by The popularity of video games can be directly tied to the development of technology. It is also the reason for the casual gamer dying out and people dedicating their time and money to being competitive. In the past 20 years or so, with the development of the internet and the ability to compete online, it is no longer about having fun with friends at home and instead about winning as much as possible.
There’s no harm in that. It’s an extension of sports and a big reason why esports is growing in popularity. The same with streaming, where everyday people can pull up the NFL schedule Week 12 and stream at the same time to provide commentary on the game, have guests on, preview or analyze the slate of games, and more.
The fact that technology has allowed gaming to grow to the point of professional contracts and content creators being able to support themselves with a full-time income is remarkable. The airing of competitions – whether on television, streamed live on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, or other platforms – has allowed for greater revenue sources within the gaming industry.
Technology continues to evolve, too, allowing the common person to stream from their home. Some grow because they are good at whatever games they’re playing, and others are for building a strong community of followers who will support them because of a welcoming environment, game advice, or a myriad of other reasons.
Here’s a look at the latest gaming gadgets to improve a home setup to help with competitiveness or streaming.
Inside Contents
Next-Gen Hardware
There is no denying that upgrading to the latest gaming software makes a difference. Faster processing speeds, better graphics, and colors give gamers an edge if they can afford the upgrade.
The next-generation consoles have been out for two years. While the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 were difficult to get for a long time, they are easier to secure. Though the holidays may have something to say about that. But the opportunity to secure one is important for those who hope to be competitive.
Other options are to get away from a console. The emergence of gaming laptops allows gamers to take the grind wherever they go. But a gaming computer will suffice for the home set-up. They can be bought as a pre-build or built by hand at home, which is a little more cost-effective. The shelf life is also longer and is great for content creators to easily transition from gaming to creating clips.
Downsizing
The casual gamer is comfortable on a larger television, but competitive gaming is best to downsize. A smaller screen size with a gaming monitor will force gamers to see more on a small screen for those who play shooters. It is easier to pick up the spin on a baseball pitch, too. Monitors will run around $150 but be sure they are compatible with whichever console or device someone games on.
Stream add-ons
For those who are gaming on a console, getting a capture card is paramount to transferring their graphics over to their computer. Though there is the capability of streaming straight from the console. But a computer and capture card will allow for different elements that increase the quality of streams.
Getting overlays made is a nice way to freshen up the stream and be consistent with the branding. Those can be programmed with sound alerts and other elements with people who use the El Gato Stream Deck, which allows the press of a button to display something different.
Communication Devices
There are different ways to communicate, too. A standard headset is an easy way to communicate, and there are some high-end options that include noise canceling to better focus on the game or chat. But there are also microphones that can plug straight into the computer for just chat, and headphones if gaming on the computer separately.
Just a Decoration
There are other options to improve the stream. It’s as simple as lining up sports memorabilia, family memories, flags, or other ways to represent what the streamer wants. They can also have their own brands highlighted by getting customized content.
There are also electronic displays that can be programmed to highlight social followings, scores, and more.
