Then again, I am very active in the Super Mario World hacking community so that part doesn't turn me off too much either.
Also I have to say the thing I notice about LPs is, some games you see someone play and I think "dude, I just HAVE to play this!" and some games, even good ones, just watching is really all the experience I feel I will ever need. Mostly sandbox and more simulation-style style games, or ones with interesting gameplay are the former, and very story heavy games and RPGs are the later.
And I have to wonder, is it really a good idea to make a game primarily as a way of telling a story? Is there really a difference between watching and playing in most of these games? Even when the game play enforces the story in some way, does it matter if you play it or watch someone play it?
Also I have to say the thing I notice about LPs is, some games you see someone play and I think "dude, I just HAVE to play this!" and some games, even good ones, just watching is really all the experience I feel I will ever need. Mostly sandbox and more simulation-style style games, or ones with interesting gameplay are the former, and very story heavy games and RPGs are the later.
And I have to wonder, is it really a good idea to make a game primarily as a way of telling a story? Is there really a difference between watching and playing in most of these games? Even when the game play enforces the story in some way, does it matter if you play it or watch someone play it?
