How To Stream Your Live Game From A Custom Gaming PC

Streaming your live game from a Custom Gaming PC involves a few key steps to set up the necessary software and hardware. Live streaming has exploded in the last few years, especially during the covid lockdown period. While not everyone can become the next Pokimane, Kyedae, or Valkyrae, it’s a fun, rewarding hobby. If you stay consistent, you may just find a dedicated audience. Here’s a general guide to get you started:

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What is Game Streaming?

Game streaming refers to the practice of playing video games in real-time while broadcasting the gameplay over the internet to an audience. In other words, it allows gamers to share their gaming experiences live with viewers who can watch the gameplay remotely as it happens. Game streaming has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the rise of various streaming platforms and the growth of gaming communities.

The process of game streaming typically involves the following components:

• Gamer (Streamer)
• Broadcasting software
• Streaming platform
• Viewers
• Chat interaction

Set a realistic streaming goal

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Setting a realistic goal for your streaming channel is essential to maintain motivation, track progress, and build a sustainable streaming career.

Begin by identifying why you want to start streaming and what you hope to achieve. Is it for fun and entertainment, building a community, showcasing gaming skills, or pursuing a potential career in content creation? Knowing your motivation will help you align your goals accordingly.

Consistency is crucial in building an audience, so determine how many hours per week you can realistically stream without burning out or neglecting other responsibilities.

Understand your strengths and interests as a streamer. Are you particularly skilled in a specific game, or do you have a unique personality or style that sets you apart? Identifying your niche can help you focus your content and attract a dedicated audience.

Define clear and specific goals that you want to achieve. Vague goals like “become a popular streamer” are difficult to measure and can be discouraging. Instead, set measurable objectives such as reaching a certain number of followers, concurrent viewers, or stream hours per week.

While it’s good to have ambitious long-term goals, it’s essential to start with achievable short-term objectives. Trying to achieve instant success can lead to disappointment and frustration. Begin with small milestones and gradually raise the bar as you gain experience and grow your audience. Building a substantial viewership and community takes time. The streaming landscape is competitive, and success rarely happens overnight.

Engage with other streamers and gaming communities to gain support, exchange ideas, and learn from experienced content creators. Building a network can provide valuable insights and encouragement on your streaming path.

How to choose the right Custom Gaming PC setup

Choosing the right Custom Gaming PC involves considering several key factors to ensure it can handle the demands of both gaming and streaming simultaneously. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you select the best PC for game streaming:

1. Determine your budget

Decide how much you’re willing to invest in your custom gaming PC. Setting a budget will help you narrow down your options and find the best components within your price range.

2. Understand Streaming Requirements

Streaming can be resource-intensive, especially if you want to stream in high-quality settings. Know the streaming requirements of the platform you’ll be using (e.g., Twitch, YouTube, etc.) and the recommended hardware specifications for streaming at your desired resolution and bitrate.

3. Choose the Right CPU

More cores and threads generally translate to better multitasking performance, which is crucial for game streaming. Look for CPUs with higher core counts and multi-threading capabilities. A minimum of 6 cores and 12 threads is recommended for decent streaming performance.

The Best CPU for Game Streaming

A powerful CPU is essential for smooth streaming performance. Look for a modern multi-core processor from Intel or AMD that can handle both gaming and live encoding tasks simultaneously. Ryzen 7/9 CPUs or Core i7/i9 processors are popular choices for streaming PCs.

4. Choose the right GPU

A capable GPU is crucial for gaming performance. Look for a gaming-grade GPU from Nvidia or AMD that suits your gaming needs. The GPU should be capable of handling the games you play at your desired resolution and settings.

The Best Graphics Card for Game Streaming

Higher resolutions (e.g., 1080p, 1440p, or 4K) demand more graphics processing power. If you’re looking to play at a higher resolution, go for the RTX 2080, RTX 3080, or better. These are the only GPUs capable of advanced ray-tracing technology, and they will let you raise the games’ overall visual quality and push higher frame rates.

5. Internet Connection

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A stable and high-speed internet connection is essential for streaming. Ensure you have sufficient upload bandwidth to handle the bitrate required for your streaming resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p). A wired Ethernet connection is generally more stable than Wi-Fi.

Which Game Streaming Service Is Best?

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Several game streaming services are available, each with its strengths and unique features. However, the “best” game streaming service depends on individual preferences, requirements, and the type of gaming experience you seek.

Here are some of the most popular game streaming services:

1. Twitch

• Twitch is one of the largest and most well-known game streaming platforms.
• It offers a vast community of streamers and viewers across various gaming genres.
• Twitch has interactive features like chat, emotes, and channel subscriptions.
• Popular local Singaporean streamers such as supercatkei and kiaraakitty uses Twitch as their streaming platform.

