In modern times, watching others stream video games on sites like Twitch has become an engaging and relaxing past time for many. While games as a medium are certainly designed to be played, experiencing a game with someone else's opinions, thoughts, and humor can be an equally exciting experience. To some extent, such streaming has helped games to further expand to a more mainstream audience. Overall, the prospect of video game streaming on Twitch bares a positive outcome for all parties involved.
While streaming on Twitch has expanded gaming's influence as a medium, with the unfortunate spread of coronavirus around the world, gamers are opting to stay home when possible. Due to this, Twitch is getting even more views than they have in the past. Recently, simulator-style games particularly have done incredibly well on the platform. Games such as Animal Crossing, The Sims, and VrChat have gained a loyal and consistent viewer base. Why exactly have these games particularly garnered so much attention as of recent?
With the recent worldwide coronavirus pandemic, many people's lives have been affected. Staying indoors most of the day is often the most healthy option and contact with the outside world is limited. Of course, all of this is done to stay safe and healthy. Nonetheless, this isolation can be a bit mentally distressing for some people. Ideally, this is where simulation games jump into the picture. Through watching simulator-style games, spectators can watch others be social, go out and shop, and do seemingly mundane things. While normally, nothing about this is particularly exciting, it could help some people to calm down and relax.
Why Simulation Games Are Huge On Twitch
In addition to the comforting mechanics of such games, the interaction that a streamer provides with their audience can also be a good time for everyone involved. Socialization is very important, and although it cannot be done in the traditional sense, watching and interacting with a streamer could alleviate some stress as well.
Simulator games are an interesting genre to break down because at their core, they cannot be "beaten." The streamer often has to set goals of what "beating the game" actually means to them. Due to this, they can play simulation games for however long they please and work toward any goal they want. This also makes watching streamers a very personable experience. Simulation games like Farming Simulator are intriguing due to the freedom they provide in-game as well, which can set up some truly wacky and entertaining scenarios. The goals of the game are all up to the streamer and the audience, making watching some Twitch streams (with a talented host) feel more like playing through a game with an old friend than simply watching something on television.
With simulator-style games, it feels as if the possibilities for entertainment for both the streamer and the audience are unlimited. As time passes, Twitch content may shift more toward this style of game, as these streams are easy to digest and very entertaining. Simulation games have already gotten very popular over the years and they most likely will continue to grow as Twitch develops.