Now that you have become a pro at online games, wouldn’t it be nice to earn some extra money for your weekend hangouts by using your gaming passion? Did you know that millions of people around the world love binge-watching online game-playing videos? Many pro gamers worldwide have many milestones on video streaming platforms by streaming their game playing.
However, to be a streamer of any kind of content, you need a good setup and a streaming corner at your home, with the required gadgets to help you deliver a smooth, uninterrupted, and high-quality stream. Would it be nice if your progress in the game looked too blurry to be understood by the viewers?
Moreover, a big chunk of the audience base for gamers on video streaming platforms consists of new gamers who wish to hone their skills and get better at the specific games they are playing. So, you would want every step of the process to be as clear and comprehensible to the viewers as possible. Most importantly, you need a good sound recording system so that your fans can hear your instructions and tips at every step of the video.
Ready to get started on your journey to be the next viral pro gamer online? Let’s set up your gaming space!
Is having a setup really important for streaming games?
The short answer is yes. In the era of aesthetics and visual appeal, low-quality streaming will not get you any further in the follower count than your friends and family. You need to give people a reason as to why they would stream your gaming videos. For this, high-quality screen recordings, clear sound quality, strong microphones, and a PC with a good display are very important. But more than that, visual aesthetics like the background against which you will be seen playing and its lighting are also to be considered. Is your gaming video able to create an engaging and comfortable streaming environment? These are some things you must consider.
You must have no minor issues like buffering, lag, low quality, or interrupted sounds, and interfering background noise. So, yeah, bottom line is – you must have a functional gaming and streaming setup to make the best of your efforts and draw the attention of potential followers on streaming platforms. Given the latest stats, where the game streaming audience is growing by 13.8% per year, according to a survey done in 2022, you would not want to take the setup for your streaming space lightly.
Anxious about where to start, yet excited to stream your pro gaming skills? Not to worry, for we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right into it and start your gaming streams!
Down to business – what exactly to put in your game streaming corner
Now that you’re convinced as to the importance of a proper streaming setup for online gamers, let’s get down to business. What are the different devices you need to create the perfect streaming corner? Where should you place them, and how should you choose the right device for your video? Let’s find out the answers below –
1. Top-quality Gaming PC
The average office desktop, which you borrowed from mom or dad to play games when you were 10, is not going to seal the deal for a pro streamer. You need an excellent quality gaming PC, which has a fantastic display. This means a computer with a powerful processor, a large amount of RAM, and a fast graphics card. You don’t want your character in the game to run in slow strides.
It is also recommended that you use a desktop computer rather than a laptop for this purpose. This makes it easier for you to move around and customize the parts, and upgrade the components. Here are some recommended features for the perfect gaming PC –
- Intel Core i5(minimum) or AMD Ryzen 5 Processor
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 or the latest ones
- At least 16 GB of RAM
- 256 GB SSD
- 500 W or higher power supply
- 1080p resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate monitor
2. High-resolution webcam
It is a little boring to stream a gaming video without the audience being able to observe the gamer in the process. Wouldn’t you want to keep your viewers engaged at every step with your reactions, fun comments, and interactions, especially if you are doing a live stream?
Even if you are posting game tutorials, you would want your viewers to see your face as they learn from you. So, it is important to have a webcam with –
- High-resolution image (HD- 720p or Full HD – 1080p)
- Expansive field of view
- Good compatibility with your software
3. High-quality microphone and audio mixer
A high-quality microphone can allow audiences to engage with the streamer’s comments and reactions during the video, which automatically means creating a dedicated follower base who are interested in your unique streaming style.
But that is not enough. To emphasize and cut out different sound sources based on what you need at the moment in your stream, you need a good audio mixer. While an analog mixer will let you use physical dials to adjust different sound sources, a digital mixer will let you customize the same with software or applications. Make sure to take your pick based on whether the mixer has a suitable connector with your microphone, whether USB or XLR.
4. Top-notch streaming software
Using a streaming software will make your game streaming experience seamless and uninterrupted. With a streaming software, you can customize the stream layout and even apply visual effects to your video. You can even apply filters and manage your audio sources to make the sound quality appealing. Some popularly used software by pro game streamers around the world are OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and StreamYard.
The Bottom Line
Want to make a career out of your online gaming skills, but are confused about how to set up your game streaming corner? A high-quality gaming PC, high resolution webcam, a good audio mixer and microphone, and compatible gaming software are all you need to set up your gaming space and begin your journey towards becoming the next viral pro gamer!
