This study explores the phenomenon of video game spectatorship from the perspective of a population I refer to as “just watchers.” Previous studies have tended to focus on game spectatorship from turn-taking “non-players” or live-streaming audiences, specifically. “Just watchers” are individuals who express no desire to play video games themselves, yet are avid spectators of others’ video game play, both virtually and in-person. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 27 participants, this study explores their motivations for gaming spectatorship, as well as their aversion to playing games themselves. Findings suggest the “work” of playing games, lack of skill, access to games, and toxic online communities are deterrents to playing games. Participants expressed that games spectatorship offers them narrative engagement that is distinct from traditional media, and that despite “just watching,” they tend to consider themselves as part of gaming culture.

这项研究从我称为“公正观察者”的人群的角度探讨了视频游戏观众现象。先前的研究倾向于将重点放在来自轮流选择的“非玩家”或直播观众的游戏观看上。“仅观看者”是指自己不希望自己玩视频游戏，却是虚拟和亲身观看他人视频游戏的狂热观众。本研究以对27位参与者的半结构化访谈为基础，探讨了他们进行游戏观看的动机以及他们对玩游戏本身的厌恶情绪。研究结果表明，玩游戏的“工作”，缺乏技能，无法使用游戏以及有毒的在线社区阻碍了玩游戏。