Well, I suppose that part varies. Not everyone plays as they go, and the degree of documentation of the gameplay varies. Most of us do include something from the game that way (unless it's totally pre-planned and posed), but there are a lot of liberties taken too.
I really do use the sims as "actors" most of the time. I don't record things all that much while I'm just playing them up. I do take note of some things that happen to use in the story, but unless it's really interesting and photo-ready as it is, I usually respin it and re"shoot" it.
You're right about the niche market thing. People are here for stories, like in other fandoms, but they're also looking to see those little game things (most of the time). Again, not always - I don't imagine the readers of Deception Pass (to use a well-known example) care about seeing sims heart fart or doing idle animations at amusing times.
I do like seeing that stuff in stories, in moderation. I prefer it when it's an ocassional nod to the game. When I'm in the mood for that, I'd usually rather read a commentary legacy.
Re: WARNING : rambly
I really do use the sims as "actors" most of the time. I don't record things all that much while I'm just playing them up. I do take note of some things that happen to use in the story, but unless it's really interesting and photo-ready as it is, I usually respin it and re"shoot" it.
You're right about the niche market thing. People are here for stories, like in other fandoms, but they're also looking to see those little game things (most of the time). Again, not always - I don't imagine the readers of Deception Pass (to use a well-known example) care about seeing sims heart fart or doing idle animations at amusing times.
I do like seeing that stuff in stories, in moderation. I prefer it when it's an ocassional nod to the game. When I'm in the mood for that, I'd usually rather read a commentary legacy.