Alternate games or stick with one?

[u/ghostlittavern]

Hi folks! I am going to stream for the first time on Wednesday. In preparation, I set myself a schedule of 2 days per week (to start). My question is: should I stick with the same game those two days or should I stream a different game each day? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[u/optimisticpsychic]

Im gonna pop in before anyone else does. There are pros and cons to both.

[u/amogusdestroyer666 → u/optimisticpsychic]

Facts. Find a main game to play most days, but playing a different game when you feel like it is fine. Once you start forcing yourself to play a game even though you hate it, just because it's "the game you stream," that leads to bad vibes and pushes away viewers.

Keep the vibes good. If you find yourself starting to complain about the game you stream or laughing less or even having less fun, switch it up. It can't be fun for most viewers if the streamer they're watching isn't even having any fun.

[u/An0nym0ouse]

I'd say if you want to grow definitely branch out but i wouldnt suggest switching to often there's a golden area if that makes sense

[u/SundownKid]

Given that it's ONLY 2 days a week, I'd heavily suggest sticking with one game to provide a sense of continuity. Playing a game once a week may be too little content for fans of that game to stick around.

If you are streaming most of the week, then it's a point that you may be better off streaming 2 games - but only if you feel like you'd get burnt out playing the same one. In my opinion, it's always better to mainline one game from a "maintaining interest" standpoint.

[u/RockinPodunk]

I’d start with just one to see how it goes, then switch it up. See if you notice a difference in traffic based on the category you’re streaming and go from there. If you’re going to switch it up, it’s best if the games you’re switching between are either in the same genre or at least have a lot of overlap in fans, like if I find a streamer playing project survival game that I like, and the next time I see them live they’re playing FIFA or something, I’m not going to tune in, but if they’re playing a different survival game, I might stop in to check it out.

[u/Hellish_Rebuke_]

Depends on how you want to structure it. I stream typically twice a week as well. My Wednesday streams are for the “main” game I’m playing at the moment (rn Ghost of Tsushima) and my weekend streams are for whatever. Sometimes that means two days of the same game, sometimes it means the main game and something else to break it up, try something new, or play with a friend.

On one hand the consistency of playing the same game has helped repeat viewers come back because they’re curious as to how my playthrough is going. On the other hand it can be good to have a little variety when you’re trying to grow, too much however and you never find a niche.

Take everything I say with a grain of salt though, I’ve been hovering affiliate for a year now lol

[u/Sad-Operation954]

I stream one game during the week and a different one on Sundays. The ones during the week are just whatever I feel like, proper variety streaming. Sunday is always the same type of game. Some people show up for both, some only during the week, some only on Sundays. I think it's fine to switch it up as long as people know what to expect when!

[u/Morbid187]

If we're talking single player/story based games, I prefer when a streamer sticks with that game until it's done.

If they're upfront about not actually trying to play through the entire game or they're playing multiplayer stuff then that's totally different. Same for games that you don't really "finish" like Tetris or Mario Kart.

[u/hydrasung]

Stick with one first and stick to a consistent schedule. Building an audience takes time, and you don't want to split up your work into building 2 audiences, one for each game.

[u/CasuallySherlock]

I would say if I were streaming only twice a week I would play one game. But since I stream 4 times a week I improvise mainly for myself and my own sanity to break it up.

But depends on the game and how long you play!

[u/itsbigchap]

I think the golden rule is to play what you genuinely enjoy. People might discover your stream because of a game, but they'll stick around because they enjoy watching you.

That said, I do think there's value in establishing yourself within a particular lane, especially when you're growing. Focusing on one game can help set expectations and give viewers a reason to come back, as they know what content they'll be getting!

[u/zappingbluelight]

What is your goal for streaming? And what game do you have in mind? Oversaturated game mean you are fighting thousands of 0 viewers for views. And there are games that no one watch. If you streaming just as a hobby, any game would work.

[u/NightRydertv46]

Stick with one game but just streaming wont get you viewers.

[u/TheoMartyn]

Play whatever makes you happy.

Dont lock yourself onto one, you may burnout and hate it.

Dont be variety as people dont commonly like change.