Streaming Tabletop Games [TwitchCon 2016 Panel]
By Lowco 
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
- Dealing with 3D reality: players are moving around, sound and video are coming from different directions
- 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
- Social media advertising
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Dice cam
- 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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