Benefits of Including Let's Play Recordings in Close Readings of Digital Game Texts

Abstract

Katarzyna Marak's chapter focuses on the manner in which performative play-paratextual Let's Play videos-can contribute to a better understanding of digital games in scholarly research and attempts at close reading of the given game text. Using selected examples, the paper demonstrates how a scholar, using Let's Plays, can expand their knowledge concerning possible gameplay experiences of other players, as well as explore the relevant cultural and linguistic limitations of the analyzed game.

The problematic space between art, ambition, and gameplay: The Medium and the issues concerning difficult subject matter and gameplay in games

“…Additionally, the close reading has been complemented with data gathered from letsplays of the game examined in the process of researching this article. The inclusion of diverse recordings of the performative experience of playing the game has allowed for the inclusion and exploration of the personal gameplay experience of other players and, therefore, a more comprehensive analysis (Marak 2021). The purpose of the resulting analysis is the identification and overview of problems stemming from the necessity of translating a complex story into a satisfying gameplay experience.…”