Producing and broadcasting gameplay is an integral part of any esports program. Streaming provides exposure for athletes, enables individual and communal growth, and helps set a firm foundation of technical knowledge that can carry students into full-on careers.
Technical Requirements
Hardware
Streaming
Choose a computer, or PC, strong enough to run the games and software you want to use. We recommend at least 16gb of RAM (random access memory).
Choose a headset to setup and clearly monitor audio.
You should use two computer monitors to spectate the gameplay separately from your broadcasting software.
If you are using a gaming console, such as a Playstation or Nintendo Switch™, you’ll need a capture card.
Broadcasting
Now that we’ve highlighted the necessities for streaming, let’s take it up a notch. Broadcasting involves shoutcasting, audio monitoring, and graphic design for each scene (i.e. overlays). Here are some pieces of equipment that will help you level up your broadcast.
Choose a webcam to showcase your casters and/or analysts.
Choose a stand-alone microphone to clearly transmit your voice to the audience.
Go even further beyond basic broadcasting requirements with an additional PC and monitors. This helps to distribute the strain on your computer’s processing power.
Software
Open Broadcast Software (OBS) offers an open-source and free to use streaming studio. This option is the best option for advanced users, as it does not come with overlays or widget templates. The software is also highly customizable with community mods to help get your broadcast looking just right.
Streamlabs is a go-to option for many content creators because it’s a free software providing overlays and themes for your stream. There is a premium paid option too.
vMix turns your computer into a top-of-the-line production suite. This software is perfect for broadcast experts with a large budget.
Streaming Services
Twitch - Twitch is one of the most recognizable streaming services for gaming, offers beginner features, and can be easily monetized. However, this software is tricky when it comes to saving or storing previous live streams. Twitch is also not always available on school networks.
YouTube - YouTube is typically available on school networks and auto saves videos immediately after your live stream. This software, however, is more difficult to moderate and monetize.
Broadcasting on Different Consoles
Some titles are played on a PC computer while others are played on a console like the Playstation or Nintendo Switch™. These require different broadcasting strategies.
PC Titles
A camera person (or observer) should capture all in-game footage for the broadcast.
An administrator should monitor the match lobby for possible pauses in gameplay.
Console Titles
Acquire a Capture Card (CC) to hold the video & audio recorded.
If spectating is not possible, one console and one capture card per player is permitted.
If spectating is possible, a camera person (or observer) can capture the broadcast.
For some titles, it is possible to only have one capture card but you won't be able to broadcast all players’ points of view (POV).
Basics of Gameplay Streaming & Broadcasting
Physical Set Up
Space: Choose a quiet space with minimal interruptions and a stable internet connection. A hard-wired connection is always recommended.
To avoid lag, your internet speed connection should be atleast 10 megabits per second (Mbps).
Test Stream: Run a test to confirm that you are seeing the footage in the streaming software. Join the game as a spectator, or use a capture card to view the gameplay.
Monitor Setup: Place the gameplay and streaming software on 2 separate monitors. If a third monitor is available, you can use this to view the stream output directly from the platform you are using (such as Twitch). This helps keep an eye on the stream’s chat in case you do not have another PC for the moderator. Plan on taking screen breaks throughout the event to reduce eyestrain and fatigue.
Stream Key: Link your streaming software to your streaming platform using your Stream Key.
Settings: Set your Streaming Software settings appropriately.
The standard resolution for high-definition is 1920x1080 (or an aspect ratio of 16:9).
The standard frame rate for an introductory broadcast is 30 frames per second (fps).
Bitrate is certainly a topic of discussion, as companies such as IBM recommend a bitrate of 4000 to 8000 kbps when streaming at HD 1080. However, the higher the bitrate of your broadcast, the more data your viewers will consume when watching your broadcast so please keep this in mind.
Assemble a Crew
Dedicate people for the following roles:
Director - Directors meet with the crew beforehand to discuss the plan of action. During the live event, they monitor all crew members to ensure roles are being met. They are willing to step in to support the crew as needed for any role at any time.
Chat Moderator - Stream moderators review all video comments and live chat interactions for the duration of the match. If they find any inappropriate language, the moderator must remove and report any profanities or unjust comments. This role is vital for any live match with chat interaction available.
Technical Producer - The technical producer handles the hardware and software equipment setup. During the match, the technical producer operates the streaming software to visually communicate live match play.
Camera / Observer - If cameras or live footage is being used, the camera person must have the ability to operate a digital video camera without shaking or blur. They should have the skills to adjust the screens, lighting, and lens to clearly capture the visual experience of a match from both teams. Also, called an observer, they must equally recognize and record gameplay of all teams.
Shoutcasters / Game Analysts- The shoutcasters or analysts are typically 2 people in a conversational setting with a strong understanding of the game to accurately describe live gameplay. Their responsibility is to verbally describe events during the live match professionally and respectfully for the virtual audience.
Establish your Scenes & Overlays
Welcome Scene
The “Welcome Scene” includes a countdown timer as a graphic or animation so viewers can see when match time begins.
Caster/Analyst Scene
The “Caster/Analyst Scene” is a shot of your shoutcaster speaking to the camera and can be recut to during or in between matches.
In-Game Scene
The “In-Game Scene” shows your audience the gameplay action with screen mirroring techniques.
Be Right Back
The “Be Right Back Scene” is used when pauses to your broadcast are needed for any reason.
Thank You Scene
The “Thank You Scene” closes out your broadcast professionally and respectfully for your audience.