The Best PC Gaming Streams: A Comprehensive Review.
As video game streaming becomes more popular, it’s becoming essential for gamers to know which platforms offer the best gaming experience. Streaming PC games has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many sites offering the opportunity to livestream your gaming experience with the world. This guide will provide an in-depth evaluation of the best streaming platforms for PC gaming.
Whether you’re looking to stream your gaming exploits, broadcast your recordings to the world, or just show off your prowess to fellow gamers, streaming PC games is an increasingly popular way to do it. PC streaming can help you reach a wider audience, improve your gaming skills, and, given the right platform, even monetise your gaming. In this guide, we explore the best PC gaming streaming platforms available to gamers, including the cost, features, and technical requirements of each.
Twitch
Arguably the most popular streaming service for gamers, Twitch is the go-to for anyone wanting to stream their gaming. Twitch, owned by Amazon, had 15 million daily active users in 2019 – making it the most popular streaming service for PC gaming.
Twitch offers a good balance between quality and affordability, and their default settings can accommodate most streamers. Twitch streams can be viewed in up to 1080p resolution, with settings up to 60fps available.
Twitch isn’t a paid service, though they do offer subscriptions and donations, which can be used to fund your gaming. Streaming on Twitch is free, with no software to buy or subscription fees, which makes it one of the most economical solutions for streaming PC games.
Another major benefit of Twitch is the ability to build a community around your streams. With its built-in messaging system and a variety of interactive tools and features, Twitch lets you interact with your viewers and engage with the gaming community.
Youtube Gaming
For gamers looking for a more popular platform with a wider audience, YouTube Gaming is the best option. With over 87 million active monthly users, YouTube Gaming offers the widest reach for streaming PC games.
The downside to YouTube Gaming is that the resolution and frame rate options are relatively limited at up to 720p and 60fps. The basic audio/video settings of YouTube Gaming also keep streaming simpler, with support for most popular game consoles and PC platforms.
YouTube Gaming is a competitive and rapidly growing genre, with many established streamers making their name on the platform. Mobile streaming is also available, making it possible to stream on the go. Monetisation options include subscription payments and ad revenue, although both will require you to have over 1000 subscribers in order to qualify.
Mixer
Mixer, formerly known as Beam, is Microsoft’s streaming platform. It’s dedicated to PC gaming, with PC as its primary streaming platform. As such, it has higher quality streaming options than most platforms, up to 1080p resolution at 60fps.
Mixer is an excellent platform for streaming on the go, as it supports mobile streaming from a variety of devices, including iPhones, Android devices, and even select gaming consoles. Mixer’s interactive capabilities are also an advantage. It allows for real-time interaction between streamers and viewers, with features like low latency streaming, on-screen interactions, and customised streaming tools.
Mixer is free to use, with options for subscription fees, donations, and channel sponsorships. However, there are certain limitations for mobile and console streaming, and the monetisation options may not be as attractive as YouTube or Twitch.
Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming is one of the more recent entrants into the streaming arena. The platform has grown steadily since its inception in 2018, with an estimated 4 million active users as of January 2021.
Facebook Gaming is primarily aimed at streamers looking to build community around their streams, leveraging the vast reach of Facebook and its ability to reach users beyond the gaming community. Facebook Gaming doesn’t have as many quality settings as other services, limited to 720p at 60fps. It also supports mobile streaming, though the quality settings may vary depending on device.
Facebook Gaming has good potential for monetisation, featuring the option for donations, sponsored streams, and the ability to earn revenue from in-app purchases. The service is free to stream on and does not require a subscription.
Steam
Steam is the Valve Corporation’s video game digital distribution platform, and their streaming service (Steam Broadcasting) was released in 2016. Steam Broadcasting is free and enables gamers to broadcast their gaming sessions for anyone to view.
Streams on Steam Broadcasting can range anywhere from low definition to up to 1080p resolution and over 30 fps. The streaming interface is simple, but gamers can also add custom overlays and other features.
Unfortunately, monetising your gaming session is not possible on Steam Broadcasting, as the platform doesn’t allow for donations, subscriptions, or other means of earning money. As such, Steam Broadcasting is not recommended for streamers looking to monetise their gaming.
Conclusion
There are a variety of streaming services available to PC gamers, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Twitch is a good option for streamers looking for good quality and affordable streaming, while YouTube Gaming has the widest reach of any streaming service. Mixer is great for low latency streaming, as well as mobile streaming, while Facebook Gaming offers great reach and good potential for monetisation. Finally, Steam Broadcasting is free, but with limited options for monetising your streams.
Ultimately, the best streaming platform for you depends on your needs and goals. Consider factors like quality, reach, monetisation options, and technical requirements when choosing the best platform for your needs.
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