Month: February 2020

Join us for an industry roundtable where we ask leading indie publishers -Devolver Digital, Annapurna Interactive, Versus Evil, and Raw Fury games; for their advice for up and coming streamers looking to collaborate with them.

With the introduction of platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG and Humble as well as digital distribution on consoles thanks to PSN, the Nintendo eShop, and XBOX store. It has never been easier to dive into titles made by smaller teams, from across the globe, developed independently from larger publishers.

Over the years, there have been some legendary breakout titles. Many of these were guided to release by indie publishers with a specialty in curating and promoting many of these beloved titles through development all the way up to release. Which more often than not includes collaboration with streamers and content creators.

With that in mind, we set out to speak to a few of the most prolific indie hitmakers. To better understand what they look for when collaborating with streamers. Whether throughout development such as when a game is in early access. Or when they are approached for early copies of games ahead of public release.

So if you are a streamer and are looking to reach out to an indie game publisher, what are some essential tips they can offer when planning that initial outreach?

Publisher: Raw Fury 

Known for: Bad North, GoNNER, Atomicrops, Dandara, Night Call
David Martinez: “When working with a streamer or content creator, we’re looking for consistency. Does this channel post content or stream regularly? Do they have a dedicated audience and viewership? It’s not about how large their following is, it’s more about if they’re putting in the time and dedication to building their community. Since we are ultimately trying to reach that community.”

Publisher: Versus Evil

Known for: The Banner Saga series, Pillars of Eternity series, Guild of Dungeoneering
Lance James: “At Versus Evil, we generally look for a good fit for our games above all else. To ensure that the content creator plays content that is familiar to them and their audience. Ideally, this comes in as a natural fit and both the content creator and the game mesh well together. We get a content creator who knows the genre and the audience gets more content that they enjoy and expect.”

Publisher: Devolver Digital

Known for: Hotline Miami, Enter The Gungeon, Broforce, My Friend Pedro, Downwell
Nigel Lowrie: “I’d say what strikes me most is that feeling of being ‘genuine’ is important – however that manifests itself. They feel like it’s them out there, sharing what they love, and not performing to an audience that they are disconnected from.”

Publisher: Anna Purna Interactive

Known for: Sayonara Wild Hearts, The Outer Wilds, Donut County, What Remains of Edith Finch
Jeff Legaspi: ”When folks reach out, we look for a level of interest and authenticity with their request and in follow up conversations. As we appreciate folks that are passionate about creating content with our games. It helps when we get a cold request that isn’t in a template. Especially if they’ve created content for some of our previous games that they link to. Finally, we appreciate folks that take the time to chat with us at conventions. And continue to follow up on the conversation afterward! It never hurts to do that and leave your contact information so we can get back to them later.”

Whether you’re looking into widening your content focus beyond the Twitch Top 20 or looking to formalize your brand into a business. Building positive relations with publishers is an essential step to getting your channel taken seriously. Indie games are a celebration of artistry, creativity and of a DIY culture that mirrors streaming itself. There are game titles that explode in popularity. Many thanks to streamers playing the game that gained minimal coverage by the traditional press. So what are you waiting for? 

Having seen American Psycho years ago what I, like you, mostly recall from it is two-fold; that when Huey Lewis and The News put out Sports in 1983, they really came into their own and, that Paul Allen has a very nice business card.

They all have very nice business cards, something that our titular character should have understood in that scene. Nonetheless, it highlights the importance of business cards. I think the film might be about something else but we’re focusing on business cards here, so let’s move on.

Business cards are incredibly important for streamers if you’re looking to network at events. To make new connections at meet-ups, or you’re looking to talk to potential sponsors. A lot of people seem to be under the impression that you can just get people to follow you on social media and that’ll be just fine. I say this because, for a short while, I thought this was a good idea. So don’t worry I’m not judging you, I’m here to impart Knowledge Wisdoms. 

Why Business Cards still beat Twitter

So, the first problem with this, chances are, the person you’re talking to has just asked you for a business card and you have to fumble over a reason why you don’t have one. I know I could never think of a good one and ended up saying “Oh I just ran out” knowing full well that I never had any and to quote Saw Gerrera “Lies! Deceptions!”. 

