These days, live streaming is a huge component of the gaming community. Every day, millions of individuals watch gamers from all around the globe play video games on Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms.
While MOBAs and non-VR shooters are the most popular titles, there is an increasing emphasis on VR gaming. And with so many integrations available, streaming virtual reality games has become a whole lot simpler.
All you need are the right equipment and programs, which we’ll discuss below. We’ll discuss the equipment, the apps you need, and explain the steps to stream VR games on Twitch – a popular interactive livestreaming platform.
Equipment Required To Stream VR Games On Twitch
Before you begin streaming, ensure that you possess the necessary equipment. Streaming (particularly VR streaming) requires a lot of computing power, so be sure you have it before you start.
1. Green Screen
A green screen is certainly optional, but it is also strongly advised. If you don’t want your usual office backdrop to be visible while destroying some cubes in Beat Saber, you need to invest in a green screen to remove the non-game-related stuff.
What matters most is that you are patient. It necessitates a significant amount of tinkering to get it to operate properly. That, and getting the proper perspective – a wider green screen space is essential for getting the finest view of the action.
2. Computer
Use a computer that is powerful enough to run VR and can live stream at the same time. You may also utilize your PlayStation if you don’t have a gaming laptop, computer or simply prefer to play on the PlayStation.
It isn’t as big of an issue if you’re using PSVR (PlayStation VR), but if you use an HTC Vive or an Oculus, you’ll need a computer with a powerful graphics card and processor chip. A reasonable rule of thumb is to acquire something in the range of the current Ryzen 7 or 9 series CPU with a strong RTX 20 series or 30 series GPU.
3. Wireless Headphone
You might consider using a wired game headset, but you’ll most likely trip! A wireless headset allows you to immerse yourself completely with ample freedom of movement.
4. VR Headset
Of course, you should select the VR solution that best suits your needs. PSVR, HTC Vive, Oculus Quest 2, and Oculus Rift are the current options.
5. Streaming Software
You’ll require broadcasting and capturing software to record gaming. Most are free, so there is no need to be concerned. The usual options are OBS and Streamlabs.
You’ll also need StreamVR or Oculus Setup to connect your VR headset and the LIV or OVR toolkit to get Twitch alerts and notifications.
6. Webcam
You’ll want your Twitch viewers to be able to see you! So, you’ll need a decent camera that can handle at least 1080p at 30fps, but preferably 60fps or higher. Of course, if you’re an anonymous streamer, you don’t have to do this, and some tools will allow you to put in an icon instead of yourself.
7. Capture Card
A capture card will handle most of your PC broadcast and game capture. You can broadcast without it, but having a capture card is always far more dependable than letting OBS consume all of your GPU energy when you utilize the PlayStation VR headset. This is only required if you also wish to utilize your stream add-ons.
Programs You Need To Stream VR On Twitch
Aside from the equipment, you will require additional apps to conduct your VR stream. Depending on how you wish to broadcast, a number of these are optional.
- OBS or Streamlabs streaming software
- SteamVR, Oculus Setup, or other required program to play the game.
- LIV or OVR Toolkit is used for twitch chat and notifications.
Keeping track of your conversation and alerts when using a headset is tough. As such, the LIV or OVR toolkit software will enable you to see what’s going on and communicate with your audience.
How To Stream VR On Twitch
Now, let’s move on to the process of attaching equipment so that you can begin streaming VR games on Twitch.
For Streaming On PC
You can utilize your usual PC and streaming software if you own a VR headset, be it the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift. To get started, you’ll need to accomplish the following:
Step 1
Select the game you want to broadcast.
Step 2
Open your broadcasting software, Streamlabs or OBS, and make sure your Twitch account is linked.
Step 3
Navigate to Scene and choose to Add a New Source. Choose Game Capturing as the source. Then, click Capture Specific Window from the Mode drop-down selection.
Step 4
Either choose VR Capture or the name of the game you’re playing from the drop-down menu in Windows. (VR Capture includes the playspace walls, whereas selecting the game only allows your visitors to observe the gameplay.)
Step 5
Instead, if you’re using LIV, you must choose from the Windows drop-down option to view your chat overlay.
Step 6
Finally, resize your screen to suit your overlay, and you’re ready to go when you click Go Live!
For Streaming Via Playstation With An Overlay
If you already have an overlay set up and want your alerts to appear on your stream, there is another option to broadcast from the PlayStation. You will require a capture card, which will act as an extra “webcam” to display your game. To get started, you’ll need to accomplish the following:
Step 1
Plug your Playstation to your PC using HDMI wires through the capture card.
Step 2
Open your broadcasting software and switch on your PlayStation to see whether it takes the signal as you go with the remainder of the instructions.
Step 3
Click on Scenes and then, add a “video capture device” in the scenario.
Step 4
Choose an existing source or create a new one and give it a title.
Step 5
Choose the capturing card you use under “device” in the video capture device’s properties settings.
Step 6
It should appear instantly beside what you are seeing on your PlayStation. If it displays colored stripes instead, you may have connected the cords incorrectly. Make sure you double-check these.
Step 7
You will then need to add a sound source, or the game will not be audible.
Step 8
When adding a new source, select “Audio input capture.”
Step 9
Once again, you must either add a current source or create a new one. Select a capture card device.
Step 10
You are now ready to broadcast on your PlayStation with notifications and overlays. The only thing to remember is that you can’t view your conversation throughout the streaming session, and you’ll have to disconnect the wireless headset now and then to check your chat.
For Streaming Via PlayStation
If you utilize a PSVR, you will stream from your PlayStation system. To accomplish this, take these steps:
Step 1
Begin the game you wish to play on the stream. Press the “Share” button on your PlayStation controller and navigate to Broadcast Gameplay. Choose a streaming platform, in this case Twitch.
Step 2
Select a description for your stream and stream quality parameters. At the very least, it should be 1080p.
Step 3
Twitch chat will be displayed on the right-hand side when you begin broadcasting, indicating that you are ready to play live.
And your conversation will appear on the right side through a thin scrolling display. If you want to listen to the remarks made by your audience in chat, do the following.
- Return to the “Broadcast options” page
- Then click to “Advanced Settings”
- Finally, enable “Comments to speech” to play over your TV speakers or headphones
- Close the preferences, and you may resume streaming
The sole disadvantage of broadcasting in VR with merely a PSVR is that it utilizes the PS camera as a sensing element. Thus, you won’t be able to display how you move when streaming. However, if you’re a faceless streamer, the fact that you cannot be seen is just a plus.
Final Words
The most significant element of preparing to broadcast VR games is downloading the necessary software. You obviously need Streamlabs OBS whether you’re playing PC VR games using a Vive, Rift, or Windows VR headset, or even if you’re using Oculus Go or any non-PC headset.
Streamlabs OBS is a variant of Open Broadcast Software (OBS) with plenty of new features that make streaming a breeze. You may need to make a small investment or download additional apps, but in the end, setting it up to broadcast your best VR game on Twitch is very straightforward.
You can also begin your profession as a VR broadcaster in the near future.
