Many rookie (and some seasoned) streamers are unsure of whether to focus on one game or a range of games. These questions’ answers will differ from person to person, based on their motivations and content. Should you stream a variety of games? What games should I stream? Should I stream traditional games or something like online slots?
Because they don’t have a specific focus for their viewers, variety streamers have a slower growth rate. They are less likely to burn out and have the ability to reach a wide range of audiences. After establishing a following, most variety broadcasters narrow their attention to one or two games.
Variety broadcasting is one of the most challenging categories to expand; it’s saturated, and everyone is doing it. A variety streamer is someone who does not concentrate their output on a single topic; for example, if you stream various games or host a podcast while streaming Warzone or another game, you are a variety streamer. If you stream about multiple topics, you’re referred to as a variety streamer.
When you look at the applications that track the fastest growing channels, you’ll notice that they almost all play the same game (or at the very least a single genre). This isn’t a coincidence. People, you see, are creatures of habit. They enjoy predictability, they like knowing what they’ll receive, and they despise surprises.
Solo streamers are conscientious individuals who pay close attention to the smallest of details. They usually plan for all conceivable game scenarios and learn everything there is to know about the game. As a result, solo streaming isn’t as tedious as it appears. Solo broadcasters tend to expand their audience faster since they attract people who share their passion for the same game. Solo broadcasting may, in the best-case scenario, lead to professional game commentary and coaching.
So, which is better? Let’s look at the pros and cons to both and weigh up which option is the better of the two.
Pros
Single Streaming
- It’s easy to gain a following with just one game. The audience is already enamored with it and knows what to expect.
- You can work as a professional player, coach, or pundit if you want to.
Variety Streaming
- Freedom. Not quite, but you do have a more extensive selection of games to choose from.
- With each title you play, you have the opportunity to reach new audiences.
Cons
Single Streaming
- It isn’t easy to switch from a single game after a long period. Furthermore, if you change to an entirely different game or genre, the audience may respond negatively.
- You’ve become overly reliant on the game. Because industry trends are volatile, you can lose viewers quickly if a superior game in the same genre is released.
- The final downside of playing a single game is that it can grow monotonous.
Variety Streaming
- It’s usually more difficult and time-consuming to expand an audience without focusing on a particular game.
- Not only do you have more competition from other variety streamers, but you also have more competition from solo streamers.
- Distinguishing yourself from your peers is challenging for any stream, and achieving viewing traction without an edge that makes your channel stand out in a sea of highly competent broadcasters is nearly impossible. One area where a host might be unique or at least build a particular component of their brand is game selection. You eliminate one of your channel’s ways to be its own thing by committing it to a rotating cycle of games.
You should be satisfied with the type of gaming you choose. If you believe it’s time to make a change, make it as gradual as possible. This will help you keep your devoted audience and prepare them for the changes ahead. In terms of channel growth and brand recognition, playing numerous games will be difficult. Still, if you succeed, you will have true flexibility to stream whatever you choose.
The purpose of deciding on a single stream or variety stream is to begin setting expectations for your audience. They’ll keep coming back if they know what they’ll find on your channel and appreciate the content. Viewers tune in to specific streamers because they know they’ll get the same level of quality every time. Not only for your schedule but also for your overall web appearance, consistency is crucial.
It’s easy to go with the flow and play whatever is popular at the time, but try to choose something you enjoy. If you’re not having fun, your viewers will notice, and it will affect them just as much as it would affect you. Concentrate on being yourself since the audience will understand what they’re getting into right away. Hopefully, you’ve considered everything mentioned above. After you’ve considered all of the advantages and disadvantages of the many sorts of streams, you’ll discover a simple truth: Choose the course that makes you happy.