Secondly, and the worst part, you’re not really giving them a choice. I’ve seen people say “okay so open twitter, search for me…yep..that’s me..okay give me a follow…yep…now I’m following you back..cool.” Maybe Brenda from Big Tech Firm didn’t want to follow you? Maybe their twitter is a personal thing? You just made a weird situation where they had to do it! Avoid doing this! But fear not, this is where your friend Business Card comes in!

Handing over a business card not only makes you feel slick (remember American Psycho, as established, a film about business cards) but you’re letting them choose what to do next!

“Reach out if you need anything” or “It would be great to talk some time”.

You’re giving them the choice is WAY better than the situation mentioned above. So now we’ve established why a business card is important what information should yours have on it? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Essential Info To Add To Your Business Card

Keep your business card simple! Don’t fill it with information that is not needed. Think to yourself, what would somebody I want to work with need to know? Chances are:

Name
Things You Do Sum Up Simply
“Content Creator” “Streamer” “Community Specialist”
Email
Primary Social Media Account
(Keeping this professional is important, but that’s another article for another day)

You need your name, because, well, I mean, I could go into the pros and cons of having an identifying symbol to distinguish yourself from the billions of other humans easily when you’re not in the room but that’d drag this article out a bit. You can put whatever name you like here, your Twitch name is fine if it’s what people know you by.

Remember kids, a name is a choice and you can call yourself whatever you want.

An email is the best way for people to reach somebody but make sure this email address looks relatively professional. I know you have held onto PS2sux@hotmail for years. Ideally, you’re looking for name@whateverprovider to complete the “I’m a professional” look we’ve been aiming for. Finally, your primary social media account. This needn’t be the one with the most followers, but the one you update regularly and have kept consistent with your brand. Because when I said professional above I didn’t mean keeping it bland. If your personal brand is fun and full of memes, go for it! Just know that in 2020, companies will look at your online footprint. And leading with it on a business card and keeping things consistent online is a good look. 

Make your business card an extension of your brand

The artwork is a good way to help your card stand out, but not everyone can do amazing stuff or get it commissioned. A card without artwork is also fine, while it might not stand out as a super cool card, hopefully, the impression you left with someone will be more than enough!

As a side tip, you can write something funny on the back of the business card. It can make it stand out just as much as cool artwork would. I got a business card from someone who worked in education and on the back of the card there was an interesting fact! I can still remember that card and that person, which is half the point of a card! It was on brand and stood out! Perfect!  

So, what things should you avoid? Firstly, keep it the same size/shape as everyone else’s business cards. It might seem like a good idea to get creative and make a business card that’s shaped like an origami crane. (Okay, that would be really cool). Chances are the person you give it to will either want to put it in their business card holder or a wallet and go through them after the event you’re at.

A weird shape is just going to get either crushed up or left behind because they had nowhere to put it.

Make sure it’s on relatively thick card stock, pretty much for the same reason. It’s much cheaper to print off your own business cards on paper at home. But, it’s going to get crumpled up and might not leave a good impression. Using somewhere like moo.com gives you a range of business card types and in our experience has always been good quality but there are plenty of alternatives out there!

Also, as a final parting tip, consider who you’re giving these to and where you’re leaving them. Not only are they not cheap to produce so you don’t want to throw them around. I’ve seen people leave business cards on tables in social areas at conventions.

Sure, this might seem like quick marketing to all the people who go by but did you really want just anyone having your contact details? (Really, I recall seeing business cards left by a streamer around the chill-out area at PAX which first of all, litter!

Secondly, random people have your phone number, anyone that might work there, and be annoyed that you have left litter everywhere! Don’t litter!)

With these tips I hope you see the value in business cards, which ultimately was the main message of the Christian Bale 2000 movie American Business Card, I think. Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve watched it.

When you have your business cards, it’s important to learn a little about how to network at events. Take a look at our mini-doc we made that runs through some tips from the XSplit Community, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Streamers, they’re all over the place these days. But what sets them apart from other content creators who do gaming and other streaming content on the internet?

