The Ultimate Guide to PC Game Streaming: How to Get Started.
Are you an avid PC gamer looking to start streaming your gameplays? Or do you have a regular RPG group that’s starting to move their campaigns online? Regardless of your motivation, PC game streaming can provide viewers with hours of entertainment and can open up an entirely new audience.
Before streaming your PC game, however, there are a few precautions and rules to follow, streamers to emulate, and tips and tricks to get the most out of your live streams. In this article, we’ll look at all things streaming related, including hardware setup and software configuration, camera and microphone etiquette, marketing platforms, and more. By the end of this guide, you should have enough information to get started on your very own PC game streaming journey. So let’s jump right in!
The 6 Essential Elements of PC Game Streaming
From hardware to networks and from video games to quality of life features, PC game streaming is a complex topic. To ensure we cover everything you need to know, let’s break down the gaming streaming process into these 6 essential elements:
1.Choose Your Platform
The first step towards successful game streaming is figuring out which platform you want to stream on. Each streaming platform serves different viewers, so you need to decide how you want to reach those audiences. Popular selections include Twitch, Mixer, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming.
2.Choose the Right Camera
The camera you choose can greatly affect the quality and engagement of your streams. For the best streaming experience, you’ll need a camera that can capture quality images and handle external light sources. Additionally, make sure the camera can record directly onto your PC, as most streaming software cannot manage external files and live recordings.
3.Select Your Microphone
Similar to the camera, your microphone is also critical for quality streaming. Whether you’re communicating with your team, audio connecting with viewers, or hosting commentary, your mic selection should be top-tier and reliable. Do your research and compare various features, such as noise canceling and audio reception, before making a purchase.
4.Gather Any Necessary Streaming Software
Depending on the platform you choose to broadcast from, you may need to download extra streaming software. Most PC gaming streamers use programs such as OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and XSplit. These programs allow gamers to edit the stream quality, add overlays, and record streams so they can be shared and viewed later.
5.Optimize Your Network
A slow network connection can kill a stream, so make sure your network is optimized for streaming before you hit the live button. This means minimizing background downloads and making sure you have strong upload and download speeds. Check with your ISP to ensure you’re getting the best speeds possible—especially if you’re dealing with a shared connection.
6.Organize Your Quality of Life Features
Finally, taking the time to organize your services and features can go a long way in keeping viewers engaged. This includes finding the perfect stream format and schedule, developing a unique branding scheme, and interacting with your community. It’s also a good idea to take breaks and make sure to enjoy the game and the audience—PC gaming is all about fun!
Now that you have a better understanding of the PC gaming streaming basics, let’s break down each of the above elements.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Stream
When it comes to platform selection, every streamer should consider their preferences, commitment level, and audience. To help find the right fit, let’s take a few minutes to compare and contrast the most popular streaming platforms.
Twitch
Twitch is the world’s largest streaming platform, offering wide audience appeal, tons of monetization options, and the ability to go pro. With Twitch, your signals performance is monitored and rated, making it difficult to earn a steady income on the platform. Still, there’s no cost to sign up and Twitch offers one of the biggest communities of streamers, making it a great platform to start on.
Mixer
Microsoft-branded Mixer has done a great job of distinguishing itself from larger and more established platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. With Mixer, the streamer-viewer relationship is more intimate and direct, and monetization options are still growing. On top of that, Mixer’s “Pro” status provides game and services to content creators free of charge.
YouTube
On YouTube, everything is focused on archived content, as recordings are uploaded and archived for future viewing. Additionally, YouTube features various monetization options, including ads, memberships, sponsored videos, and more. YouTube also supports a wide range of viewing options, from sub-genres through to web series and full-length movies.
Facebook Gaming
Facebook has come on strong in the gaming space this past year, and its streaming platform—Facebook Gaming—is now a major contender. In addition to interesting monetization options, Facebook Gaming also offers exclusive weekly tournaments and a rich feature set designed to raise the bar on streaming experiences.
In addition to the above streaming platforms, there are also several smaller services that cater to specific hardware and streaming trends. For example, AMD’s Radeon ReLive and Nvidia Geforce Experience are tailored specifically to PC gamers and can provide your streams with a unique edge.
Choosing the Right Camera for Your PC Game Streaming Setup
Regardless of your green screen budget and production setup, having the right camera is essential for successful PC game streaming. Of course, cameras can be expensive, so it’s important that you understand the basic specifications you should look for before purchasing.
First, you should consider the resolution of the camera. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image, making it easier for your viewers to make out on-screen details. Additionally, consider the low-light performance of the camera, as external light sources can cause a lot of headaches if you’re not ready for them.
Finally, you should think about the type of camera you’re getting. When streaming from a PC, you’ll want to go with a USB camera that can plug directly into your machine. This guarantees that your device can handle the footage and display it in real-time.
Selecting the Right Microphone for PC Game Streaming
Much like the camera, you’ll also want to choose the right microphone for your setup. A quality microphone is essential for streaming PC games, as it ensures viewers can hear your team, game audio, and anything else your stream may contain.
When picking a microphone, you’ll want to consider frequency response, noise cancellation, and a few other features. See what type of mics streamers recommend, and find out what works best for your specific environment. Audio quality is never something you want to skimp on!
Gathering Any Necessary Streaming Software
Most gaming streamers use either OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or XSplit to manage their live streams. These programs enable users to change the quality of their stream, apply overlays and graphics, and record streams for future archives.
In terms of setup, OBS and XSplit both require a few extra steps. For instance, you’ll need to connect your microphone, camera, and other peripherals to the program. Additionally, you may need to download and install plugins to allow the programs access to certain features. However, OBS and XSplit are straightforward and easy to learn, making the setup process all the more easier.
Optimizing Your Network for PC Game Streaming
If you’re dealing with a shared connection, you may need to make certain adjustments to ensure your stream isn’t negatively impacted. There are several ways to optimize your connection, but here are a few tips to get you started:
•Minimize any background downloads
•Make sure you have strong upload and download speeds
•Utilize a wired connection whenever possible
•Disable QoS (Quality of Service) or any other bandwidth throttling
•Make sure your router or modem is up to date
Organizing Your Quality of Life Features
Finally, you’ll want to make sure your stream is organized, engaging, and visually captivating. This means setting a format and schedule that both your and your viewers can agree on. Additionally, you’ll want to create a unique branding scheme to represent your stream. And, don’t forget to engage with your audience and take breaks when you need to— streaming PC games should be enjoyable, so make sure it stays that way!
Conclusion
PC game streaming can provide hours of fun and engage viewers from around the world. But, before you hit the live button, there are several key elements you should have in order. This includes choosing the right platform, camera, and microphone for your setup, gathering any necessary streaming software, optimizing your network, and organizing your quality of life features.
By following the six essential elements of streaming, outlined above, you’ll be ready to start sharing your gaming experiences with the world. Good luck and happy streaming!
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