Top 10 YouTube Gaming Channels

Script written by Mark Sammut

Top 10 Let's Play YouTube Channels – REDUX

These channels manage to make the games even better. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Let's Play YouTube Channels – REDUX.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the most entertaining and influential channels that feature Let’s Play videos. We’ll be broadening our scope a little to include channels that also incorporate skits, animation, and other-gaming-related projects.

#10: H20Delirious

Distilling the "Let's Play" formula down to its essence, this popular channel is refreshingly devoid of distractions. Occasionally friends may join the party, but H20Delirious' content nearly always revolves around the eccentric host laughing, screaming, or swearing through a game's campaign, and the dude is ridiculously funny! While some other channels focus on a specific repertoire of games, Delirious tends to jump from genre to genre, and indie releases are just as likely to feature as the "Grand Theft Autos" and "Fallouts" of the world. Over the years, he’s crafted an energetic, manic style, and the channel's charm lies in the host's crazy comments rather than in informative walkthroughs.

#9: TheRadBrad

Prefer a calmer and more down-to-earth commentator? Then look no further than TheRadBrad. Uploading walkthroughs on a daily basis, this channel prioritizes the latest games, so as long as publishers don’t run out of ideas, Brad's content will never grow stale. While we wouldn’t go so far as to describe the videos as reviews, the walkthroughs are way more enlightening than many other huge Let's Play channels, and this mostly comes down to Bradley's relatable and sincere approach. Interested in a game that earned a mixed reception from critics? Check out TheRadBrad's playthrough for a more hands-on perspective.

#8: Smosh Games

Spinning off from the brand's parent channel, Smosh has collected a host of cool personalities to cover a wide range of gaming topics. While the team does occasionally put together a sketch, Smosh Games isn’t quite as preoccupied with skits as the main channel; in fact, some of the most entertaining videos simply bring together the whole team to watch one member play through a game. At any given moment, Smosh Games typically has at least a handful of ongoing programs, including the fantastic "Honest Game Trailers" series, done in collaboration with Screen Junkies.

#7: VanossGaming

Here’s one crew you should definitely consider joining! Launching in 2011 and amassing more than 20 million subscribers, VanossGaming is one of those Let's Play channels were the focus is squarely on entertaining audiences rather than seriously critiquing games. Often including other popular YouTubers like H20Delirious or IAM WILDCAT, Vanoss' videos truly capture that feeling of casually gaming while hanging out with friends. Alongside the endearing banter, hilarious animated sketches, and surprisingly positive comment section, the channel also features short movies made from edited gameplay footage.

#6: SeaNanners Gaming Channel

Opting for a more carefree approach to Let's Plays, SeaNanners' trademark content is deceptively bare-bones. Videos are mostly game-play clips with multiple commentators; occasionally, Nanners' face might be stamped in the corner, but even that’s not guaranteed. Despite the minimalist style, SeaNanners works due to the group's sheer comedic talent, and things can get pretty crazy! Initially, Nanners mainly concentrated on "Garry's Mod," "Call of Duty," and "Grand Theft Auto"; however, the channel eventually expanded to include other games. While SeaNanners has mostly moved away from "Garry's Mod," the "Hidden" series is a Let's Play classic.

#5: Yogscast Lewis & Simon

Debuting in 2008 with a string of parody "World of Warcraft" instruction videos, The Yogscast steadily ballooned into a huge brand that produces podcasts, live-action series, and even published a game in 2017. Yogscast has something for everyone, but the channel's popularity can primarily be credited to a run of "Minecraft" Let's Play videos featuring the voices of network-founders Lewis and Simon. The earliest episodes are fun in and of themselves, but Yogscast gradually also started to weave a narrative into its Let's Play videos, and "Minecraft" has consistently proven to be a great source of comedic gold for the channel.

#4: Achievement Hunter

A spin-off from Rooster Teeth, the creators of the anime-inspired “RWBY” and the classic series “Red vs. Blue”, Achievement Hunter started out as a straightforward guide on how to score those gratifying in-game achievements. But these type of videos now take up only a small fragment of the channel’s extensive content. Its most successful series is simply called “Let’s Play”, and even has a dedicated playthrough channel. Releasing several videos throughout the week, “Let’s Play” covers titles like "Minecraft," "Grand Theft Auto V," and the occasional fighting game.

#3: GameGrumps

Who hasn’t gotten into a heated debate over video games? Game Grumps takes this concept and runs with it! Founded by Arin Hanson and JonTron – later succeeded by Dan Avidan – Game Grumps sees the hosts playing a fan-picked game while going on tangents which may or may not be related to the actual property. The channel is home to a number of different series, but the Game Grumps episodes are arguably still the best, with Hanson playing the part of the Grump while the Not-So-Grump tries to sooth the flames in the hope of avoiding having to replace a wrecked controller.

#2: Markiplier

Let's Play can be divided into several subcategories, and over-the-top reactions to horror game playthroughs are a genre in their own right. With more than 20 million subscribers, Markiplier has perfected the art of screaming at the top of one’s lungs into a webcam in the most entertaining way possible. The "Five Night at Freddy's" and "Amnesia" videos are a great place to start; for those seeking something not quite as heavy on the survival horror, Markiplier is also a huge advocate of the indie and modding scene, and these Let's Plays tend to be a touch more low-key.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Many A True Nerd

Northernlion

I AM WILDCAT

#1: Jacksepticeye

Hey, nobody can resist an Irish accent. Loving games is kind of a requirement for Let's Players, but Jack's enthusiasm is palpable and infectious. The channel's format is nothing too out of the ordinary; Jack plays and energetically comments over games, with an alter-ego randomly showing up to spice things up. The fun lies in Jack's down-to-Earth and positive attitude; even after hitting the 20 million subscribers mark, the YouTuber still comes across as just an ordinary guy who happens to be a huge gamer. Jack is exactly the type of person you'd invite over for a 12-hour "Mario Kart" marathon.