Live streaming has become a thing in recent years and it’s become popular in the video game industry as well. Gaming is a highly dependable source of content because most people who watch live streams belong to the younger generation. Furthermore, platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow video game streaming to be accessible to those who have a computer and an internet connection.
Anyone can get into video game streaming just as long as you have the proper equipment for it. It is recommended that you have at least a midrange type of computer like a gaming rig and a fast internet connection to pull it off. A reliable machine is essential for streaming because a good GPU, processor, and quality web camera and microphone to communicate with an audience. If you’ve always been fascinated by these things and want to try it out yourself, here are some tips on video game streaming:
Invest If You Must
Live game streaming can be fun and incredibly rewarding if you keep going at it. As your audience grows, the more your influence spreads and that means more means of exposure to attract sponsors and brand deals. Streaming every day can be a tough business but it’s better than a regular 9 to 5 and if you want to pursue a career focused on content creation, you must invest.
A quality setup can be expensive. It is pretty standard to not cheap out on your gaming rig because it is the heart of your setup. You may need to invest in peripherals and equipment such as a good camera, microphone, and lighting for your audience. Some of those items may cost from about $75 to thousands of dollars.
Be Early & Always Prepare
It is recommended to have a set schedule when you’re video game streaming so your audience knows when and what time to expect you. Always be early in setting up your equipment and testing before your stream so you won’t have any delays. Keep any device you have charged to full battery and if you can get a backup battery, have some just in case.
Have a stash of emergency things like extra cables and connectors. It helps to neatly organize everything so you won’t have any trouble locating them when the need arises. You can even label the place where you store your equipment and accessories as well.
Utilize Checklists
If you’re someone who has a hard time being organized or keeping your thoughts together, take advantage of checklists to help you prepare. It will surely come in handy on days where you will feel overwhelmed by too many things happening at once. You can also use it for future projects as well and in various aspects of life.
Market Yourself
Marketing is essential especially if you want to turn your video game streaming hobby to a career. Attract would-be followers by making yourself available on usual social media platforms and by consistently posting content on there. Content can range from small announcements, scheduled streams, and even mini-clips of funny or exceptional gameplay.
Build a Loyal Audience
It’s not easy to gain followers and while you may have a decent following, it’s even harder to keep them. One thing that helps to let them stick around is to consistently produce relevant and entertaining content. People often enjoy a creator with big personality or a certain quirk.
Find something that can help you stand out but remember that it has to be organic. Creating a persona may work out for you but others find it too exhausting. Try what works for you.
Listen to Feedback
Aside from basic human decency and politeness, it doesn’t take a lot to be nice on the internet. No one is perfect and we all know it as humans. When you have an audience, it is important to listen to feedback.
It is inevitable to make mistakes once in a while so if you make some, apologize and strive to better yourself in the future. You also learn about what your audience thinks and even get great ideas when you take the time to listen.
Make It Fun
If you do video game streaming as a hobby, you probably love to do it for fun. If you’re thinking about pursuing it as a career, remember the reasons why you did it as a hobby in the first place. The grind may be difficult and the goals you will want to reach may seem far, but if you do it while having fun, it won’t feel like work at all.