On a surface level, game streaming is pretty simple. You play a console or PC video game, and you use a platform like Twitch or YouTube to broadcast your gameplay online. However, a surprising number of factors can affect how you grow your streaming audience — starting with the deceptively simple choice between playing one game or switching between multiple titles.
This can actually be one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a streamer. It will have real effects on how you build your audience and develop your brand, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into with both types of streaming.
Why Your Choice Matters
First, it’s worth asking: Why does it matter whether you stream one game or a variety? Isn’t it solely a matter of personal preference, like what brand of gaming mouse you use or whether you play on a mechanical gaming keyboard?
Obviously, the answer is yes — but here’s the thing: It all comes down to what people expect when they tune in to your stream. When you go to a concert, you probably know what genre of music the performers will be playing. When you turn on Netflix or Hulu, you know (and the app knows, too) which kinds of content you probably want to watch.
Streaming is no different. Most people like to watch certain types of streams, and many prefer certain games or types of games. There are audiences out there for both single game and variety streaming — but they’re often looking for different things, and they want to know what to expect. If you’re trying to build your audience (especially if you’re shooting for Twitch Partner or Affiliate), it’s important to know how the differences will affect you.
Single Game Streaming
Single game streaming is generally accepted as the fastest route to building a following as a streamer. Consistent content on the same game keeps viewers who love that game coming back, and they’ll often bring their friends along. The more you stream one game, the more you’ll become part of that game’s community and build organic growth in viewers.
The single game route is a great way to build your skills by introducing you to other knowledgeable players who you can scrim and swap tips with. It’s also good for making inroads into the eSports community if you’re interested in playing at a higher level. Many eSports players are also streamers, and you can get noticed if your skills are truly exceptional.
● Consider single game streaming if…
○ You’re extremely skilled at or passionate about one specific game
○ You want to build your audience as quickly as possible
○ You want to help grow a particular game’s community
○ You want to get better at a specific game
○ You want to become an eSports player, coach, or commentator
○ You want to strongly associate your personal brand with a certain game
Variety Streaming
Variety streaming can mean streaming different games from the same genre, games from different genres, or even completely different types of content. This approach has a lot of upsides: It doesn’t tie your relevance to one game, it lets you play whatever you want, and, for a lot of streamers, it’s simply more fun.
However, the consensus is that variety streaming is more challenging from an audience building perspective. Viewers who aren’t interested in what you’re playing today may simply skip your stream, and they might not come back. More than other types of streaming, variety streaming requires building a brand around your persona, not just the games you play, which can be a heavier lift for a lot of streamers.
● Consider variety streaming if…
○ You think you’ll get bored or burned out on a single game
○ You enjoy playing games in multiple genres, or various games in the same genre
○ You want to stream other content like live chat or creative arts
○ You don’t want to tie your stream to the success and relevance of one game
○ You want to be able to stream new games as they come out
○ You don’t mind putting in more work to build an audience
Factors to Think About
When you’re making the decision between single game and variety streaming, here are a couple of key points to consider:
● Single game streamers will often have to change games eventually, either because they get burned out or because their game of choice is no longer popular. When this happens, it can be challenging to transition your following to a new game.
● Some streamers use a best-of-both-worlds approach. This might mean always streaming one game at a specific date and time but switching it up on other days, or streaming one game most of the time but having a “variety day” when you stream anything you feel like playing.
● We haven’t covered the money-making aspect of streaming much here because it’s something of a different animal. However, if you want to go pro as a streamer, the main thing to remember is that branding and audience are everything, and you should choose the option that you think will help you build those aspects most effectively.
Things Every Streamer Should Do
● Stream on a consistent schedule. You’ll get more repeat viewers if you give them a regular, reliable day and time to tune in.
● Stream for at least two to three hours per session if you can. More time on a stream means more time for viewers to pop in, which in turn means better metrics and more opportunities to meet cool people.
● Be as interactive as possible with your viewers. Say hello when new people enter the channel, and pay attention to your chat so you can respond to comments.
● Invest in high-quality gear to give your viewers a better experience. A solid microphone or headset, a webcam, and a fast broadband connection are indispensable. If you’re not sure your PC is up to the challenge of streaming, a prebuilt gaming PC can be a good investment.
● Use other social media channels to grow your audience. Talking to your followers via other platforms like Instagram or Twitter helps them get to know you and can potentially attract new viewers. Plus, it’s a useful way to announce when you’re going live.
Above all, streaming requires patience and consistency. Give your viewers the content they love, and do it in a way that makes your stream a part of their world.
