Home

playthroughs

A playthrough is a recording or written account of playing a video game or other interactive media, typically detailing the player’s progression from start to finish. Playthroughs may include commentary, narration, reactions, and analysis, and can emphasize storytelling, puzzle solving, exploration, or performance. They differ from standalone reviews by focusing on the experience of playing rather than evaluating the game at a distance.

Common formats include video playthroughs and livestreams, often branded as “Let's Plays,” as well as written

Purposes of playthroughs include entertainment, guidance for other players, documentation of game content, and the creation

Playthroughs are distinct from traditional walkthroughs or guides, which aim to provide step-by-step instructions. They also

walkthroughs
or
diaries.
Some
playthroughs
are
unedited,
while
others
are
edited
for
pacing,
humor,
or
clarity.
Additional
varieties
include
blind
playthroughs
(first-time
experiences),
nostalgia
runs,
challenge
runs
with
self-imposed
restrictions,
and
glitch
or
speed-focused
demonstrations.
of
community
discussion
around
choices,
endings,
and
hidden
content.
They
frequently
incorporate
spoiler
warnings,
viewer
interaction,
and
timestamped
highlights.
Platforms
such
as
YouTube
and
livestream
services
enable
monetization
and
community
feedback,
while
forums
and
wikis
host
transcripts,
summaries,
and
fan
analysis.
differ
from
speedruns,
which
prioritize
timing
rather
than
narrative
experience.
As
participatory
media,
playthroughs
contribute
to
fan
culture,
discourse
around
game
design,
and
collective
memory
of
games.