Let's Play

RT800

So for a while now I've been interested in recording my very own Let's Play.

I was hoping someone here might be able to recommend the audio/video capture software most suited to this purpose.

TychoCelchuuu

I used to use FRAPS and now I use DXTory. They're both good, I think DXTory is better. MSI Afterburner is free, so that's nice.

Essee

I personally have to recommend Open Broadcaster Software, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who will! It's open-source freeware, has a pretty good interface, and can even stream to sites like Twitch if you want to do that. It's got a full set of options, and it just gets better all the time. It's free, so go ahead and check it out! If you hate it, you can try free trials of the usual stuff like FRAPS or what-have-you. Personally, if I were recording videos on a regular basis, thanks to OBS, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have any desire to pay for FRAPS at this point.

Echo

One quick and dirty version is to use OBS to stream to Twitch, and then use Twitch's Youtube exporter to upload it straight to Youtube. The downside is that the youtube video will end up being whatever quality you stream at.

TychoCelchuuu

Another downside is that you can't edit any of the audio to reduce noise, rebalance game sound vs. your voice, duck game audio while you're talking, run a high pass filter to get rid of keyboard noise, or anything like that. It's a pretty suboptimal setup unless you're primarily looking to stream.

Page-

You can set obs to record locally so you can edit the video before uploading, but it will take more horsepower, and it's better to have a 2nd hdd to record to.

I used to use fraps, then playclaw (which I prefer), but with obs available I'll probably let my playclaw license lapse. It does have a lot of nice features, and obs doesn't do in-game overlays (or maybe it does, haven't checked), but for just recording gameplay and voice obs is fine.

Echo

OBS does basic text/image overlays, but nothing fancy like you get in X-Split etc.

TychoCelchuuu

You can always add in overlays later if you have any video editing chops.

Page-

I meant fps and such. Should have specified. Though many games have their own fps overlays, so I guess that's not a big deal.

RT800

Thanks for the recommendations.

I've been playing around with OBS by making a few local recordings at 1080p but the video seems to get really choppy during high-speed moments. It's probably my lack of technical experience, though I didn't seem to have that problem when using fraps' free demo. I'll have to examine the settings some more.

I guess I didn't really give much thought to what I want out of a Let's Play other than "me talking and playing", which OBS certainly enables. I don't think I'm too interested in adding graphic overlays, but the ability to edit sound and add commentary to a recording after-the-fact sounds desirable.

I did realize two things though:

1: My voice sounds god awful.
2: I do need a second hdd.

Page-

play around with the setting some.

This guide is about streaming, but the technical settings should apply for offline recording as well.

TheKoolEagle

I've learned that my commentary is pretty bad when I try to play a game as well, so unless I am recording 4-man power h our videos of us dying horribly in a game, I just leave my mic off and put on some background music to go with whatever game I am playing. Of course if you are playing a horror game then I would say having your microphone on is necessary, and should also have a camera on your face.

Otherwise I don't think its terrible to do lets plays without a microphone.

ANTVGM64

Don't worry about your voice, just be genuine. Sure, some folks like Total Biscuit or whatever have great voices, but other people can get away with just being themselves. The key is just being yourself and being confident.

CGI Ruined Thomas The Tank Engine

Despite the fact I sound twelve and kind of spit-balled that entire video, I've gotten an insane (literally, insane) response. Just make content you like, and think other people will like, and you'll be good.