Are "Lets Play" Videos Art?

A question no one asked but I'm answering anyway.

One of the dominate forms of entertainment to come out of YouTube this decade is the “Let’s Play”, where one or a group of people plays a videogame while offering commentary, small talk or humorous readings of the spoken lines. These video series have for a small number of talents become a serious source of income, even fame. This has raised heckles in many sectors, such as the famous South Park episode guest starring Pewdepie making fun of commentators commenting as a source of entertainment. Some have even suggested it’s unethical to make money just by putting up videos of someone else’s work and commenting on them.

So the question is: can let plays be considered art? Are they separate works from the games they are based? The answer is yes, sometimes. 

I won’t argue they aren’t derivative; in fact they are exactly that. At their height they are a combination of commentary and parody—an improv performance which can both teach you about videogames and make you laugh. There is a real joy in watching two funny guys play through one of your favorite games, or alternatively suffer through a real bad game which no one should play, or even play a decent game that you are unlikely to ever bother playing yourself. 

It should be noted for the sake of distinguishing a play through as art that the experience of watching a game with commentary is qualitatively different than playing it yourself. It is a lesser experience but there is a thrill to seeing people enjoy the games you love while making jokes about them.

Art builds on what comes before, it is naturally derivative. Especially in this age of user generated content and self-starting creators we should not be quick to dismiss those who liberally use fair use on first glance. At its best a let’s play is a type of performance art, the quality of which depends greatly on the performers. I at least, am glad it exists. 

-Gedaemon