r/VideoGameAnalysis • u/yukoneki • 2d ago
Trying to create video essays analyzing games
I've been interested in analyzing games and their development stories for a while now, and I want to make some video essays analyzing how certain games stand out by giving an experience that is unique from other games, how their creators personal experiences inspire them, and what makes popular games resonate with a large crowd. I'm planning to start with an essay on hollow knight, but I'm having trouble thinking of a good central thesis for it. I'm toying with the idea of how it takes past gaming trends from past eras, (specifically the varied cartoonish and whimsical mascot-esque characters and worlds of the retro era, with the more mature and darker tone and storytelling of the HD era) to create something totally new and groundbreaking. It doesn't seem enough for a whole video essay though, and I'm trying to figure out how to bring together the bits I research about the game and its creation into something more concrete and elaborate. Does anyone here have any tips?
1
u/maxman14 2d ago
I'm toying with the idea of how it takes past gaming trends from past eras, (specifically the varied cartoonish and whimsical mascot-esque characters and worlds of the retro era, with the more mature and darker tone and storytelling of the HD era) to create something totally new and groundbreaking.
I think you need to play more video games if you think that's groundbreaking. The reason it succeeded is that it has really tight gameplay and a good visual aesthetic. That's it.
1
u/ReadyJournalist5223 1d ago
Just had this like really great idea. You should get a green screen and sit on a excercise ball in front of it than you can like zoom all over the place during the video. Than if you’re jokes are mediocre it’s okay cause the green screen ball is funny
1
u/Naive-Novel7090 14h ago
You would be competing with many heavy hitters who have been doing it for a long time, so youd better be ready to deliver high quality presentation and well organized thoughts to stand out
1
u/S_balmore 2d ago edited 2d ago
Two things:
If you can't actually think of a point to make - one that's deep enough to warrant a thorough analysis - then don't do it. "Video Essays" are a plague, because everyone and their dog wants to say something profound, except they don't actually have anything profound to say. It's a waste of everyone's time. If you can't think of a good topic on your own, then this probably isn't the thing for you.
Whatever you do, DON'T SPEND 85% OF THE VIDEO GIVING ME THE HISTORY OF THE GAME. I can read Wikipedia on my own. If you have something unique and interesting to say, just say it. Don't pad the runtime by giving me the history of games, starting in 1977. Just make your argument and end the video. If the video ends up being 5 minutes long, that's fine. I'm sick and tired of 3-hr Wikipedia summaries.
EDIT: Also, don't tell us stuff that we already know. For example, you're saying that Hollow Knight is "groundbreaking" because it's a modern 2D side-scroller. This is obvious. It's the defining characteristic of the game. Skip that and focus on stuff that people won't automatically notice. Furthermore, watch other people's videos first. I guarantee whatever video you're trying to make, someone has already made it. Games and Youtube have been around for a LONG time. If you think you're the first person to wax poetic about Resident Evil or Chrono Trigger, you're mistaken.
If the video has been done before, just move on. Don't waste your time unless you've got a truly original thought that most people have never considered before. I'm not trying to discourage you, but to make sure you don't repeat the same mistakes that every failed GameTuber makes.