Live Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming are becoming the biggest thing in games, offering a stage for anyone to hit that “Go Live” button and stream their adventures for audiences to see.

Thousands of people want to watch YOU play games. The biggest streamers are a new breed of Internet celebrity, and turned yesterday’s video games into tomorrow’s prime-time sports. The more engaging the streamer, the bigger audience they build, and the more money they can earn.

Want to be a part of the Streaming Movement?

Sign up with Battlehouse as part of our Streaming Partner Program and stream Battlehouse games to earn the following benefits:

  • Exclusive early access to new game content
  • Marketing assistance from the Battlehouse Community Team to bring you viewers and help your channel grow
  • Access to a special private Clan HQ live-chat room containing other Battlehouse streamers and Community Manager Commander Cameron on Clan HQ, who will be available to help you set-up and properly market your Livestream
  • In-game freebies to use during your Livestream
  • … And lots more!

To join the Battlehouse Streaming Partner Program: Submit a support ticket using the “Contact Support” link at the bottom of your game, and tell the support team agent that you want to start Livestreaming! They’ll get you in touch with Community Manager Commander Cameron to help you work through the steps.

Need help getting your Stream set-up?

While very few will ever get a shot to try out for something like the NFL or the NBA, anyone with a decent gaming computer can be a video game streamer. If you want to take a shot at Video Game Stardom, here’s a step by step walkthrough of everything you need to do:

Step One:

Pick a streaming service to serve as the hub of your streaming pursuits.

Some services we recommend include:

All three of these services provide new streamers with various benefits:

  • Live chat platforms that allow you to seamlessly engage with your viewers while you stream.
  • Detailed analytics to track the performance of your Live Streams
  • The ability to run ads on your streams and monetize your channel (some of the top-tier game streamers out there are making several million dollars annually from ads and viewer donations alone)

Step Two:

Set up Open Broadcast Software (OBS) to capture your gameplay and audio, and stream it to the platform you chose above.

If you’ve never used OBS before, we’ve outlined some easy steps to get started. If you have used OBS, jump to Step 6:

  • Download OBS HERE.
  • Follow these video format guidelines in Settings > Output:
    • Select “Advanced” in the Output Mode dropdown.
    • Select a H264 video encoder in the Encoder dropdown. We recommend using a hardware encoder (i.e. NVENC or QuickSync) over the x264 software encoder unless you are using a dedicated streaming computer.
    • Check your upload speed and subtract ~20% to determine your bitrate. Recommended bitrate is 4000 Kbps (4 Mbps).
    • Keyframe Interval must be sent at least every 2 seconds throughout the stream.
    • H264 encoded video and AAC encoded audio only.
  • Go to Settings > Video to set up your resolution and fps. The recommended settings are 720p (1280 x 720) resolution, at 30 frames per second.

Step Three:

Create a Scene within OBS.

To put together a “scene”, such as the game you’re playing, your webcam’s feed, or custom overlays, right-click the Scenes box and click Add from the dropdown. Name the scene and then click OK. You can build multiple scenes and bounce between them, which is helpful depending on what you’re playing.

Step Four:

Add a Gaming Source in OBS.

There are three different sources you can use to add your game to the scene: Game Capture, Window Capture and Display Capture.

To add a source to your scene, select the scene and right-click inside the Sources box. Click Add and then choose the source you want to add.

Find the Right Source For You.

  • Game Capture captures the feed from a single game and will capture games that run in full screen. To add Game Capture as a source, name it and choose the game you want to capture. The game must be open for OBS to see it; if you don’t see your game, make sure it’s open and click the Refresh button. Note that Game Capture only supports DirectX 8, 9, 10, 10.1, 11 and OpenGL games.
  • Window Capture captures the feed from a single window, which could be a game running in windowed mode, a web browser or another app. Window Capture will not capture a game running in full screen mode.
  • Display Capture captures your entire monitor. It’s not great if you’re running Windows 7 or older, and it doesn’t capture games in full screen mode. Add Monitor Capture as a source and name it. Choose the monitor you want to capture (listed by number) and choose whether you want mouse movement to be captured.

Step Five:

Add a Webcam Source in OBS.

Now to put a face to your Stream. Right-click inside the Sources box and click Add > Video Capture Device and type in a name for your source.

In the Device Selection window, choose your Device and modify how you want your video to look. You can open up your webcam’s settings by clicking the Configure button. For webcams that have built-in microphones, make sure the right Audio Input Device is selected in the Audio section.

Now that you have two sources in your scene: a game source and a webcam source. You are almost ready to go! You won’t seen anything in OBS until you start streaming or previewing your stream. To see how it will look to your audience, click Preview Stream.

Step Six:

Build Your Brand!

To create the best possible broadcast, here are a few best practices that many creators follow already:

  • Seek a Strong Signal: This is obvious, but the stronger the internet connection, the more reliable the stream.
  • Tech Check: Always check your equipment 15 minutes before you are scheduled to go live. Mic on? Camera? Audio levels?
  • Consider Lighting: Actors know lighting is everything. If you’re on camera, watch for glare or backlighting that could make it difficult to see you.
  • Entertain and Engage: Don’t forget your audience! Talk to them and respond to any questions they may have. People love interactivity. Or stream with a friend!
  • Consistency is Key: If you’re looking to build an audience, establish a regular broadcast schedule – and be on time. Post on your Facebook Page when you’ll be streaming so friends know ahead of time.