Let’s have a real talk about people on the internet these days. Some people, for the sake of individuality and instant popularity, will create an alternate persona.

A persona that is likely to be more relatable and fun – to gain more attention and fame. Take for example, content creators who openly admit that the character they portray on their videos and social media can be a far cry from the real person when the cameras are off. This character they have created can be a polar opposite of who they are, but for the sake of being a likable person, this persona has been created to garner the attention of the viewers and be as relatable as possible – the perfect personality that’s likely to shoot into popularity the fastest. This does not only apply to Instagram influencers and VOD content creators, but it can also be everywhere. The streaming community cannot be spared.

Characterization is all over the internet, you’re not sure whether the person on their social media is the real person instead of a perfect persona created for the likes and fame. Here is where authenticity can be key to differentiate you from the rest of the current internet personas out there.

You are unique

There is no other person like you, not even twins are the same. Do you agree? What makes you – you – makes you different. How is that a plus? 

Conformity to what society dictates can be a bane for our creative existence. It simply places us in a box where it compartmentalizes who we are as human beings. You can be one thing in this life and if it doesn’t fit it any of the things that society has listed – then you’re weird or different. Back in the day, being different is often seen as being a social deviant. 

These days, being different is highly celebrated. Some find it fun and entertaining, the person is seemingly living the best life he/she has. But is it all real? That’s the million-dollar question, right?

Authenticity, what?

Being an authentic person, what does it mean and how difficult can it be to become my best authentic self?

Be yourself.

But how can we identify our real selves in this world of internet personas and characterizations – we start with ourselves. Yes, simply put look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself – who am I? What makes me, me?

We constantly look up to famous streamers and gamers for inspiration but haven’t you looked into yourself and see that what makes you yourself is something that can be deemed interesting.

Some people might say:…but I’m not that interesting, why would people be interested in me?”

Let’s go back to the idea, no two people are alike and twins are different. 

You can be doing one thing but how you do it makes the difference and no two persons have the same outlook, it can be similar but be totally different at the same time.

Social media perfection

What is authenticity in the world of social media perfection and almost everything can be professionally staged? How do we even know if someone is being authentic and real online? There are a lot of people who staged a personality or character to portray for their audiences. It can be a procured personality based on the perceived persona that the audience reflects on the content creator that’s not necessarily the real person.

We often question if something is even real in this digital age where things aren’t always what they seem. Photos and videos can be faked, edited and perfected in a certain way. People can be replaced by AI (and even clones! In the near future, the existence of one’s true self is about to go extinct. Just to get the most likes and comments on socials.

The reality is that authenticity in social media is dying. Being real is a dying trend since it doesn’t get you as many likes or hearts – perfection and being ideal is what gives you attention unwanted or otherwise.

Streamers being authentic

In an era of live broadcast, most say that they watch the stream not for the game or content streamed – but because of the person doing the streaming. 

People amass a huge following out of their personality, how they talk and carry themselves online. If you think you’re boring, then think again. No two people are alike, remember? So, you might be doing normal things but in your own way – that makes it all different. Your reactions and comments, opinions and suggestions are all different because your experiences and endeavors shaped you to become the person who you are today. You possess a story that only you can tell, you have a path that only you walked through and paved. 

Don’t burn yourself out

Nobody can have a perfect and consistent personality online, especially when it’s necessarily staged. Some people say that they get content burnout because they cannot churn out content that the audience might like. Having a perceived character also does the same thing, it gets tiring to be a person who you want people to see you as. Being yourself and having fun streaming out there is priceless – it takes the burnout off your chest and you get to genuinely enjoy what you are doing. Don’t make it a task and make it your own experience. 

We hope that it some way we made our point across, you don’t need to be anybody but yourself when you’re streaming or creating content out there. Being you is the best characterization that you can portray and we’re here to support it!

Making your production better is like a present to your audience. While there are many ways available to streamers to make the stream better, we think these six things are some of the most important to address first. 

Audio

Audio should be on the top of everyone’s list as the first upgrade to their streaming production. Your conversation is one of the main things people come to a stream for. Keeping it audible and clear is important. 

