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Game streaming platforms are online services that allow gamers to play and broadcast their favorite games without needing powerful hardware. Instead of downloading games, players can stream them directly from the cloud to their devices. This makes gaming more accessible and convenient, as you can play on various devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Additionally, the popularity of these platforms is rapidly rising due to their ease of use and the growing demand for high-quality gaming experiences. They also provide social features, allowing gamers to connect, share, and watch live gameplay worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore the top game streaming platforms available in 2024, helping you find the best options for your gaming needs.
| Game Streaming Platforms | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Twitch | Live streaming platform with interactive features like chat and emotes. |
| YouTube Gaming | Integrates live streaming and video content within the broader YouTube platform. |
| DLive | Blockchain-based streaming with decentralized monetization and low transaction fees. |
| Facebook Gaming | Social gaming platform with strong integration into Facebook’s social network. |
| GeForce NOW | A cloud gaming service that lets you play PC games on various devices. |
| Steam | Game distribution platform with a vast library, community features, and user reviews. |
| AfreecaTV | A live streaming service popular in South Korea with interactive chat and community tools. |
| Mobcrush | Multi-platform streaming service focused on mobile gaming. |
| Owncast | Self-hosted streaming solution offering complete control over customization and privacy. |
| Amazon Luna | Cloud gaming service with flexible subscription options and integration with Amazon’s ecosystem. |
What to Look For in a Game Streaming Services?
Choosing the best software for streaming games can be difficult, especially for first-time users. We have collected some features you must look for on game streaming platforms. See them below.
- Game Library: Look for a service that offers a wide variety of games you enjoy. In fact, game streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have gained immense popularity due to the vast collection of games they host.
- Performance: Ensure the service provides smooth, lag-free gameplay. Also, check for high-quality graphics and quick response times.
- Compatibility: Ensure the service works on any device, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
- Subscription Cost: Compare prices and see what each service offers for the price. Additionally, look for free trials to test the service before committing.
- Social Features: Check if the platform allows you to connect with friends, watch live streams, and share your gameplay.
- User Experience: A user-friendly interface and easy navigation can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Aside from that, also look if the platform has hotkey keyboard shortcuts available.
- Customer Support: Good customer service is important if you encounter any issues. That's why you should look for services with responsive and helpful support teams.
After considering all these features, you can choose the best game streaming platform that fits your needs and preferences.
Twitch - 4.4 out of 5 User Ratings
Twitch is one of the top game streaming services that gamers always use to stream their gameplay. It hosts a vast library of games, including Valorant, Fortnite, League of Legends, Grand Theft Auto V, and many more. Aside from the impressive library, Twitch also provides smooth performance, high-quality streams up to 4K resolution, and low latency. Furthermore, it has robust social features like chat, communities, and subscriber perks.
- Streamers can earn money through subscriptions, donations, and advertisements.
- It is the leading game streaming platform with over 7.20 million active users.
- Twitch takes a large cut of streamer’s revenue, up to 50%
Bottom Line:
Overall, Twitch is an excellent choice for both casual and professional streamers due to its large user base, extensive game library, and robust social features.
Extra Tips: Record Live Game with Aqua Demo
If you want to record your gameplay and share it on social media platforms, you need to find a screen recorder tool. Aqua Demo is a Valorant recorder and other gameplay that lets you capture your gameplay easily. One key feature of this screen recording tool is its high-quality recordings, which range from 720p to 4K resolution with 60fps. Also, it lets you customize its recording settings depending on your preference. Furthermore, using its Task Scheduling feature, you can set a specific time and date to start and stop your recordings. Aside from that, you can select the recording area you desire, whether it's full screen, a selected region, or a specific window. Moreover, regarding its ease of use, Aqua Demo is perfect for all users, both beginners and professionals, as it does not require knowledge to use this tool.
Step 1. Launch and Modify Aqua Demo's Settings
Start by getting the installer file of the Aqua Demo by clicking the download button above this step. Then, proceed to the installation process by following the prompts on your screen. Afterward, open the recorder and proceed to its Settings. From there, you can modify it to include general or hotkey settings.
Step 2. Capture Live Game
Go to Twitch, find a live game you want to record, and set the recording you prefer. Then, turn on the system sound to record the sound from the live. Next, click the REC button and it will start the recording after the 3-second countdown. Once you want to stop the recording, simply tap the Stop icon.
