YouTube Gaming is now live!

So, YouTube gaming is now live and it’s a pain in the ass to set up I’ve found. Even more than using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or X-Split (which costs for a decent version). I was really excited for it as a way to easily set up PC streaming easily, and share content from my Steam library instead of just what my Playstation 4 library holds. That was not to be

First you need to set up Encoding, with a “YouTube Live Verified” encoding service such as X-Split Broadcaster/X-Split Gamecaster, El Gato Game Capture HD60 or Wirecast Play. Or if you already have OBS (Open Broadcast Software) installed you can use it but it’s not verified. You can get the full run down on setting up Encoding set up on YouTube’s help/FAQ section.

So I set up OBS, and tried to stream Dragon Age II.  Since there is no start/stop option for this YTG system whenever you  press “start streaming”, your channel goes live. With mine, I apparently streamed about 35 seconds of a black screen and swearing as the game repeatedly crashed to desktop (CTD) every time I clicked “start streaming” in OBS.

The game wouldn’t load until I closed out OBS and closed the tabs with YouTube Live streaming. When it finally did start, the keyboard wasn’t recognized as an input device and I had to exit out anyway.

So my first foray into using YouTube gaming as an alternative to Twitch for PC streaming was a bust. It is not user friendly and seems geared towards those that already have a handle on PC streaming via other means and isn’t really set up to have new streamers be able to figure out the system easily and begin showing content in short order.

There is an FAQ, but it’s written in insider/experienced in PC streaming jargon and is text heavy. Whoever wrote this didn’t consider that not everyone is good with straight text instructions, and failed to include any images for those that may be visual learners. Bad UX and usability consideration right there YouTube Gaming.

For now, I’ll keep poking at PC streaming options, and possibly stick with Raptr or the built in Twitch streaming in EA Origin. There is Steam PC to PC sharing but this is only useful if you want to share content on a local set up in your home with someone who is in another part of the house.

Hopefully YouTube Gaming will update their instructions to more newbie friendly with images in the FAQ and not just jargon laden text instructions that can be confusing to someone unused to the terminology tied into PC Streaming.

Under the cut is the YouTube provided guide in order to Get started with watching your fave games on YouTube Gaming

YouTube Gaming makes it easy to find and watch gaming content from YouTube on your mobile device and your computer.

Add a game

To get started, add a game. When you add a game, you’ll be able to keep track of all the newest videos and livestreams for that game.

  1. Use the search bar to search for a game you’re interested in.
  2. Tap or click on the game art to go to the game page.
  3. Add the game by clicking or tapping the  star icon.

You can find your added games and browse featured games under the GAMES section on the left side of your homepage.

Add a channel

You can also add a channel. You can add a channel using the  star icon while watching a video or from your search results.

You can find your added channels and browse featured channels under the CHANNELS section on the right side of your homepage.

Browse your feed and collection

On your homepage you’ll find a feed of popular videos and livestreams, as well as the latest videos from the games and channels you’ve added.

Published by cypheroftyr

Tanya DePass is the founder and Director of I Need Diverse Games, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, which is dedicated to better diversification of all aspects of gaming. I Need Diverse Games serves the community by supporting marginalized developers attend the Game Developer Conference by participating in the GDC Scholarship program, helps assist attendance at other industry events, and is seeking partnership with organizations and initiatives. Tanya is a lifelong Chicagoan who loves everything about gaming, #INeedDiverseGames spawn point, and wants to make it better and more inclusive for everyone. She founded and was the EIC of Fresh Out of Tokens podcast where games culture was discussed and viewed through a lense of feminism, intersectionality and diversity. Now she’s a co-host on Spawn on Me Podcast. Along with all of that, she’s the Programming Coordinator for OrcaCon, she often speaks on issues of diversity, feminism, race, intersectionality & other topics at multiple conventions throughout the year. Her writing about games and games critique appears in Uncanny Magazine, Polygon, Wiscon Chronicles, Vice Gaming, Paste Games, Mic, and other publications.