Streaming Tabletop Games [TwitchCon 2016 Panel]

For the complete list of panels, check out the main TwitchCon 2016 panel recap post.

VoD link: https://www.twitch.tv/twitchconsandstorm/v/93344525, https://www.twitch.tv/twitchconsandstorm/v/93344874, https://www.twitch.tv/twitchconsandstorm/v/93345174
Sandstorm Theater Day One
Moderator: Reecius
Participants: InControlTV, TuxedoGiraffe

• There is a viewership presence on Twitch for tabletop games such as Warhammer
• Streaming Tabletop is very difficult, but it’s becoming easier
• Presentation is important
• Challenges
• • Dealing with 3D reality: players are moving around, sound and video are coming from different directions
  • • At minimum, have two different camera angles
    • Players tend to accidentally block cameras
    • The more camera angles the better!
  • Requires a team of people to really run smoothly
  • Viewers want to see your miniatures, camera work that focuses up close to highlight the features of the models is super beneficial
• Settle expectations with your players before your stream
• • Make them aware of your rules i.e swearing/no swearing
  • Camera locations
  • Personality
  • • Would they be enjoyable to watch?
    • Too salty?
    • Too quiet?
    • A good player dynamic is important
• Marketing
• • Social media advertising
  • • Purchasing ad space on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • Pull videos from your Twitch streams and make them into YouTube highlights
  • What sets yourself apart from the crowd?
  • Be aware of algorithms for social media
  • • Social media algorithms are always changing
    • Make sure your posts are reaching as many people as possible
• Dedication and consistency are important
• Tailor your stream to what game you are playing
• • Lighting, for example, could do blue lights for a cybernetic theme
  • Graphics to match the theme
• Engaging chat is beneficial
• • Someone from behind the scenes that can directly respond to messages or even read it out so the players can respond
• Balance between conveying what is happening in the game without spoiling the competitive aspect of it
• Software
• • Open Broadcaster Software for streaming
  • Tabletop simulator, Roll20, urealms
• Hardware
• • Video card not as important
  • • GTX 950
  • Processor is important
  • Eventually, you will want one computer designated just for streaming, another computer in charge of switching cameras and controlling other production elements
  • Camera Switcher
  • • Blackmagic ATEM
  • Microphone – Shure SM7B
  • • Pop filter is important
    • RPG – fixed mic
    • Tabletop – overhead/boom mic
  • Camera
  • • Dice cam
    • • Use BIG casino dice with pips
      • Picture-in-Picture to always show dice
    • Free-roaming camera with zoomable lens
• Production Team
• • Equipment manager and director as separate roles
  • Technical difficulties are devastating, need one person dedicated to making sure everything is working and stay focused
• Make the most of your equipment, go through your equipment manuals
• Budgeting – consider cables, adapters, and accessories into your budget because it adds up
• Audio tip – hang up a blanket or drape in the room to prevent sound from bouncing off walls

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