There are many who enjoy streaming their own personal gameplay, and there are others who take that activity to a whole new level. In the indie gaming industry, and the gaming industry as a whole the value of key influencers as part of a marketing strategy is irreplaceable.
The reach that streamers from both YouTube & Twitch can achieve is optimal for any game developer of publisher could ever dream of. So, we took to the internet, and we reached out to a number of streamers who could in their own personal opinion provide some insight into why working with streamers such as themselves is so valuable to a publisher or developer looking to improve the sales of their own game(s).
We asked each streamer the following set of questions to discover their individual perspective on the gaming industry, and how their personal streaming brand can influence the brand recognition of a game they wish or choose to play.
- What marketing value do you bring to a game that you choose to play and cover through your live or recorded streams?
- What do you look for in a game you wish to stream? Or opt to stream on behalf of a developer?
- What is the future relationship look like for game developers and streamers?
- Name 2-3 games you would love to work with to help advocate their game? And Why?
- For those looking to get into streaming video games or indie games, what can you recommend to them?
Sevigor
Twitch / Twitter
What marketing value do you bring to a game that you choose to play and cover through your live or recorded streams?
Many times, people will watch a streamer play a game their interested in to get a better idea of what the game is like. I’ve been guilty of this myself. Streamers, such as myself, give viewers and potential buyers a better glimpse of what a game may be like and it also enables them to ask our opinion of the game. I’ve had viewers come into my stream specifically because they are looking at buying the game I’m playing. They want to know if the gameplay is adequate and if it’s worth the price at hand.
What do you look for in a game you wish to stream? Or opt to stream on behalf of a developer?
I typically look for something that’s engaging and allows for customization. The reasoning behind this is because I personally like customization in a game and it allows me to discuss my thoughts and opinions to my viewers on why I’m doing what I’m doing in game. If I’m looking for a new game to stream regularly, replay-ability is a must. What I mean by this is, if I decide to continue playing the game after the game is ‘completed’, will my next run through be a different experience? Doing multiple runs through a game that contains little replayability is very dry and most viewers would prefer not to continue watching that content day after day.
What is the future relationship look like for game developers and streamers?
I think the future relationship between developers and streamers will continue to become a stronger bond. Previously, ads were the only way to get your video game known. But now, video game streamers and other content creators alike are quickly becoming the best way to advertise a game. This is because viewers will always continue to watch their favorite streamer regardless of what they may be playing. If a developer or company decides to promote their game through X streamer, they are promoting to a more targeted audience and are significantly more likely to grow their own community within the game.
Name 2-3 games you would love to work with to help advocate their game? And Why?
To be honest, I’m really open to this. I love all video games. I like to consider myself more of a variety streamer and dabble in many different games. Although, I tend to lean more towards survival/FPS/strategic type games. So, it’s hard for me to really pin-point 2-3 specific games I’d love to help advocate their game. But I can say that recently I’ve been playing quite of bit of Fortnite: Battle Royale and I’ve been getting seriously addicted to Slay The Spire.
For those looking to get into streaming video games or indie games, what can you recommend to them?
Consistency. It seems like such a simple and easy to achieve thing. But once you start streaming, you quickly learn that it’s not so easy. With life getting in the way and loss of motivation at times, consistency becomes difficult. If you’re looking to grow your viewer community, having a set stream schedule and being dependable that you’ll actually be on is the best way to grow that viewership.
Dan Long – Indie
Twitch / Twitter
What marketing value do you bring to a game that you choose to play and cover through your live or recorded streams?
Depending on the situation, social media leading up to and during the stream, shoutouts and links during the stream If I am getting paid there would be more follow up and promoting the game in ways that are requested. The one thing that is important in both cases is to be professional. Don’t be flaky. Make sure and be responsive and do what you say you are going to do. Put 110% of yourself forward. The gaming world is small and if you are a flake or a jerk, word will get around and nobody will want to work with you.
What do you look for in a game you wish to stream? Or opt to stream on behalf of a developer?
I look for games that I think would be fun for me to play and also something my audience might enjoy. There have been times that I have played games I knew my audience would really be into even if it’s not my favorite genre.
What is the future relationship look like for game developers and streamers?
I think that there is going to be a lot more paid/promoted content out there as the streamers get more business savvy.
Name 2-3 games you would love to work with to help advocate their game? And Why?
Vampyr – it just looks AMAZING. I haven’t been excited about a game like this in awhile. There is also a mobile game called Rumble League that I think a lot of people are going to love. I have an early access version of it and it’s pretty addicting.
For those looking to get into streaming video games or indie games, what can you recommend to them?
Figure out why you are streaming. Are you doing it for fun or are you doing it to make a living. If you are doing it for fun, then play what you want, do whatever you want and just have fun. If you are trying to make a living at it, try some things and figure out what resonates best with your audience. You might get locked into a niche or maybe playing something that is not your favorite game but if you are doing it for a career, you won’t have the luxury to just do whatever you want. Do what people want you to do, expand on that and grow a lot, then you might be able to do whatever you want.
RetroGaijin
Twitch | Twitter
What marketing value do you bring to a game that you choose to play and cover through your live or recorded streams?
The most powerful marketing value any streamer brings to a game is the ability to showcase it to a focused market. I create interest with my viewer base and allow them to actively engage in content they have never seen before.
What do you look for in a game you wish to stream?
Choosing a game is one of the most overlooked streaming decisions. The main thing about choosing a game is that it has to be fun and engaging for the viewer. The more enthralling, the better viewer retention will be.
What is the future relationship for game developers and streamers?
It has already begun to form. A mutual respect for one another and the realization that oftentimes, without the other, we cannot do our jobs to the best of our abilities.
Name 2-3 games you would love to work with to help advocate for their game and why?
Magic the Gathering; I am a deep fan of the card game, it would be amazing to share my passion of it with others. Project Diva: Future Tone – these rhythm games are the modern amplitude and guitar hero games of the past. Rhythm games have taken a backseat to other genres, but I find them the most enjoyable!
For those looking to get into streaming video games or indie games, what can you recommend to them?
You need to start right now and also be realistic and committed to your goals.
AyinMaiden
Twitch | Twitter
What marketing value do you bring to a game that you choose to play and cover through your live or recorded streams?
Advertisement. Publicity. Especially in Asia.
What do you look for in a game you wish to stream? Or opt to stream on behalf of a developer?
Enjoyment.
What is the future relationship look like for game developers and streamers?
More and more brands are looking towards streamers for exposure and publicity.
More game developers have content creator programmes that benefit both the game company and the streamers eg. ArenaNet (Guild Wars 2), Trion (various games), Intrepid (Ashes of Creation). I am currently working with all 3. The more I enjoy the game, the more motivation I have to promote them. I believe that game devs are becoming aware of how effective streamers and youtubers when it comes to publicity.
Name 2-3 games you would love to work with to help advocate their game? And Why?
Camelot Unchained (City State Entertainment). I enjoyed their previous games very much i.e. Dark Age of Camelot, Warhammer Online. Any horror survival games like Resident Evil and Amnesia since I’m getting into those now
For those looking to get into streaming video games or indie games, what can you recommend to them?
Recommend them in regards to what?
If you mean, recommend a game to stream, I would say…
Stream a game that you truly enjoy playing. Viewers can see if you’re actually enjoying the game or just putting on a show.
If you really do enjoy the game that you’re playing, viewers will share the excitement with you and get more motivated to play the game.
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