Step 3. Playback the Recorded Game
Click the Stop icon, and the playback tab will appear. From there, you can playback the recorded gameplay and trim or cut it if you want to. Also, the recorded gameplay can be saved automatically in your selected output folder, so you don't need to save it manually. Lastly, you can now share it on social media with your friends.
YouTube Gaming - 4.0 out of 5 User Ratings
YouTube is one of the most affordable game streaming platforms with many features. It offers high-definition streaming up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. Regarding its monetization, streamers can earn money through ads, channel memberships, Super Chats, and Super Stickers. Furthermore, this gaming platform allows you to create and organize playlists and channels to showcase different types of content, including live streams, recorded gameplay, and highlight reels.
- This online streaming platform gives detailed analytics to track performance, viewer demographics, and engagement metrics.
- Streamers can manage chat, filter inappropriate comments, and ensure a positive viewer experience.
- Streamers can activate monetization when they meet the necessary requirements, such as 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months.
Bottom Line:
Despite being a relatively newer platform, YouTube Gaming provides a great broadcasting experience with high streaming, excellent monetization options, and advanced analytics.
DLive - 1.9 out of 5 User Ratings
Another video game streaming service worth considering is DLive. It is a blockchain-powered platform that supports a wide range of games, such as Minecraft, Fortnite, Dota 2, and more. One of the best features of this platform is that streamers can earn cryptocurrency through the platform's native token, Lemon. Likewise, DLive does not take a cut of the streamer's earnings, allowing creators to keep 100% of their revenue.
- Streamers and viewers can earn cryptocurrency (LINO points and BTT) as rewards for participation and engagement.
- The platform supports high-quality streaming with real-time interaction through chat.
- DLive has a smaller user base compared to other gaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.
Bottom Line:
Overall, if you love streaming your gameplay and earning cryptocurrency simultaneously, DLive could be an excellent choice.
Facebook Gaming - 3.5 out of 5 User Ratings
Facebook Gaming is an emerging game streaming platform that has gained traction recently. It offers several unique features that all streamers would love to use on this platform. These include the ability to go live directly from Facebook, access to Facebook's massive user base, and the potential for increased viewership and engagement through social sharing. Furthermore, setting up a live game from Facebook Gaming is easy, and streamers can earn from fan subscriptions, stars, and revenue.
- Streamers can build their fan base by creating a Facebook page or groups.
- Facebook also provides useful tools like Live Premieres, Live Polls, and Live Badges to engage with the audience.
- The algorithm can change quickly, making it harder to get discovered and maintain viewership.
Bottom Line:
Facebook Gaming is a promising platform, especially for content creators who already have a strong presence on Facebook.
GeForce NOW - 4.0 out 5 User Ratings
GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming service that allows you to stream high-quality games on almost any device. These include PCs, Macs, SHIELD TVs, and mobile phones. Unlike traditional game streaming, GeForce NOW lets you access your own game library from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect. Moreover, it supports 1900+ games, and 100+ games are free to play, making it one of the best cloud gaming platforms. Furthermore, GeForce NOW allows streamers to adjust in-game graphics settings to enhance performance based on their internet connection and device.
- Streamers can enjoy high-resolution gaming up to 4K, with features like ray tracing and NVIDIA DLSS for enhanced visuals.
- Offers both a free version with basic features and a subscription service with enhanced performance.
- The free version has limitations, such as longer wait times for server access and shorter gaming sessions.
Bottom Line:
GeForce NOW is an excellent choice for gamers and streamers who want high-quality cloud gaming without investing in expensive hardware. Furthermore, since it's under NVIDIA, streamers can also access its recording tool, ShadowPlay, and master the NVIDIA recording hotkeys.
Steam - 4.8 out of 5 User Ratings
Another one of the great game streaming platforms for Mac and PC is Steam. It has various games across various genres, including AAA titles, indie games, and more. In fact, it supports user-generated content and mods, allowing you to customize and enhance your games. Regarding streaming, Steam offers a dedicated broadcasting feature called Steam Remote Play, previously known as Steam Broadcasting. This lets you play their gameplay with friends and viewers in real-time.
