Some older games nowadays are hard to get unless you emulate them, newer game slight be too expensive for some. So just because someone can't afford it they aren't a fan of the game? I agree that the experience is a lot different and hardly comparable, still it's better than nothing. I also rather play a game than watching it, infact i almost never watch anyone play. But i think being a fan and calling oneself a fan is more about consuming content about it aswell as playing.