This is definitely a generational thing.
But I think the term "game streaming" is so wide, it makes discussions about it unclear. There seems to be three distinct game stream categories that have carved their niches.
Live Competition Streaming = Things like DotA, Starcraft, LoL where it's person vs. person competition with random outcomes ... this is analogous to watching pro sports. We can all do these on our own, but we're watching the top 1% in the world compete against each other at the highest level. I think most people don't see this as weird.
Twitch "Social" Streaming = This is where it's like 50% someone playing a game and 50% the person interacting with the chat box. This is analogous to sports talk radio. The main content could be the topic (e.g. sports or a game) or the live feedback loop (chat box/radio call ins). I think if you explain this to the older generation, it would make sense to the them.
Game Walkthroughs = You are literally watching someone play a game and they give a stream of conscience commentary over the top. They range from people trying to be funny, to people trying to do speed runs, to people trying to show techniques. This would be the equivalent of watching Steph Curry shoot 500 3's in practice (for the serious version), or watching a team practice random trick shots (for the comedy version). If your a crazy fan you watch it and enjoy it, if not, it literally makes no sense.
I understand the concept, but I could never sit and watch someone play a game.
Also, the gamer reaction is pretty over-the-top. The more known this gets and the more people realize the $$$ being pulled in, it'll get parodied more often on other outlets like Fallon, SNL, etc.
Gamers shoulda just hit him with the
