The Set Up

So after my last blog post, I immediately started to have a look at new streaming software, and how things have changed since I previously streamed back in 2015.

For the most part, there are two different packages you can use to stream from a PC. These are XSplit and OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). I already have used OBS, so this is what I am going to stick with. It is a free software package that is completely open source, meaning there is a huge amount of community development behind it, as opposed to the paid-for software that is XSplit. (Also because I'm cheap).

However, the previous version of OBS I had was out of date and no longer supported, so I had to switch to the new OBS Studio package which is far cleaner, and uses less resources on my computer making it more efficient for me.

OBS

I followed a guide on Youtube (Polygadi, 2016) to help me set up OBS - I already knew some of the basics, but I wanted to ensure that I have everything set up correctly so there will be no issues for myself or my viewers. All I had to do was input my "stream key" from Twitch, adjust my base and output resolutions, then adjust my stream bit-rate and downscale encoder.

OBS Studio allows you to create multiple "Scenes" for your stream, meaning you can switch between multiple resources at the click of a button, or even assign these to a hotkey on your keyboard. For example, I have created three scenes - one showing my game with a move-able webcam source, another with just a full-screen webcam for when I do not want to show my

desktop capture, and the last with a very low-quality fullscreen image saying "BRB" (Be Right Back), for when I have to leave my computer without ending my stream.

With all of this set up, I can simply click "Start Streaming" and "Start Recording" and OBS will automatically connect me to Twitch and display my stream.

It is literally as easy as that.

Alerts

Streaming on Twitch seems to be more than simply displaying your game and webcam, however. While some do stream just their game with no microphone or webcam, the best and biggest streamers have taken time to create alerts, popups, and other ways for viewers to interact with their content. After a brief look, it seems there are multiple third-party companies who have created very simple web-based alert plugins for OBS and XSplit which will show a short gif, animation and/or soundbite on the stream when a viewer follows, subscribes or donates to my channel through Twitch.

One that I have begun to use is called GamingForGood.net, which has a very easy to use dashboard and series of alert plugins that allows for a wide range of interactivity. For example in addition to the ones already listed, it also allows messages in donations to be read out using a text-to-speech program, for donations to be split between the streamer and charities, and for donators to select music to be played on the stream. A great example of the latter is Sodapoppin's "When Stream Decides The Music" series on YouTube. (CAUTION: loud).

I set this up by following some easy tutorials created by GamingForGood (AtheneWins, 2016) that allow me to link their alert API with OBS through a simple web link. They seem to be privately uploaded by a separate big Youtube channel, however.

Streaming online nowadays has become so easy to do, to the point that anyone with a decent-spec computer can do it for free with little set up. Take me for example, I have little experience of this beforehand, and the total set up time was less than two hours. I can stream to anyone across the globe, receive money in donations and enjoy interacting with viewers.

Although, I need to find an audience.

BIBILIOGRAPHY

Polygadi, (2016).

The BEST OBS Studio Settings in UNDER THREE Minutes! Easy Steps To Make Your Stream Look Great!. [video]

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_VdRohc-J0

[Accessed 29 Nov. 2016]

AtheneWins, (2016).

How To Use the Alert Box. [video]

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRnsJkmHHTo

[Accessed 29 Nov. 2016]