Why do you say that Extra Credits is preachy?

[DEAD34345]

I feel kind of guilty for saying it, but they do come across like that. I have always enjoyed the videos, but it does seem that they present their opinions as the truth, rather than as their opinions. I'm sure it is unintentional, and certainly their opinion is much more likely to be correct than most, however when watching their videos it sometimes feels like I am being lectured or preached to. Honestly though, who cares? I still greatly enjoy watching it, as it's only a mild annoyance.

 

[Korolev]

They are preachy, but their message is one worth preaching, in my opinion. They point out a lot of flaws with gaming culture - how it can be shallow, petty, emotional and how it caters to 14 year old boys more than any other demographic, and some people don't want to be told that, especially the 14 year old boys (or those with a similar mindset).

 

[Theron Julius]

He says good things but he gets a little too far into the "The industry has to accept this" thing. He sort of thinks too much that the industry has to fundamentally change in order for people to accept it, but that's wrong. What's happening to video games has happened to virtually every other medium of entertainment. It's just a phase. Eventually video games will just be another part of culture.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

I'm a huge fan of the Extra Credits videos--I actually anticipate them more than I do for Zero Punctuation. That said, I notice that, almost every week, at least a handful of posters criticize Extra Credits as being too "preachy" or "patronizing".

So for those of you who feel this way towards Extra Credits: what is it about the Extra Credits videos that make you think this?

I think it's probably because they are preachy.

They're interesting and often insightful videos. But...preaching is exactly what they're doing.

I'd go as far as to say that's the entire point of the web-series. It's up to each individual to decide whether or not the preaching has merit...but let's call it what it is.

 

[Hiphophippo]

Answer: People are dumb.

Extra Credits is the best thing to ever happen to this site. Arguably the most enjoyable video series on the internet.

I'll hop onto this bandwagon, and ask why people DON'T accuse Yahtzee of being preachy.

He made the splash first so he gets a free pass. Of course that's ridiculous but it's how things work.

 

[tmdude]

Quite simply, it's not preachy. It's knowing what the hell they are talking about. I personally am a huge fan

 

[triggrhappy94]

Well they know what they're talking about.
I wouldn't call them preachy, just super optimistic

 

[XzarTheMad]

I'll be the first to say I ain't a fan of EC. Not that I'm an anti-fan, I just don't bother watching it.

It's hard to put one's finger on what exactly would make a show like Extra Credits condecending, but I can see why some people would feel that way. The general notion I've gathered from the few episodes I've watched seems to be that the guy/s behind the show knows a lot, or at least wants to seem that way. It's not up to me to say which it is, frankly I don't care. I think there's a general sentiment inherent to the style of delivery that says: "You ought to know all this, and if you don't we'll come out and tell you since you didn't bother to research this yourself". Is it what they're going for? Probably not. Much of what they talk about seems to be, to me at least, more common sense than "inside knowledge" from the games industry.

I think the EC guys really feel that games are an artform, and want it to evolve as such. While I don't have a personal bias for or against this argument, I think there's a general tendency in people who talk about art to get preachy. Probably in the same way that anybody who is passionate about something will become preachy on the subject. Doesn't make it a bad show. Personally, I gave up watching it 'cause the whiney voice filter gives me a headache and seems to be more of an annoyance than anything.

 

[Ashcrexl]

what? preachy? what? they're explaining things! would you call every single professor and grade school teacher preachy? they have a pretty comic and calm tone, so i can't see how people would find the way they're explaining things preachy. what the hell guys? do you just hate learning things?

 

[Atmos Duality]

They may speak in the abstract at times (and given maybe 5-10 minutes per episode, who can blame them?), but apart from that they use evidence, provide a solid line of reasoning and I can respect their experience.

 

[Arawn.Chernobog]

Because some people can't handle that the gaming industry and the gaming market aren't as they envisioned it and therefore will continue to deny reality and realistic & educated opinions on possible future occurrences within the industry and fan-bases, in favour of their own disillusional fantasies on "hardcore gaming", thus ending up calling those who ARE educated in the matter as "preachy".

tl,dr: People can't handle that someone knows more then them.

 

[Necromancer1991]

Some one thinks EC is preachy

But seriously I like their series, to those of us who were already thinking that way it may seem that way, but to those who never really devoted thought to it before, it's quite enlightening

 

[Scars Unseen]

I don't think that they're preachy. Now, the Game Overthinker(aka Movie Bob) can get full fire and brimstone preachy at times, but he still usually makes a good point.

 

[jamesworkshop]

I wouldn't say preachy, more condecending

 

[Eumersian]

I don't care if it's preachy. I feel like sometimes it goes a little against my opinions on those topics, but that's all that Extra Credits is. It's some guy's opinions. EC covers many interesting topics, and they are all interesting to watch, even if it does get a little preachy at times. But then again, anything is preachy if it's basically a guy on his soapbox.