How to Record Gameplay on a PC

Knowing the process of how to record gameplay footage on your PC is a fantastic life skill for many players.

Besides letting you show off your coolest gaming moments, a recording can be used to send hints and tricks to other letsplayers, or create content for sites like Twitch.

In this article, you will find 10 great game screen recorders that will make your task so much easier. Read on for our recommendations.

How we picked the game recorders

When selecting the best recording software for games, we considered a variety of factors:

• Ease of use.
• Compatibility with different gaming platforms.
• Output video and audio quality.

We also looked at what pro gamers have said about a particular tool they use to capture gameplay.

In the end, we decided on a good selection of options that should be beneficial for all PC gamers looking to record their gameplay on a PC – regardless of level.

Top 10 ways to record gameplay

1. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source application for recording video games on a PC. It has a lot of features like good-quality video output and can be totally customized.

With this program, you can record in full HD resolution without worrying about your computer’s specs.

Screen recorder has a user-friendly interface, so you can learn by doing. You can also set up the layout of your video window, and play with the preview to see how it will look when you start streaming.

You also get an audio mixer with the software, which is very advanced – you can adjust the sound levels for each source in your game. OBS also allows you to tweak each individual game video capture’s settings. You can change the bitrate, frame-rate, etc.

Additionally, it supports plugins that let you add extra features such as overlays, custom transitions, and more.

2. Bandicam

Bandicam is a powerful tool that enables you to record your gaming experience on a PC. It captures high-quality videos with minimal impact on your device's performance, allowing you to enjoy a smooth playing experience.

You can capture your gaming sessions in HD quality with up to 120 FPS and no time limit. It is possible to take screenshots while you're recording and save them in different formats like BMP, PNG, and JPG.

The video recorder is a breeze to operate, and it's suitable for the most famous games like Minecraft, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch. It's available for Windows 7 or higher and MacOS 10.5 or higher.

The video capture software comes with a built-in video editor that lets you trim and cut your recordings, add text and images, and create custom effects. You can also upload your videos straight to YouTube or Vimeo with just one click.

3. D3DGear

D3DGear is a powerful PC game recording software that gives users the ability to document their in-game activities and commentaries. It is easy to set up and use but still gives you full control over the recording process.

The program can capture gameplay in high-resolution, with adjustable frame rate and bitrate. It also provides live streaming on Twitch, YouTube Live, or Facebook Live.

The application has an uncluttered interface with large buttons for capturing screenshots, starting/stopping recording, and adjusting settings. It also includes professional features such as microphone support, image overlay, slow-motion playback, and more.

Through this recorder, gamers can rapidly document their activities and spread them around the subscribers. It works with all major PC games and supports both DirectX and OpenGL graphics APIs.

4. EaseUS RecExperts

EaseUS RecExperts is a user-friendly, feature-rich computer program for recording games. It is intended to capture HD videos of your gaming sessions, including the action, sound, and commentary.

With this program, you can record video games in two modes: full-screen and windowed, and save it as an MP4 file. The program further allows you to capture screenshots of your playing process, which can be useful for sharing with friends or uploading to social media.

The interface is simple. Just launch the screen recorder and begin capturing by pressing the "Record" button. Additionally, you can adjust settings such as video resolution and frame rate to suit your needs.

EaseUS RecExperts also provides cutting-edge add-ons such as adding webcam video, voice over, and text overlay. This allows you to create engaging videos that look professional. You can even record multiple games simultaneously with multiple windows open at once.

5. Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder is a useful tool for PC players who aim to capture their gaming activities. It's compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac, and the setup process is simple and straightforward.

The program is lightweight and requires minimal system resources, making it great for recording games on computers with low performance. It can record from any source - your desktop, web camera, or a game window. You can also capture audio from a microphone or speakers.

The game recorder has an intuitive interface and a range of editing features. You can use the cursor or a hotkey to start and stop recording, adjust the video frame size, and set up the capture area. You can also obtain screenshots as you are recording.

You can customize your videos with text captions, apply special effects, add transition animations to your videos, and more. Once you have finished editing your footage, you can save it in popular formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, and GIF.

