Streaming a game from Xbox offers several options, whether it’s through the Twitch app or through a capture card. This proves once again that online offerings often provide the best value for money, not only in streaming but in other areas as well. A prime example is casino crypto, which pay out around 25% more winnings than a regular online casino and also offer plenty of free casino spins with no deposit required.
However, in this article, we won’t focus only on professional online streaming studios. Instead, we’ll cover all three ways that aspiring Xbox streamers can showcase their games to fans.
Twitch Back in the Game
After Microsoft’s own streaming service, “Mixer,” failed spectacularly in the summer of 2020, Twitch support is slowly returning to Xbox. Previously, Microsoft had made Twitch’s life difficult to promote its own Mixer service.
Now, Americans have realized that Twitch is indispensable as a streaming platform for gamers, and live streams directly from the Xbox serve as good publicity.
Therefore, Microsoft is even developing its own streaming box. Rumor has it that this box was supposed to hit the market as early as 2021, but due to the semiconductor crisis, its market launch has been delayed indefinitely.
The Easiest Xbox Livestream
When it comes to live streaming, there’s a distinction between a simple stream without any effects and a broadcast using studio software. In a simple stream, the screen, game sound, and often headset microphone sound are transmitted to Twitch.
Live Streams with Studio Software
With studio software, streamers have many more options: in addition to the screen, the streamer themselves, for example, can be broadcast via a smartphone camera. Party chat, music, transitions, notifications, webcam transmission, and other engagement tools vital for audience retention are the advantages of studio software.
Usually, a capture card is used for this purpose. This card is connected to a PC and placed between the console and the screen. It’s important that the card streams at least at 1080p and 60 frames per second and offers 4K passthrough, so you can still see the game on the screen without latency with the card in between.
Almost all capture cards require a PC. However, there are exceptions, such as the AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, which can be used directly on the console. However, the card only records, so the recording can be streamed later. For live streams, this card also needs to be connected to a PC.
In addition to the capture card, you need streaming software. Often, these come with the cards; otherwise, open-source products like OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS are recommended. Another advantage of a capture card is that you’re not limited to streaming only on Twitch; you can stream anywhere, including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, etc. However, such cards are not cheap; a recommended card starts at around 150 euros.
Online Streaming Studio as an Alternative to the Capture Card
In short, a capture card is the right choice if you want to stream to platforms other than Twitch. Otherwise, the best and easiest way to broadcast professional live streams without a computer directly from the console is the brand-new Streamlabs Studio. Here, the capture card and software are practically online on the servers, so no computer is required.
The service has only been available since November 2021, and at a competitive price. For just $5 per month or $50 per year, Streamlabs’ offer is hard to beat. The only catch: Xbox users can only stream via Twitch in this way. However, you get comprehensive studio software that leaves nothing to be desired.
Streamlabs Studio has been specially developed for direct transmission from a console, so live streaming from the Xbox works smoothly. Both Xbox One and Xbox Series models are compatible, and a 7-day free trial account is available to any interested user. You can monitor the stream via your smartphone and use additional studio functions.
Conclusion
In the end, each streamer must decide for themselves which solution is right for them. The cheapest and easiest way is to download the Twitch app from the Xbox Store and start streaming. Streamlabs Studio offers professional live streams with studio functions at an affordable price and without a PC. Lightstream, which is also paid, would be an alternative.
If you want to stream to platforms other than Twitch, such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, etc., you’ll need a capture card. When it comes to cards, it’s essential to ensure that 4K or HDR passthrough only means that the resolution is transmitted to your screen. Cards that stream in 4K or HDR must explicitly state this.
