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Streaming board games - Equipment
I've been streaming weekly for over a year now so figured I'd share some of what I've learned.
My advice is always to start as cheap as possible, see if you enjoy this first. The below assumes you have a computer.
Let's get started.
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I've been streaming weekly for over a year now so figured I'd share some of what I've learned.
My advice is always to start as cheap as possible, see if you enjoy this first. The below assumes you have a computer.
Let's get started.
1/12
Logitech C920 (approx £90)
This isn't the best webcam but a popular choice among streamers.
For new streamers, I advise using a smartphone. If already own a phone, you just need software to connect it to your computer (£0-£10). Also, the cam is MUCH better.
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This isn't the best webcam but a popular choice among streamers.
For new streamers, I advise using a smartphone. If already own a phone, you just need software to connect it to your computer (£0-£10). Also, the cam is MUCH better.
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I switched from a C920 to a Nikon Z6 (approx £2,000), strictly because I already owned one due to my photography work.
Even so, DSLR cameras require a capture card (£100-200) plus additional cables to use with a standard computer so have extra costs.
Image: Webcam vs DSLR
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Even so, DSLR cameras require a capture card (£100-200) plus additional cables to use with a standard computer so have extra costs.
Image: Webcam vs DSLR
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Camera arm / tripod / custom set up.
I always say start cheap, and using brooms and cat towers can work when you don't want to spend money on it.
If you want to upgrade some options are clamp arms £20 (phone/webcam), or a C-stand £100 (heavier cameras)
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I always say start cheap, and using brooms and cat towers can work when you don't want to spend money on it.
If you want to upgrade some options are clamp arms £20 (phone/webcam), or a C-stand £100 (heavier cameras)
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Microphones
Headphones - £20-£150
USB - approx £50-200
Wired lavalier - approx £40-£100
Using a mic built into your phone, laptop or computer can pick up a lot of background noise, so if you want to upgrade here are some options.
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Headphones - £20-£150
USB - approx £50-200
Wired lavalier - approx £40-£100
Using a mic built into your phone, laptop or computer can pick up a lot of background noise, so if you want to upgrade here are some options.
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Lavalier and headphone mics are great at picking individuals' voices.
USB mics are more flexible with multiple people but can pick up background noise. Check if you can adjust the microphone settings as more expensive ones allow you to adjust how they capture sound.
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USB mics are more flexible with multiple people but can pick up background noise. Check if you can adjust the microphone settings as more expensive ones allow you to adjust how they capture sound.
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I currently use a Blue Yeti X (£150) as this mic has lots of extra built-in features. On mic gain adjustment and metering display.
Switch mic recording style between streaming, conference calls, bi-directional for interviews, and stereo.
It's not cheap, but it's versatile.
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Switch mic recording style between streaming, conference calls, bi-directional for interviews, and stereo.
It's not cheap, but it's versatile.
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Be mindful that a lot of options have extra costs. Microphones can need covers, stands often need new attachments to hold your camera.
These things can really add up so figure out what extras you require before buying or that cheap purchase can double in cost.
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These things can really add up so figure out what extras you require before buying or that cheap purchase can double in cost.
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Lighting
Box lights (£45-£90) provide soft lighting, stopping harsh bright spots.
LED panel lights (£80-£300) give you more adjustability, allowing you to dial the brightness up and down.
Ring lights £10-£100 are normally used to evenly light a person.
Daylight? Free.
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Box lights (£45-£90) provide soft lighting, stopping harsh bright spots.
LED panel lights (£80-£300) give you more adjustability, allowing you to dial the brightness up and down.
Ring lights £10-£100 are normally used to evenly light a person.
Daylight? Free.
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I started with box lights, but switched to LED panels in my photography work as I required the flexibility in my set up to adjust lighting, however, the average person really doesn't need this.
Box lights are however bulky, so another pro of LED lights is their size.
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Box lights are however bulky, so another pro of LED lights is their size.
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Streaming free software - There is a whole array of software, from the more complicated and customizable (OBS, Streamlabs OBS) to the more click and go (StreamYard, Zoom, Twitch/Facebook Live).
There is nothing to stop you from starting simple, then switching over time.
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There is nothing to stop you from starting simple, then switching over time.
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As you can see above if you have a computer you can stream for close to nothing, using your phone, via free software, for fun, or you can spend hundreds if not thousands of pounds.
Start cheap, see how much you enjoy yourself and go from there.
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Start cheap, see how much you enjoy yourself and go from there.
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Do you stream and have any different or additional advice based on your own setup? I'd be glad to hear it!
If you've got any questions above any of the above, just comment on the section in question and I'll try to answer to the best of my ability!
If you've got any questions above any of the above, just comment on the section in question and I'll try to answer to the best of my ability!
This whole thread was about physical board games but I'd be totally remiss not to add you can also stream digital versions of board games just by sharing your screen.
Tabletopia, Board Game Arena or bg apps can all be shared easily removing the need for fancy cameras.
Tabletopia, Board Game Arena or bg apps can all be shared easily removing the need for fancy cameras.
To stream digital you use free streaming software (mentioned previously) that allows you to share windows/programs live.
This is actually a lot simpler than it sounds, and if you ignore all the additional webcams/graphics is only a few clicks of the mouse to add to your stream.
This is actually a lot simpler than it sounds, and if you ignore all the additional webcams/graphics is only a few clicks of the mouse to add to your stream.
