What You Need to Get Started as a Game Streamer

Streaming content has become a popular way for people to share a variety of experiences with online audiences. There is no exception to this trend in regard to gaming. For most gamers who stream content, it is a hobby they enjoy very much. But, a few gamers have found a way to make a career out of the pastime. In any event, there are a number of equipment needs that must be satisfied to ensure the best streaming experience possible.

Software Requirements

You will need to capture content with the right software to ensure the quality is high enough for others to enjoy. According to Epiphan Video, there are multiple good options, so make sure you compare and contrast the pros and cons of each one before making your selection. One option is Open Broadcast Software. OBS software will allow you to stream videos to an online platform or record directly to your hard drive. This software will even allow you to perform both these functions at once. OBS provides users with a lot of control over their video quality and is completely free to use. ShadowPlay is another great option for capturing video content but is only available to users with Nvidia-powered systems.

Hardware Requirements

A number of physical requirements must be met by your system before you can adequately stream your gaming experiences. First, your system must possess a processor that can handle the demand you will place on it. A subpar processor can wreck your gaming experience even when other hardware and software is adequate. It is recommended you use a quad-core processor with a minimum clock speed of three GHz. Your graphics card will play a major role in the quality of your video content. You will likely experience low frame rates and other problems if you try to skimp on your graphics card. Internet speeds are another important consideration for video game streamers. You will need to make sure you have adequate bandwidth to ensure the system speed you need. According to Beehive Broadband, you should think of bandwidth like a pipe. The more bandwidth you have, the wider the pipe and the more data, including simultaneous data, is able to flow.

Platform

A variety of platforms are available for gamers to stream content to their audiences. Twitch is one of the most popular platforms in use. Twitch organizes videos by game titles, which makes the platform great for streamers of a particular game who want to expand their audience. YouTube is perhaps better for gamers with bandwidth limitations who need to record videos before uploading them. However, many gamers use the platform for live game streaming. Mixer is a third streaming platform that has worked well for many gamers and is beginning to gain popularity among those who cant use Twitch or YouTube.

Once you have settled the three issues above, you will be ready to begin streaming your live game experiences. There will be some trial and error involved regardless of the equipment and platform you choose. However, addressing the issues above before you get started will provide a solid foundation for your live game streaming efforts.

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