6. Nvidia Shadowplay

Nvidia Shadowplay serves as a game recording software created by the popular graphics card manufacturer. It allows users to record and share their sessions with their connections on social media.

The application is easy to install and use. All you need is a GPU from Nvidia, a compatible PC, and the free Nvidia GeForce Experience software. With GeForce Experience, you can quickly set up Shadowplay and start recording your best gaming moments.

The videos are stored on your hard drive, allowing you to save them for later viewing. You can post them directly to YouTube. The quality of the game video captures can be adjusted according to your liking.

The software also has several useful options such as Instant Replay, which automatically brings up the last 20 minutes of gameplay so you can quickly review it. The other one is the Broadcast Mode, which allows you to stream live over Twitch or other platforms.

7. Radeon ReLive

Radeon ReLive is a free recording software from AMD that allows you to record your video games.

With the app, you can capture full HD videos of your games at up to 60 FPS. It supports recording from multiple sources, including your main screen, secondary monitors, and even webcams.

The game recording software also comes with some great extra features that make capturing your gaming sessions easier than ever. You can use the overlay to quickly access settings and tweak your videos in real time, or add audio commentary while playing.

You can also use the built-in video editing tools to trim and adjust your videos before uploading them online.

Finally, ReLive also offers a variety of screenshot capabilities that let you capture still frames during gameplay. You can share screenshots directly from the tool as well as have them automatically uploaded to an online gallery for easy sharing.

8. XSplit Broadcaster

XSplit Broadcaster records in-game video and audio while allowing users to customize their videos.

The program features an intuitive UI that makes recording video and audio simple. The main window displays available hotkeys for recording games and other functions, such as editing and uploading your videos.

The software can be used with a lot of games, from popular titles like Fortnite, Overwatch, and League of Legends, to less well-known ones.

The app records at a resolution of up to 4K, making it suitable for high-end gaming systems. It also supports multi-monitor recording, enabling you to gather video from multiple displays simultaneously.

The embedded video editor simplifies the process of customizing your recordings. You can add text, images, and clips to your videos, or even create animated intros and outros. You can modify the audio levels of your recordings with the help of the mixing board.

Once you've finished editing your video, you can post it instantly to YouTube or other sites with just one click of a button. The game recorder also supports Twitch streaming, allowing you to broadcast your content.

9. ManyCam

ManyCam is an easy-to-use program for recording gameplay on PC. The software provides a vast array of features, including green screen technology, which allows you to replace your background with any image or video clip.

The user can choose from a library of effects and text templates. It is possible to create custom templates using your own images - tweak the opacity, size, and position of the overlay elements. It is possible to add up to four video sources to the stream or recording, including webcams and other video capture devices.

In addition to recording gameplay footage, the application can be used as a video chat program. The user can join multiple conversations at once having a maximum of 12 people in each chat room. The switch between the conversations is instant.

10. Game Bar

Game Bar is a built-in program on Windows 10 that facilitates capturing and sharing your gaming moments. It offers powerful game video capture capabilities, an integrated video editor, and rapid access to prominent streaming services.

The program can be launched by pressing the Windows key + G. This will bring up the Game Bar menu, where you can capture screenshots or video, start broadcasting, and adjust audio and microphone settings.

The capture panel allows you to record your game experience in full-screen or windowed mode, with adjustable resolution and frame rate options. You can snap screenshots with the press of a button.

The editor panel lets you trim your recordings into shorter clips and add music, text overlays, transitions, and other effects. Once you're happy with the edits, save them on your PC or transfer them to other popular streaming platforms.

Why record the gameplay

Have you recently had a gaming triumph you’d like to share? Are you a content creator searching for new material? Either way, recording games can be a fun and rewarding experience.

• Whether you’re a streamer or content creator and want to provide high-quality video content for your followers and subscribers, or if you’re a hobbyist or competitive player looking to highlight your best moments for a replay and share them with your friends, being able to record on your PC can be a fun way to show off.
• You might also have to log gameplay to help with technical support. Sometimes, player feedback can assist developers to identify and fix issues with their games. Screen recorder helps to capture videos of bugs and other problems so that programmers can better understand the issue, find its source and solve the problem faster and more productively.
• Recording gameplay is also great for sharing tips with others. You can show how to get past tricky sections in games or how to master special moves or combos. It's a great way to interact with other players and even have fun competitions.
• Furthermore, it allows you to experience your best moments over and over again. Whether it’s getting that hard-to-reach trophy or completing a particularly difficult level, recording your progress can give you a sense of achievement that lasts a lifetime!

