Let's Play

The format dates back to forum posts with screenshots and grew into one of the largest categories on YouTube and Twitch. A Let's Play runs long, follows the game in order, and lives or dies on the commentary, since the footage itself is available from thousands of other channels. That is what separates it from a tutorial, a review or a speedrun. Two practical notes. Publishers generally permit and encourage this, though some restrict story-heavy titles during a launch window, so check before you record. And a long playthrough packages badly, which is why most channels cut highlights out of it as well.