Streaming games to Mixer, YouTube and Twitch is more popular than ever. Both beginners and professional broadcaster stream their gameplay sessions and commentaries to these streaming platform. You can set yourself up to stream with a moderate level of technical knowledge. Here you learn how to stream your games to online streaming platforms.
As a concept, streaming games to online platforms is straightforward. Someone plays a game and streams the video footage live to the internet for other fellow gamers to enjoy.
Before downloading streaming software, you need to check whether or not your system meets the minimum hardware requirements.
Hardware requirements
There are a ton of different solutions out there for someone looking to start streaming games, but you need to meet some minimum hardware requirements in order to stream your gameplay sessions in decent quality without stutters.
The processor of your desktop or laptop is the core of your broadcasting setup and used to encode your livestream. A mid-range core i5 processor, or equivalent, is the bare minimum for streaming your games. In addition, you need a decent graphics card and at least 8 GB of system memory.
A stable internet connection
The faster your Internet connection, the better. A consistant internet connection is required to stream your gameplay sessions without stutters and limit latency. A decent stream with a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels and a framerate of 30 frames per second requires a minimum upload speed of at least 3.5 Mbps.
Console gameplay
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have streaming solutions built into their operating systems, but these are rather basic and lack further customisation options.
The better and more expensive solution is to connect your console to your computer with a capture card. This allows you to use whatever broadcasting software on your computer to stream your console gameplay to streaming platforms such as Mixer, YouTube or Twitch.
Streaming software
To stream your games to the internet, you need the download and install specific streaming software. There are a lot of different programs available, but the most used streaming software for both beginners and professionals is Open Broadcaster Software.
Install the software and use the configuration wizard to test your system and attempt to find settings that your computer can handle. Set up your audio devices and add a window capture source to record a game or other application or a video capture device to record footage from a webcam or capture card.
Mixer, YouTube or Twitch
After your streaming software is ready to stream your gameplay sessions, you need to select a streaming platform. All streaming platforms have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. It is up to you to find the platform that is right for you.
In the streamer dashboard on the streaming platform of your choice, you find your personal stream key. Select the correct streaming platform in the streaming software and copy and paste your stream key code into the stream key field.
Remember to never share your stream key with friends or other gamers. This is a unique code to stream to your channel on the streaming platform.
A microphone, headset and webcam
A decent internet connection, a desktop or laptop that meets the minimum system requirements and a configured installation of streaming software are the only requirements to stream your gameplay sessions to the internet. If you want to stand out between the other broadcasters, you need to interact with your audience and use better equipment.
Add a webcam feed and clear commentary to your stream so viewers can see and hear you react to the game. A basic headset is a good solution for beginners who are sttreaming for the first time, but a dedicated microphone sounds even better.
Ready to stream
After creating a profile on the streaming platform of your choice, you are ready to stream your first gameplay session to the internet. Make sure that your audio levels are good and you keep entertaining your audience.
Do you need more information about streaming games to online platforms? Download and read my latest ebook “Streaming for beginners and professionals” to learn more about streaming games.
Read moreDo you enjoy this content?
Blogging and content creation is hard work. Donations are used to support this blog and its content. Do you want to help me create more and better content? You can now buy me a coffee.
Do you want to donate a different amount with PayPal? Please visit this page and select the exact amount you want to donate to help create more and better content.
Disclaimer. This post contains copyrighted images from the Elgato Game Capture HD60s, a capture card developed and produced by Elgato. The fair use of copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting or research is not considered as an infringement of copyright.
Your means of explaining everything in this piece of writing is really helpful for beginners.
Very good website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get suggestions from others that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
This is really helpful post thanks, I’ve picked up some solid tips there which in going to give a try. Thanks.