How to Record Game Videos on PC: A Complete Guide
Recording gameplay has changed how gamers share their experiences. Streamers use it to build their channels. Content creators make tutorials and walkthroughs. Regular players capture epic moments to share with friends.
The gaming community thrives on shared content. People watch gameplay videos to learn new strategies. Others enjoy entertaining commentary. Some want to preserve their achievements forever.
This guide will teach you everything about recording games on PC. You’ll learn what tools you need. We’ll cover step-by-step recording methods. You’ll discover the best software options available today.
Preparation: What You Need to Record Gameplay
Before you start recording, check your system. Your PC needs enough power to run the game and record simultaneously. Most modern computers can handle basic recording.
Your hardware matters. A decent processor helps smooth recording. At least 8GB of RAM is recommended. A good graphics card ensures quality footage. Make sure you have enough storage space for video files.
Software requirements are simple. You need a screen recorder designed for games. Most recording tools are free or affordable. Some graphics cards include built-in recording features.
Consider your internet speed if streaming live. Recording locally requires less bandwidth. Think about what you’ll do with the footage afterward.
How to Record Gameplay: Step-by-Step Instructions
Open and Set Up Your Screen Recording Software
Launch your chosen recording software first. Look for the game capture mode option. This mode works better than regular screen capture for games.
Select the specific game window you want to record. Some software detects games automatically. Others require manual selection. Make sure the correct window is highlighted.
Test the capture preview if available. This helps confirm you’re recording the right content. Check that the game appears clearly in the preview window.
Adjust Recording Settings
Configure your video quality settings now. Choose your resolution carefully. 1080p works well for most purposes. 4K looks amazing but creates huge files.
Set your frame rate next. 60 FPS captures smooth action. 30 FPS works for slower games. Higher frame rates need more processing power.
Configure audio sources properly. Enable game audio capture. Add your microphone if you want commentary. Balance audio levels before recording begins.
Select your output format. MP4 is widely compatible. It works on most platforms and devices. Some recorders offer other format options too.
Begin Recording Your Game
Start your game before hitting record. Wait until you reach the gameplay section. Menus and loading screens waste recording time.
Press the record hotkey when ready. Most software uses simple keyboard shortcuts. Common options include F9 or Ctrl+R. Choose a key you won’t press accidentally during gameplay.
Keep playing normally once recording starts. The software runs quietly in the background. You might see a small recording indicator on screen.
Monitor your system performance while recording. Watch for frame drops or stuttering. Lower recording settings if performance suffers.
Pause or End the Recording
Use the pause function for temporary breaks. This feature helps during long gaming sessions. Pause when you need to take breaks or handle interruptions.
Press the stop hotkey when finished. The software saves your footage automatically. Don’t close the game immediately after stopping.
Wait for the recording to finalize. Large files need processing time. You’ll see a notification when saving completes.
Check the saved file location. Make sure the video recorded successfully. Play back a few seconds to verify quality.
Edit and Export the Recorded Video
Open your recorded footage in editing software. Basic editors work fine for simple tasks. Trim unnecessary sections from the beginning and end.
Cut out boring parts or mistakes. Add transitions between different clips. Include text overlays if needed for tutorials.
Adjust audio levels during editing. Balance game sounds with your voice. Remove background noise if present.
Export your final video in the right format. Choose settings based on where you’ll upload it. YouTube and Twitch have specific recommended settings.
Best Screen Recording Software for Gameplay
Choosing the right recorder affects your results. Different tools offer various features. Some work better for specific hardware or purposes.
- Leawo Free Screen Recorder
Leawo Free Screen Recorder offers powerful features without cost. This software handles gameplay recording smoothly. It captures high-quality video and audio together.
The interface is beginner-friendly and intuitive. You can start recording within minutes of installation. It supports various output formats for flexibility.
The software includes basic editing capabilities. You can trim clips directly within the program. It works well on systems with moderate specifications.
- OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)
OBS Studio is extremely popular among streamers. This free software offers professional-level features. It handles both recording and live streaming.
The learning curve is steeper than simpler tools. However, customization options are nearly unlimited. You can create complex scenes with multiple sources.
OBS works efficiently on most systems. It supports plugins for extended functionality. The community provides extensive tutorials and support.
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay (GeForce Experience)
ShadowPlay comes built into NVIDIA graphics cards. It records gameplay with minimal performance impact. The software uses dedicated encoding hardware.
Setup is quick and straightforward. It integrates seamlessly with NVIDIA systems. Quality is excellent even at high resolutions.
The instant replay feature captures recent gameplay retroactively. You can save the last few minutes after something exciting happens. This prevents running recordings constantly.
- AMD ReLive
AMD users get ReLive with their drivers. This tool competes directly with ShadowPlay. Performance impact remains minimal during recording.
The interface is clean and accessible. Settings are easy to adjust on the fly. It supports streaming to popular platforms directly.
ReLive includes useful features like instant replay. Scene editor functionality helps create better content. It works exclusively with AMD graphics cards.
- Bandicam
Bandicam specializes in game recording specifically. It produces small file sizes without quality loss. The compression technology is highly efficient.
The free version includes watermarks on videos. The paid version removes limitations completely. It handles high frame rate recording excellently.
Real-time drawing features let you annotate gameplay. This helps when creating tutorials or guides. The software runs well even on older PCs.
- CleverGet Recorder
CleverGet Recorder provides another solid recording option. It captures screen activity reliably and smoothly. The tool handles various recording scenarios well.
Features include flexible recording areas and formats. You can record full screen or specific windows. Audio recording options are comprehensive and clear.
The software maintains good performance during captures. It saves files in commonly used formats. The interface design focuses on simplicity and efficiency.
Conclusion
Recording gameplay on PC is straightforward with proper guidance. Choose software that matches your system specifications. Configure settings appropriately for your needs.
Start with free options to learn the basics. Experiment with different settings and features. Upgrade to paid software when you need advanced capabilities.
Practice makes perfect with gameplay recording. Your first videos might have issues. Keep refining your process with each recording.
Consider your final use case when choosing software. Streamers need different features than casual players. Tutorial creators require editing capabilities built in.
System performance should guide your quality settings. Don’t push your hardware beyond its limits. Lower settings still produce watchable content.
Share your recordings with gaming communities online. Get feedback to improve your content. Most importantly, have fun capturing and sharing your gaming moments.