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5 top streaming tips from JeromeASF
Gaming YouTube star JeromeASF tells us how he became one of the world's top streamers.
JeromeASF has made a serious impact in the online gaming community, with over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers tuning into his daily live streams.
He initially built a following through his library of Minecraft streams, where he and his gaming clan build and play together in a whole variety of ways. From those well-laid foundations he has branched out to feature other games from titles with user-generated worlds and rules right through to chilled-out board games at the weekend!
So what does it take to become a successful streamer? We caught up with Jerome before he headlined at GamerCon Dublin to discover some of his top tips.
1. Choose the right game
It might sound obvious at first, but choosing a game that works well in a live stream can be a challenge. “I look for games that I think both myself and the viewer will enjoy," says JeromeASF. "I always found that when a game allows me to add my own unique spin on it, it sparks my interest.”
So, you should feature games where the gameplay and results differ every time, depending on who you’re playing with and how you choose to play them.
2. Change it up
You should keep the gameplay fresh and innovative to avoid repetitive videos.
Jerome said: “Games that allow the player to alter certain aspects of their gameplay are much more enjoyable for my audience to watch because it provides them with a unique experience each and every time.”
These don't have to be huge daunting changes, though. Jerome adds: "In some cases even tweaking the smallest game mechanic can change the gameplay entirely and keep the content fresh and new."
It’s also worth comparing how experiences in one type of game can help to add a new spin to others — something that Jerome has worked on, as his videos deftly weave together user-created games along with more traditional board games. "Board games may have restrictive rules but if you approach each game creatively you can come up with some interesting strategies to get the upper hand."
3. Make use of games that encourage streaming
As live broadcasts and streaming platforms such as YouTube and Twitch become more popular, some game developers are working to embrace this form of experiencing games.
"Live streaming allows for content that game developers have made to be experienced through an entirely different medium. This often leads people to be more attached to the games and feel more involved with them."
The incentive to get their game to a bigger audience, especially for games that allow for users to create content and to build communities can encourage developers to make the most of the exposure rather than lock down their game, something that Jerome has already seen some developers shift towards.
He says: "It would only make sense for game developers to look for ways to integrate easy-to-use streaming tools within their game, something that games like Minecraft have already done."
4. Keep an eye on what's coming soon
While streaming has taken off in the last number of years it still remains a largely passive experience for audiences. Beyond a live chat, there are relatively few ways for audience members to get involved in or contribute to a stream.
In order to keep your streaming channel relevant, it’s worth thinking about new features that could be coming soon — and more interaction between creators and audiences might be part of this.
"I believe that more user interactivity will be coming soon to live streaming on a scale unseen in the past," says Jerome. "Allowing the viewers to alter the in-game environment in minor ways so that they can actively participate in the story."
5. Don't limit yourself to just playing games!
Jerome is keen to emphasise that there isn't just one way to stream games, and that just because strategy games work for him it doesn't mean that they are your only option when it comes to streaming. Playing games isn't even a necessity, as the surge in streaming of eSports matches and leagues has brought with it a whole new range of roles that can be filled when streaming gameplay.
One that Jerome finds particularly interesting is the need for commentators for eSports matches, saying "It's incredible how it allows so many people to follow their dreams of becoming a sports commentator. In traditional media it is very difficult to break into the broadcasting space – however, with the streaming of eSports anyone can start their career." With the continuing rise of eSports and professional tournaments, opportunities for budding commentators are only going to increase.
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