2. Youtube Gaming

• YouTube Gaming is part of YouTube’s platform, focusing on gaming content and live streaming.
• It benefits from YouTube’s massive user base and powerful search algorithms.
• YouTube’s integration with regular video content allows for a diverse content strategy.
• Streamers such as IShowSpeed and Ludwig uses Youtube as their streaming platform.

3. Facebook gaming

• Facebook Gaming has been rapidly growing as a game streaming platform.
• It leverages Facebook’s vast social network, making it easier to connect with friends and family who already use Facebook.
• Facebook Gaming offers various monetization options for streamers.
• Streamers such as Alodia Gosiengfiao and StoneMountain64 uses Facebook as their streaming platform.

Factors to consider when choosing a game streaming service

It’s essential to consider the following factors when choosing a game streaming service.

Audience Reach

Consider the size of the platform’s user base and its potential to reach a broad audience. Some platforms have larger user bases, which can help you reach a wider audience and grow your viewership.

Monetization

Different platforms offer various ways for streamers to earn money, such as ads, subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships. Consider which platform’s monetization features align with your goals.

Community and Genre

Each platform may have a different community focus and popularity with certain gaming genres. Explore the platforms to see which aligns best with your content and interests.

Streaming Features

Consider the streaming software integration, chat interaction, and other features offered by each platform.

Since the gaming and streaming landscape evolves rapidly, it’s essential to check for the latest developments and compare platforms based on current features and trends. Research what each platform has to offer, and consider experimenting with multiple platforms to find the one that best suits your needs and helps you connect with your target audience.

Should I Use OBS for Game Streaming?

Using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) for game streaming is a popular choice among many streamers due to its versatility, ease of use, and powerful features. OBS is a free and open-source broadcasting software that allows you to capture, encode, and stream your gameplay to various platforms.

OBS is entirely free to use, and its open-source nature means that it is continuously being updated and improved by a dedicated community of developers. It supports a wide range of streaming platforms, including Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Gaming, and many others. It also offers compatibility with various streaming services and custom RTMP servers.

OBS provides a high level of customization for your stream layout and appearance. You can create scenes, add sources, and use plugins to customize your stream to suit your branding and style.

While OBS is a popular choice, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you’re just starting with Custom Gaming PC streaming or prefer a more straightforward setup, you might also explore other user-friendly streaming software like Streamlabs OBS or XSplit, which are based on OBS but offer additional integrated features and customization options.

Mics and Cameras for Game Streaming

When it comes to game streaming, having a good-quality microphone and camera is essential for creating engaging and professional content. Both audio and video quality play a significant role in connecting with your audience and building a loyal viewership.

Your PC may have a built-in microphone, but the quality will not be great. If you prefer a more compact setup, consider using a headset with a good-quality built-in microphone. Some gaming headsets offer decent audio quality suitable for streaming. USB condenser microphones are popular choices for streamers because of their ease of use and plug-and-play functionality. They connect directly to your PC or streaming setup via USB and offer decent audio quality.

Webcams are the most common cameras used for game streaming due to their affordability and convenience. Look for webcams with at least 1080p resolution and good low-light performance. For higher-quality video, consider using a mirrorless or DSLR camera as your streaming camera. These cameras offer better image quality and more advanced features but may require a capture card or software to connect to your streaming setup.

Additional Considerations

Lighting

Good lighting is crucial for high-quality video. Consider investing in some basic lighting equipment or position yourself near a window with natural light.

Green Screen

If you want to add chroma key (green screen) effects to your stream, ensure your camera supports this feature and that you have proper lighting.

Noise Reduction

Consider using a pop filter for your microphone to reduce plosive sounds, and use noise reduction tools in your streaming software to minimize background noise. Software such as NVIDIA Broadcast can help you adjust your audio input and output to your liking.

Ultimately, the choice of microphone and camera for game streaming depends on your budget, setup, and the level of production quality you wish to achieve. Aim for a balance between affordability and performance to enhance your viewers’ experience and create engaging content.

Conclusion

Overall, game streaming has transformed gaming from a solitary activity to a communal and social experience, connecting players and viewers from around the world in real-time. It has also contributed to the growth of esports, as professional players and gaming tournaments are frequently streamed to a global audience.

Keep in mind that your specific gaming and streaming needs may vary based on the games you play and the quality you aim to achieve. Finding the right balance between performance and budget is key to selecting the best custom gaming PC for your requirements.

Remember that building an audience and becoming a successful streamer may take time and dedication. Consistency, engaging content, and networking with other streamers can help you grow your viewership over time. Good luck with your streaming journey!