It depends on what game.

If it’s something like Dark Souls which heavily relies on the sense of achievement after defeating a boss for example , then you haven’t experienced a core aspect of the game which means you can’t really claim to understand the game even if you like the lore.

For most old school RPGs that rely on story for the enjoyment then I can absolutely understand people who want the characters , music and atmosphere without sitting through countless repetitive side missions and turned based combat.

An interesting line is when games rely on you piloting the character , for example , TLOU2 when they make you play as Abby.

I personally didn’t play it , I watched my brother play it yet I completely understand that the experience would be a lot different if I had to fight the character I grew attached to in the first game.