YouTuber Let's Plays: EXCLAMATION!

As people are drifting away from the structured, and occasionally predictable, outlines of television, many of us find the entertainment we seek online. As Let's Players grow in popularity, a somewhat personalized spin is being taken. Viewers who are pursuing solace in the world of peer-produced content are given opportunity to find content specialized to exactly what they are looking for. In the same vein, many of these Let's Players are finding their fame and fortune, while others are allowed a therapeutic outlet that can benefit themselves, and others in the process.

The star of this article goes by the name of MemoryLeakDeath has been using his videos as a way to better himself as a person and to contribute to the fans he has gathered over the years.

Cover image of MemoryLeakDeath's YouTube channel.

When MemoryLeakDeath first discovered YouTube, what struck his fancy the most were the videos detailing the endings of games. Many of us start games, but while tending to our lives, we become distracted from our joys and seem to not be able to complete what we started. These videos offer a way to see the ending we are not able to experience ourselves, on account of our daily obligations. This concept is what first made him think about recording videos for YouTube.

For the longest time, MemoryLeakDeath didn’t know about Let’s Plays. He didn’t seek them out in the beginning; it was more of happenstance that he stumbled onto them. Once he found them, he began to subscribe and follow YouTubers.

He never really had the time to get into the video production until a time later. In his everyday life, he was working in a way that was physically and mentally draining on him. When he began to work at a new job, he decided that he wanted a hobby. MemoryLeakDeath was born. He remembers thinking, “Gaming is what got me into programming in the first place, maybe gaming will help me out again.”

He finally had time to start recording. He went in with an open mind, “The worst that can happen is it doesn’t work.”

Originally, it was a weekend activity. At first, he was worried that it would take up too much of his time. As he progressed, he was able to learn how long it would take to record a video, edit, and render it. The more he learned, the more comfortable he became with the idea and the implementation of this endeavor. When this happened, he was able to increase his channel from a weekend-focused channel to a daily channel.

His channel today is one that appeals to not only his fans, but to himself. “Why wouldn’t I make a video that I couldn’t watch myself?" The variety channel covers everything from his favorite genre of sci-fi-focused gameplay, to an assortment of Indie produced games.

MemoryLeakDeath's YouTube profile picture.

MemoryLeakDeath loves working with Indie games. “The developers will actually watch the videos, and you’re able to get a better connection with them," he said.

While the channel provides longer running series, MemoryLeakDeath also records a series he calls “Side Quests.” These videos are where he is able to show his first impressions of a game, as well as to highlight the games that may not get as much attention as they deserve.

One of his most memorable moments with his videos is when he did a Side Quest of the game Wing Commander: Flat Universe. He posted the video, and by the time he woke up it was the fastest growing video he had posted at that point. The video received a mention from some of the developers, and was shared around on the internet. “It was the thrill of my life," he explained, "It’s the little things like that. For someone not as popular as others, just doing their own thing, it’s satisfying.”

When asked what drives him to be a YouTuber, MemoryLeakDeath responded, “Interesting question.” He paused for a moment to consider the answer, “I’m an introverted person, so I self-reflect a lot. I keep coming back to: I really enjoy that this has made me play games more seriously than before.” When he was a kid, like all of us, he played for fun. But when we grow up, we get distracted. Playing games is a great way to relieve stress, and he was glad when it was brought back into his life. By having a YouTube channel and seeing the feedback, he is able to see that the hard work has validation. That experience screams to him, 'make time for me.' The time he puts into it is enjoyable, too. “When I broke my work cycle of overworking, I released I wasn’t living my life.”

One of the fan-favorite series on his channel is CubeRamblings. This is where he delves into his life, games, news and anything that interests him. With the game CubeWorld playing on the screen, he explores the self-generating world and expounds upon the things that interest him, and those who watch.

The future of MemoryLeakDeath’s channel is one of stability. He is not looking to change drastically as time progresses. “I’m not really playing the YouTube game. This is truly a labor of love. This is me unwinding at the end of the day. If people come in and enjoy it, then, awesome.” His end goal is to one day play and finish every game he wants to play. As that list continues to grow, shorten, and grow again, MemoryLeakDeath moves ever-forward with a dose of love and intensity that is packed inside of every video.

“To all my fans, thank you for sticking around! I’m not looking for a huge growth. I just want a little corner, and you’re all invited. If you have any suggestions, just drop me a line.”

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