How to Pull Off the Perfect Board Game Live Stream Event
As most people reading this will know by now, board games are officially back and better than ever. Record numbers of people around the world are now buying and playing board games of all stripes. The market continues to be dominated by mainstays such as D&D, Monopoly, and Clue, but a rich ecosystem of Kickstarter fundraisers has also helped to bring more niche games and themes into the mainstream.
Much of the recent growth of tabletop gaming has been spurred on by livestreaming, with platforms such as Twitch helping to turn board game enthusiasts into influencers in their own right, with legions of fans tuning in to watch them play the current board game of the moment.
If you’re wanting to give board game livestreaming a try, there are some important factors to consider and preparations to make. Whether you’re interested in becoming a famous streamer or just want to share your hobby with the world, here are some hot tips for pulling off a flawless board gaming livestream.
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Take notes from the professional streaming sector
If you want to get off to the strongest possible start, take your cues from those with more experience in this area. A good place to begin is by checking out Twitch channels of other prominent tabletop streamers, but this will only get you so far. Another immensely popular table game that is frequently live-streamed is blackjack.
Some of the world’s largest online casino brands often allow players to play blackjack online in real-time, using a livestream to set up a match between the player and a real-life card dealer. This is professional livestreaming like you have never seen before, with industry-level lighting, audio, placement, and acting. Consult the pros before starting your own livestream.
Get the setup right
Camera placement is essential for any tabletop gaming stream. You need to make sure that all players are visible and that nobody has their back to the camera. You could opt for a birds-eye view of the board, as this captures all the action. However, it is important to capture the reactions of players, so it is better to alternate between a birds-eye setup and a group-facing setup every few seconds or so. Consistency is key.
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Lights, cameras, audio
Streaming a board game might sound straightforward, but there is a huge number of logistical considerations to keep in mind. You need to make sure the lighting is very bright, otherwise, viewers will not be able to see the board or the dice moves. You should also position your lights in a way that prevents shadows from being cast over the board.
Make sure everyone is clearly audible and connect a small mic to each player if possible. If you are playing a dice-based game, you might want to make the audio more user-friendly by rolling the dice on something soft, as the noise can get irritating if you are rolling every couple of seconds. Thinking about the little stuff like this will help to ensure a smooth streaming session that is of a high enough quality for everyone to enjoy.
By following these steps, you can take your streaming to the next level and become a true board game influencer. Good luck!