One of the first routes to look at would be a dedicated USB microphone, the Blue Yeti is a fine example of this. Already have a USB mic? Maybe an XLR microphone for you, like the Rode Procaster. Now, one of the downsides to this is you will need an interface to connect it like a Focusrite 2i2 or a GoXLR. This, in turn, will bump up the cost and add another layer of complication to your stream. For this reason, if you’re doing your first round of upgrades a USB mic is the way to go. Honestly, some webcams have great mics built into them so be sure to look up online comparisons and reviews before you buy!

Lighting

Before you buy a new camera you should look into lighting. While it’s true a fancy new webcam, or a DSLR / studio camera will make a big difference to the quality of your stream, it won’t mean a thing if your lighting isn’t right. Correct lighting can make a cheaper webcam look like a more expensive one!

Elgato offers a good solution, aimed at content creators, the Key Light, which is packed with features and integrates with the Logitech ecosystem. For a first upgrade, however, you can find cheaper ring lights and camera-mountable LED lights that will do a good job.  It’s also worth finding lighting tutorials online to find out how to position everything as well as set up your camera to make the most of your new lighting. 

Hotkeys & Macros

Tired of tabbing out of your game to do something in your streaming software? Want to mute your microphone quickly?

Want to mute your microphone quickly?

Using Hotkeys can make a ton of difference to the ease with which you can produce your content. This is especially true if you’re on a one monitor setup! You can find out how to set up hotkeys in XSplit right here.

Macros are the next step when it comes to automating things in your stream! Think of it as one action performing multiple steps, for example, when I press this key combination mute my mic, go live to my channel and start my intro. All, with one button press. The possibilities of what you can do with Macros are pretty wide so experiment with things you’d like to do! Find out more about the Macros extension here. Not only will these features save you time but they add a level of slickness to your live production!

Overlays

Having customizable overlays, with alerts, starting, ending and BRB screens can help differentiate your stream from others. As well as adding a polish if implemented correctly.

It’s even easier than ever these days, by jumping directly in with XSplit Gamecaster V4 you can have your overlays in moments. Adding your own graphics to these systems is easy as well, however, using the already created overlays is a great place to start!

Also, as they are all running in the cloud they won’t be a big use of system resources! Don’t, however, try to cram too much on your screen at once. While it might seem cool to have a ton of things happening on your screen at once, it can be pretty distracting for a viewer. Everything should have a purpose when you put it there, that purpose can, of course, be “because it looks cool” but try to keep this to a limit. Is it giving anyone information? Does it add flair that separates you from the others or establish your brand? Know what you want people to get from your stream and focus your overlays on that.

Transitions

Scene transitions can take a standard broadcast and add a television-like feel. Go from one scene to the next with a flourish while also giving the viewer a sense of moving from one thing to the next. XSplit Gamecaster V4 and XSplit Broadcast both have these built into the program and can be implemented with ease. You can even create your custom transitions to add a layer of personality! They also give a sense of motion, you’re going from one scene to the next sure, but you’re also going from one place to the next. The transition is always a reset moment. Something crazy just happened? Okay, let’s go over here and talk about a different place. It’s only a few seconds but it can honestly feel like a reset for a viewer! 

Getting your bitrate/resolution right. 

Streaming at 1080p 60FPS might seem like a move to step up production but sometimes it can make the viewers experience worse. Not all streaming sites offer encoding options to every level of streamer and without them, your viewer may be unable to watch your stream due to buffering. Even worse, if your internet connection and computer can’t handle encoding a stream at those settings you will start to drop frames. However nice everything looks on your end, the moment you’re dropping a ton of frame the viewers experience just got worse. XSplit will run a test the first time you set up a new streaming output and recommend settings based on your computer and internets ability. XSplit Broadcaster can also use an Adaptive Bitrate system which will automatically change your bitrate if your connection is moving around. 

Implementing any of the above tips will make a big difference in the quality of your production. One of the biggest tips we can give, however, is never spending too much. You can throw a lot of money into your live stream but the reality is you don’t need to. Nail these fundamentals and your stream will be set up for a good long while.