Playing alone compared to playing with others or streaming

I was playing Silent Hill 2 Remake last night. The game is scary and involves a lot of puzzle-solving, and it does not involve as much action as the Resident Evil games. A friend was watching me play another game earlier, Battlefield V, which is a multiplayer online FPS shooter. The friend continued watching me play when I switched games and started to play Silent Hill 2. Now I have streamed before, so streaming games is not a new experience for me. But screensharing for a single person is something new to me. What I noticed playing Silent Hill 2, while I was sharing the screen with a friend, is that the game felt considerably less scary and intense as opposed to playing it alone without streaming or sharing gameplay screen. Which then reminded me of how I used to play along with my brother, and how it was more fun playing the games that way. I often would advise my brother on what and how to do better, and he would often feel it annoying. But it was always a fun experience playing with the family; we used to be a tag team in tennis games.

Personally, it was very rare for me to have played with other relatives or friends but playing with my brother was the norm, and it was always a fun experience except when were fighting against each other in a fighting game. Both of us would get frustrated or feel petty upon losing battles. I have always preferred co-op modes as opposed to vs modes in all games, including the various multiplayer games. Anyway, I have realized that it is a much better gaming experience when playing with others. Though I can play even multiplayer FPS shooters alone without needing any teammates, playing with others is an overall better experience when not using any form of communication with the team members. Streaming can be a fun aspect, regardless of the number of viewers, especially when the viewers can encourage you or provide regular help as you play along. Screen sharing with friends is also similar, but a much more casual and personal experience. Below are the benefits of sharing the game screen with friends:-

• There are no thoughts of being judged or criticized. Generally, no pressure whatsoever.

• Games will feel far less intense or challenging, or scary, as applicable, depending on the type of games.

• It feels better when someone is watching and appreciating your gameplay and your skills.

Playing with family has even more positive effects, such as:-

• Enjoying what you play with your loved ones. It is naturally just more fun being in the company of family members as well.

• You get to share what you like with other family members, and to see if they appreciate it as well.

• You can encourage each other and potentially learn to get better as you play together. Of course, this would not apply in a vs mode, especially in a fighting game.

  
  

There are games with local co-op modes, and games are generally more fun when played in the company of others. In general, there are more benefits to playing video games with others. So it is better compared to playing alone compared to playing with others or streaming.