Where to share your recordings

And if you’ve finally finished recording some gameplay footage on your PC, it’s time to put it out to the universe! You have a few choices about how to go about this.

• Video-sharing website YouTube enables users to both upload and watch online videos on various topics, which includes music, film and entertainment as well as education and news.
• Twitch is a live-streaming platform (owned by Amazon) used mostly for video game streaming, but also music and talk shows.
• Discord is a communication app designed for gamers, but has expanded to include communities related to various interests. It allows users to create servers, join channels, and communicate through text, voice, and video chat.
• Social Media - if you’re not using any of the services above, you could simply post your recordings to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Be sure to check out the (sometimes surprising) account settings of the service you’ve chosen before posting anything.

No matter what platform you choose, recording and sharing your gameplay is an excellent way to showcase your skills and have fun with friends.

Tips

1. Choose the right software for recording games.
2. Adjust your settings before starting the recording session.
3. Set up a hotkey for starting and stopping the recording process quickly and easily.
4. Test your setup before beginning the recording, so you can be sure everything is working properly.
5. Set a recording limit to avoid filling up your hard drive with too much footage at once.
6. Record in short bursts if you're running low on storage space or need to keep your computer from lagging while playing games.
7. Edit your footage to make sure it looks and sounds great before uploading it to the Internet.
8. Back up your recordings periodically in case something goes wrong, so you don't lose any of your hard work!

What to seek in game recorder

When it comes to recording games, you'll need the right software for the job. Here are some features to look for when choosing the best recording software for games:

• Compatibility. Make sure the software is compatible with your PC's operating system, as well as the games you want to record.
• Input Support. Can it capture audio and video from external devices? Does it have support for keyboard, mice, and other gaming peripherals?
• Recording Quality. Check that the software can record high-quality video and audio, so your recordings look and sound great.
• Editing Tools. Does the software come with tools for editing videos? If so, make sure they're powerful enough to handle your needs.
• Export Options. Is there an easy way to export your recordings? Make sure you can save them in all popular file formats.
• User Interface. The program should be easy to use and navigate. A clear, intuitive user interface can make all the difference.

By considering all of these factors, you can find a program tailored to your requirements for capturing and editing game footage. With the right program in place, you'll be able to record your gaming experiences without any hassle.

FAQ

Which capture cards are best for recording gameplay on a PC?

It all depends on the budget and needs of the user. The most popular choices are the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2, Elgato Game Capture HD60S and Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition Plus.

What settings should I use when recording games?

The best settings to choose depend on what kind of game you are recording and what quality of video you want to get. However, the general rule is to choose settings that will give you the highest quality possible while avoiding crashing the game completely.

What do I need to record or stream gameplay?

To either broadcast or capture anything, you’ll need a computer with enough processing power and RAM to run the game, and then make room for whatever application is capturing your activity. You’ll also need an internet connection, if you plan on broadcasting your gameplay via an online broadcast service.

What is the best resolution to record in?

The resolution you should capture in depends on the game, but 1080p (1920x1080) is commonly used and provides good-quality recordings.

Can I minimize lag when recording video games on a PC?

To avoid having to wait for slowdowns while recording your screen, make sure your computer meets the game’s system requirements and adjust your settings accordingly. You should also close any other programs you don’t need while recording.

How much disk space is required for capturing?

The amount of hard drive space required depends on how long you are recording and the resolution of your recordings. Generally speaking, 1GB of storage space per minute of footage is a good guideline to follow.

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Conclusion

Overall, recording gameplay on a PC can be both an enjoyable and educational experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take and save your gaming moments to share with your friends and family.

Rean Uehara

Expert Tech Writer

Rean is a tech enthusiast, digital marketer, operations specialist, and eCommerce coach who focuses on distributed teams. He began working remotely on web-related projects in 2010 and has never looked back. His articles published on Hongkiat, so his authoritative opinion on technology can be fully trusted.