- This streaming platform supports virtual reality games and hardware, including Valve’s own VR headset, the HTC Vive, and other compatible devices.
- Steam supports 30+ languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
- Your game library is tied to your Steam account, and if your account is banned or hacked, you could lose access to your games.
Bottom Line:
Despite its learning curve, Steam is a comprehensive gaming platform that provides great streaming capabilities for both casual and professional gamers. Its powerful game recommendation algorithm can also help you discover new titles to stream.
AfreecaTV - 3.1 out of 5 User Ratings
AfreecaTV is a South Korean live streaming platform particularly popular in Asia. Initially, it primarily focused on streaming and broadcasting games. But now, this streaming platform has expanded to include a wide range of content, including vlogs, music, and sports. Additionally, the platform is known for its interactive features, such as real-time chat, virtual gifts, and viewer-controlled broadcasts. Furthermore, AfreecaTV also offers monetization opportunities for streamers through subscriptions, donations (Star Balloons), and virtual item sales.
- It allows streamers to use multiple cameras during their broadcasts for different angles and perspectives.
- Streamers can access previously recorded broadcasts, allowing viewers to watch content they missed live.
- The platform tends to promote more popular streamers, making it harder for lesser-known creators to get discovered.
Bottom Line:
Despite its Asian-centric focus, AfreecaTV can still be a viable option for international streamers looking to expand their reach.
Mobcrush - 3.0 out of 6 User Ratings
Another game streaming platform that integrates with Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, etc., is Mobcrush. It enables streamers to simultaneously broadcast their gameplay across multiple platforms, simplifying the process of reaching a wider audience. Moreover, streamers can track their performance analytics and viewership metrics across all connected platforms. Aside from that, it automatically creates video clips and highlights from the live streams.
- The platform has monetization capabilities through sponsorship and referring new users.
- Streamers can see all the chats from their connected platforms in a single stream.
- Some users report experiencing technical issues like lag or crashes, particularly during multi-streaming.
Bottom Line:
Overall, Mobcrush is a useful tool for streamers who want to increase their visibility and reach across different platforms. Its multi-streaming functionality can also save time and effort for content creators.
Owncast - 3.5 out of 5 User Ratings
Owncast is an open-source and self-hosted live streaming platform. It gives streamers more control and flexibility over their content and audience. Unlike other platforms, Owncast is a downloadable software you can host on your server or cloud infrastructure. This lets you control your stream, data, and monetization options. This streaming platform also has a chatbox feature where streamers can interact with viewers in real-time.
- With Owncast, streamers don't have to share revenue or ad revenue with the platform.
- It's open-source, so you can customize the platform to fit your needs.
- The streaming platform doesn't have built-in monetization, so you need to set it up independently.
Bottom Line:
Owncast is ideal for streamers who want more autonomy and control over their content and audience. However, compared to other plug-and-play platforms, it requires more knowledge to set up and maintain.
Amazon Luna - 4.0 out of 5 User Ratings
Amazon Luna is the newest cloud gaming service from e-commerce giant Amazon. It streams games from the cloud to your devices with high-quality graphics and low latency. The platform also offers various games such as Fortnite, Resident Evil Village, and more. Furthermore, Amazon Lune provides game demos to try out before committing to a purchase or subscription. Moreover, you do not need to download or install games; you can start playing immediately after selecting a game.
- It offers a Ubisoft + channel, which provides access to Ubisoft's popular franchises.
- Many games support streaming at up to 1080p and 60 frames per second.
- The platforms require additional costs to experience the low latency gaming performance.
Bottom Line:
Overall, Amazon Luna is a promising cloud gaming platform, especially for those in the Amazon ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Game Streaming Platform?
The best game streaming service depends on your needs. Twitch is great for live streaming and community interaction, while YouTube Gaming offers high-quality VOD and live streams. Additionally, you can check the features of the platforms listed above to see what suits your needs.
How Do You Play Games on Streaming Services?
To play games on streaming services, you stream the game from the cloud or your device over the internet. You simply select the game and start playing without downloading or installing it.
What platforms do most gamers use?
Most gamers use Twitch and YouTube Gaming platforms for live streaming and video content. Alternatively, Steam is popular for buying and playing PC games. At the same time, consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are widely used for gaming.
