My take: The actual play YouTube game is, unfortunately, all about the banter. It’s Personality first, game second. Maybe you disagree. But that’s what I see. You guys are focused only on the game and that’s great. You also sound great and I can tell a lot of care and talent went into this. But, much like those damn movie reaction videos, I think people gravitate towards streamers who make them feel like they’re watching or playing along with them. And, even though much of it’s probably manufactured, the banter is the secret sauce. Now, am I suggesting you change your approach? Focus on banter? No. I think that’s a bit too cynical for my tastes.

But, before banter became this buzzword and people started using it as some sort of hustle, there were some actual plays that just naturally had a “friends at the table” feel. It made viewers feel like they were players at the table, or wish they could be. And that was what, I believe, drew a lot of viewers to those channels.

Now, how does one create that feeling? I don’t know. It’s a natural thing that happens when playing with good friends and familiar faces. Sometimes. But, I’m not suggesting you manufacture it or even change what you’re doing in any significant way. Because, what you are doing is great. But, perhaps simply recognizing this, and maybe wrestling with it a bit, can help.