Becoming a Twitch Streamer: Schedules, SFV, & FFXIV
For about a year or so, I debated whether becoming a Twitch streamer was something possible for me. Every time I considered the idea, there always seemed to be some kind of roadblock. Life getting in the way, self-doubts about being entertaining enough, over-saturation of Twitch as a whole, not having a powerful enough computer. I used every excuse to not start or try. Then, I lost my job, which, for a short time, was just another negative excuse to discourage me from trying.
Know You’re Unique
After looking into streaming further using the PS4, I decided I really had nothing to lose. “Even without a face cam, I have an interesting voice,” I thought. I focused on the unique aspects of my existence that I had to offer to my non-existent audience. I’m a trained theatre actor with a dash of improv. I’m very knowledgeable and passionate about fighting games. I love RPGs and eat up the lore behind FFXIV Online. I’m a woman of color who is publicly out as transgender. I’m smart, witty, and know how to talk to just about anyone willing to lend an ear. Remembering all these positives that could help me stand out, I did my first stream test on August 9th.
Try New Ideas
Probably the most important aspect of being a Twitch streamer is the content you offer. I knew my content would be weaker than most because I typically only play a few games in general. Though, I didn’t believe anyone would be interested in watching a mid-tier, unknown FGC member play Street Fighter V or me grinding out Final Fantasy XIV Online’s early story content. However, I have found little ways to experiment around particular themes like “teaching basics” or just playing Ranked. I also have a random game I play on one of my days outside of my usual. Don’t know if they’re working or not, but even so, that’s okay. There are a handful of consistent viewers who believe in me and tune in. That’s far more than I expected.
Finding Your Schedule
Since then, I gradually figured out what kind of schedule would fit best for me. I already had a consistent time to game (9:30PM – 12:30AM) due to having a day job previously. So I went with that as my standard. As I did it consistently, I realized how addicting it was. I didn’t think I would enjoy it so much even with only two viewers on average! Soon after the addiction wore off, I found that I was starting to feel socially drained after a certain amount of days. So, I not only had to make sure that my schedule was adjustable around possible social plans, but also for my introversion. My Wednesday to Sunday schedule still isn’t perfect, but whenever I miss a stream day, I always make up for it.
No Face Cam…yet?
I’m well aware of the face cam standard on Twitch. People, naturally, can connect better with someone’s face than just their voice and, by nature, are more likely to stick around. My brand, DestraPlays, is all about being a girl/woman who legitimately can play [fighting] games and build a respectable following without using her face or body as bait. However, this is yet another case of making things harder for myself on purpose in order to experience a better high when I succeed. Though I plan on maintaining a no-selfie policy on Instagram, there’s no reason not to invest in a camera if that will potentially encourage newcomers to stay long enough to see how good at games I actually am.
Just Start
Overall, I think the most important thing that’s helped me stick being a Twitch streamer for nearly one month so far is where my focus lies. I’m only thinking about the journey rather than the numbers. I stopped talking about it and actually started. The “Path to Affiliate” is not why I stream. When lurkers drop off, I don’t acknowledge them. From Day 1, all I wanted to do was reach someone – anyone – in some shape or form. Playing games on stream is more fun than I imagined. It’s even more fun when someone is there to enjoy (or suffer through) them with you. Like I said, I still only average about 2-3 people per stream, but that 2-3 people more than I expected to have. I’m so very grateful to them believing in my tiny Twitch channel.
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