The world of gaming has transcended the boundaries of living room consoles and desktop screens, venturing into the immersive world of live gaming. Whether you’re an aspiring gaming influencer looking to share your gameplay with a global audience or simply a passionate gamer eager to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, gaming live streaming offers an exciting platform to showcase your skills, build a community, and engage with fans in real time.
However, stepping into the world of live streaming can be daunting for beginners. Fear not, for in this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and tools to help you get started with live streaming gaming.
So, grab your controller, ready your audience, and embark on this thrilling journey into game live streaming with OneStream Live.
Setting Up the Live Gaming Equipment
Before you hit that “Go Live” button, you’ll need the right equipment to ensure your live gaming is smooth and enjoyable for your audience. Here are the key components you’ll need:
Gaming PC
A robust gaming PC is the backbone of your video game streaming setup. It should have:
- A decent processing power
- Ample RAM (At least 8GB)
- A capable graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 5600 XT)
Webcam
A webcam is your window to the audience, allowing them to see your reactions and engage with you. Look for a webcam with:
- HD resolution (at least 720p)
- Low-light performance
- Auto-focus and noise reduction
Microphone
Good audio quality is crucial for a pleasant gaming streaming setup. Consider getting:
- A USB microphone is easy to set up and offers excellent audio quality for beginners.
- A headset with a microphone, if you prefer a more compact setup.
Audio Mixer
An audio mixer allows you to control audio levels and balance game sound, your voice, and any other audio sources (like music) in real time. While not mandatory for beginners, it’s an asset for advanced video game streaming setup.
Streaming Software
For live streaming video games, you’ll need streaming software. Some popular options include:
- OneStream Live Studio: Ideal for streaming on PC to multiple platforms simultaneously.
- OBS Studio: A free and open-source software that’s versatile and widely used.
- XSplit: Known for its user-friendly interface and advanced features.
Proper Lighting
Good lighting can make a significant difference in your stream’s video quality. While professional lighting setups are an option, here are some affordable tips:
- Natural Light: Position yourself facing a window to utilize natural light.
- Desk Lamps: Place lamps on either side of your setup to reduce shadows.
- Ring Lights: Inexpensive ring lights provide even illumination and reduce harsh shadows.
Adjustable Green Screen
A green screen allows you to replace your background with custom images or gameplay footage. Ensure it’s adjustable and large enough to cover your entire background.
Reliable Internet Connection
A fast and stable internet connection is non-negotiable. For streaming video games smoothly ensure:
- Aim for at least 10 Mbps upload speed for a 720p stream. Higher resolutions require more bandwidth.
- Connect your PC directly to your router using an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
Best Platforms for Live Gaming
Once you have your streaming software and hardware set up, it’s time to choose the platform for live streaming video games. Here are some popular platforms for gamer streaming:
- Facebook Gaming
- Discord
- Trovo
- YouTube Gaming
- Twitch
How to Make Money By Live Gaming?
Streaming your gameplay can become a lucrative endeavor if done right. Here are some ways you can monetize your live stream gaming:
- Donations: Allowing viewers to donate money during your stream can be a primary source of income. Popular platforms like Twitch and Streamlabs offer integrated donation systems.
- Ad Revenue: Once you have built a sizeable audience, you can apply for monetization on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. This enables you to earn from advertisements shown while streaming video games.
- Subscriptions: Twitch and YouTube allow viewers to subscribe to your channel for exclusive perks, providing a steady income stream.
- Sponsorships: As your viewership grows, you may attract sponsorships from brands looking to reach your audience. This can involve promoting products or being sponsored by gaming-related companies.
- Merchandise Sales: Selling merchandise such as t-shirts, hoodies, and mousepads can be a great way to earn extra income and build your brand.
- Tournaments and Competitions: Participating in gaming tournaments and competitions can earn you prize money and increase your visibility as a skilled gamer.
- Subscription Platforms: Platforms like Patreon and OnlyFans allow you to offer exclusive content to your subscribers for a monthly fee.
- Affiliate Marketing: Partnering with gaming companies and promoting their products in your streams can earn you a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate link.
- Making a Game Store: Creating your online store to sell digital game keys or gaming merchandise can provide an additional revenue stream.
- Crowdfunding: If you have a dedicated fanbase, you can consider crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to fund your live gaming.
Wrapping It Up
Live streaming video games is an exciting way to showcase your gaming skills and connect with a community of fellow gamers. By choosing the right streaming software, investing in essential hardware, and using various monetization methods, you can turn your passion into a potential source of income.
So don’t wait any longer; start live gaming today and embark on an incredible gaming journey that can take you places you’ve never imagined!
OneStream Live is a cloud-based live streaming solution to create, schedule, and multistream professional-looking live streams across 45+ social media platforms and the web simultaneously. For content-related queries and feedback, write to us at [email protected]. You’re also welcome to Write for Us!
