Despite our many differences, the one thing that we all have in common is that our lives are a story waiting to be told. No matter who you are, your life matters and those experiences are what gives your life meaning. One of the major things that you will need to determine is which part of your experiences do you want everyone to know about. After that, you will need to consider who your target audience is going to be. You can make some headway by posting videos on a social media platform. But if you are looking to expand that audience beyond the scope of your friends and family, then livestreaming is the right choice for you.
Before you consider livestreaming, you will need to examine how much effort you are going to need to put into the production value. That means you have to consider the visual and audio aspects of the video you are posting. Add to the responsibility of keeping your content true to the format of the production and the task may seem too big to handle. But if you know people who have the talent to help lighten your load, then that won’t be a problem. Unless you are willing to fly solo, you should definitely consider posting recorded videos to ease the stress.
At The Gamer Experience Review (GXPR), how you create and promote your content is entirely your decision. What is important to us is having the right gear and software to help make your production look as professional as possible. Regardless of your decision to livestream or just to post pre-recorded videos, having the production value you desire is not difficult by any means.
One place to start your search is our articles that feature furniture and equipment that you may need and/or want. That way, you will get an idea of what you will end up paying. More importantly, you will gain some knowledge on how to get more use out of the product. Without further ado, let’s get started.
The Necessities
When it comes to posting video content online, the only hardware you really need is a computer with a reliable internet card, a camera, a microphone, and speakers. As you are shopping around, you will notice that these features come standard with newer computers on the market. That will make the production costs less expensive, if you all you are wanting to do is just post standard content. However, if you still want to livestream, you will need to go the extra mile.
The first thing that people notice in videos is the visual presentation. Most cameras that come with computers and phones can be presented in high definition (HD). But if you are looking to shoot video outside of your room, then getting the computer or phone in the right light can be troublesome. The best thing that you can do is purchase an external web cam. They are more durable and are easier to replace than any device you may possess. Plus, you will get HD quality video in any light. The price tag for a quality HD webcam starts at over $100.Once you find the right camera, we will turn our focus to microphones. Microphones do work great with any device that you are posting from. But if you are someone who does not like to be close to the camera, then the mic will have trouble picking up your voice. In that case, you will need to purchase an condenser microphone. Even though you might end up spending over $130, you will be getting more value for your buck.
Included standard features with these microphones are an arm stand (or desk stand if you prefer), pop filter, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables. You also have the option of having a large or small diaphragm condenser. Just like cameras, microphones are easier and cheaper to replace than devices like computers and phones.
To get more quality sound out of your microphone, you should consider getting an audio interface. Audio interfaces can fit on any desk, table, or any flat surface that you have on hand. They don't take up a lot of space and are compatible with any computer. You may end up spending over $150, but the ease of access are worth the extra cost.
Of all the extra hardware that seems costly, there is software that you can download for free. If you are a veteran in livestreaming, then there is a good chance that you know about Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). OBS provides the tools to help bring your stream to multiple social media platforms that your brand is on. It is great for those who like to edit on the fly or whenever it is convenient. Plus it is compatible with virtually every operating system that comes standard with your computer. For more information about OBS, check out their website at the obsproject.com.
Optional
To be the character, you have to look the part. When we are referring to character in this case, we are talking about your gaming room and not your persona. As we have said throughout this article, you can always design your space anyway you desire. But if you are looking to go bigger, then The GXPR has some ideas for you.
1. Purchasing a gaming chair will make you look like a pro
Not only do gaming chairs look good in your screen shots, they are also comfortable. Gaming chairs are great for those who are livestreaming multi-player gaming videos or recording tutorials. Having extra features like a separate foot stool will definitely help sell the bit as well.
Gaming chairs are also great if you are doing a gaming podcast. Alternatively, you can always opt for a couch. You can accessorize your seat of choice with your favorite game franchise/character, sports team, etc. For more information check out our articles “The Gaming Chair Discussion” and “The Couch Talk” to give you an idea about seating.
2. Find the right light color for your background
Lighting is absolutely essential to production value of your videos. You can either leave the lighting as is or you can add some color in the background for more pop. The real trick to having good backlighting is to find the right color shade that stands out enough without blending into you or the background. If your room has a dimmer switch, then having the right ambience becomes easier. Otherwise, you will have to use your imagination. Check out our article “Let There Be Light” for more details on lighting ideas.
3. Headphones help sell the bit
If you are looking to turn your space into a recording studio, then headphones will be an added bonus to the scenery. Having headphones are great for those who want to do live podcasts, in addition to livestreaming video content. They are great for monitoring sound levels and keeping in touch with your production team. You can always go with earbuds if you feel that headphones will clash with your style. Whatever you choose, make sure you read “Sound Check” to give you more context.
4. It never hurts to have an extra monitor
Anytime that you are running a livestream, you will need to be able to have your eye on all the moving parts of the production. You could pull off the stream with just one monitor. However, you will need more than one monitor to get to the problems quicker and easier. If your production interacts directly with your audience, you are going to need to more than one monitor. Having extra computers on hand doesn’t hurt either. Check out “TV Or Not TV” and “Gaming & Computers” for more information.
Summary
For those of you who feel that you need a large space to combine your gaming and streaming experience, believe us when we say that size doesn’t matter. If all you are doing is posting videos of your gameplay, then the issue of space is rendered moot. But, if you are streaming and gaming simultaneously, and moving out of your gaming room is not an option, then you are going to have to be creative.
It’s just a matter of picking and choosing what you need in order to pull off the style you are going for.
Whatever you decide to do, The GXPR has your back. As long as your content has substance and your videos have style, you should have no problem gaining the audience you desire. More importantly, make sure that your location has a strong internet bandwidth so that your streams go off without a hitch. If that is going to be an issue, you should consider getting the latest Wi-Fi hotspot for your home. That can all be done through your internet provider.
If there are any other questions in regards to streaming and recording videos you would like to ask The GXPR, please feel free to contact us.
