The Hardware Challenge: 9 Demanding Games Worth Streaming for the Tech-Savvy

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As a streamer, you may find yourself facing a common dilemma: whether to stream demanding games or stick to more accessible titles.

It’s true that streaming most demanding games with tough requirements can be intimidating, but in this article, we’ll show you why it’s a rewarding endeavor you shouldn’t refuse.

We’ll likewise highlight nine true gaming gems that deserve the spotlight and provide tips on what to do to improve your stream’s quality. 

Why Streaming Demanding Games is a Good Idea

You know how competitive streaming is, right? Everyone wants to be the best and attract lots of viewers.

Well, streaming demanding games can help you stand out from the crowd. When a new game is released, viewers expect their favorite gamers to play it, especially if it’s a tough and exciting game that needs powerful hardware.

Sure, upgrading your software and hardware might cost a bit, but think of it as an investment. When you draw millions of viewers to your streams, it’ll be totally worth it. Your channel will grow, and you’ll become a big deal in the gaming community.

Streaming demanding games also shows off your gaming skills. You’ll be seen as an expert who can conquer the most challenging games out there. Viewers love watching skilled players, so they’ll be drawn to your channel.

Now, let’s summarize why streaming demanding games is a good idea:

  • Many players might love to experience challenging games themselves, but not everyone can afford to play them due to their hardware limitations. You, in turn, can offer an exclusive opportunity for your audience to witness epic adventures and experiences they wouldn’t be able to access on their own.
  • Certain games, like “Dark Souls” or “God of War,” are considered gaming classics that every passionate gamer should have in their portfolio. When you stream these iconic titles, you’re adding an essential badge of honor to your gaming channel.
  • You’ll spend some money on upgrading your software and hardware acceleration but it will pay off in the form of increased revenue through subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships.

9 Examples of Most Demanding Games Worth Streaming

1. God of War

God of War

With breathtaking visuals and a massive open world, God of War demands powerful hardware to fully appreciate its stunning graphics and smooth gameplay.

Streaming this critically acclaimed action-adventure epic will attract fans of the series and gamers eager to witness Kratos’ epic journey as he battles gods and mythical creatures.

The game’s popularity and dedicated fan community ensure a steady stream of viewers eager to relive the Norse mythology-inspired adventure.

2. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

As a futuristic open-world RPG, Cyberpunk 2077 boasts cutting-edge graphics and an immersive cyberpunk setting. This game requires high-end hardware to handle its visually rich environments and intricate gameplay mechanics.

Streaming Cyberpunk 2077 will draw fans of the sci-fi genre and gamers curious to explore Night City. It is a top choice for streamers looking to showcase their hardware capabilities and attract viewers with an appetite for futuristic adventures.

3. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered

This action-packed superhero game offers stunning graphics and fast-paced gameplay as players swing through New York City as the iconic Spider-Man.

Streaming Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered appeals to fans of the Marvel universe and gamers excited to experience the adventures of their friendly neighborhood web-slinger.

The game’s high-quality visuals and intense action sequences make it an engaging choice for those looking to entertain a wide audience with thrilling superhero escapades.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2

A Western-themed open-world masterpiece, Red Dead Redemption 2 demands top-tier hardware to handle its vast landscapes and detailed environments.

Streaming this game allows you to showcase the game’s realistic visuals and immerse viewers in the adventures of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang.

5. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

As an action RPG set in the Viking age, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers stunning landscapes and intense combat sequences.

The game’s expansive open world and dynamic weather effects require robust hardware for smooth performance. Streaming Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will best appeal to fans of historical settings and epic Viking adventures.

6. Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn

With its post-apocalyptic world and robotic creatures, Horizon Zero Dawn demands powerful hardware to render its stunning landscapes and intricate character details.

Streaming this game will mainly appeal to fans of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic settings, as well as those who appreciate a strong female protagonist in Aloy.

7. Death Stranding

Death Stranding

As an enigmatic open-world game, Death Stranding features mesmerizing landscapes and detailed character models, requiring robust hardware to deliver a seamless experience.

Streaming this game allows you to immerse viewers in the journey of Sam Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, as he traverses a desolate world.

The game’s distinct style and storytelling, crafted by the genius Hideo Kojima, attract fans of immersive narratives and surreal gameplay experiences.

8. Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village

This survival horror game is another title that demands powerful hardware to deliver its chilling atmosphere and terrifying visuals.

Streaming it will surely attract fans of horror games and the Resident Evil series, as well as those seeking intense and spine-tingling experiences.

9. Control

Control

As a mind-bending action-adventure game, Control features stunning visuals and physics-based gameplay that require capable hardware.

With it, you will demonstrate to your audience the dynamic environments and surreal stories as players take on the role of Jesse Faden. Fans of mind-bending experiences and paranormal mysteries will be immediately drawn to your channel.

Actionable Tips for Streaming Demanding Games

Now, what exactly could you do to improve the quality of your streams as you choose to play some of the renowned titles described above?

Here are a few simple steps you could take for that. Don’t hesitate whether or not it’s worth investing in them. These are the types of expenses that always pay off!

Accelerate Your Hardware

Take advantage of hardware acceleration services as these can help to offload some of the processing tasks from your CPU. You can likewise do some steps in this direction on your own as many modern GPUs come equipped with dedicated video encoding capabilities, such as NVIDIA’s NVENC or AMD’s VCE. By enabling hardware encoding in your streaming software settings, you can reduce the strain on your CPU. This, in turn, will result in smoother and higher-quality streams.

Invest in High-Quality Equipment

The foundation of exceptional streaming lies in having the right gear. Invest in a high-quality camera, microphone, and lighting setup to ensure professional-looking visuals and crystal-clear audio. Upgrade your equipment to enhance the overall production value of your streams and leave a positive impression on your viewers.

Optimize Your Internet Connection

A stable and high-speed Internet connection is vital for seamless streaming. Use a wired connection whenever possible to minimize lag and dropouts. Conduct regular speed tests and ensure that your Internet plan meets the requirements of your streaming platform.

Choose the Right Streaming Platform

Select a streaming platform that aligns with your content and target audience. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Gaming offer different features and communities, so pick the one that best suits your goals.

Here are the key differences you should know about them:

  • Twitch is the undisputed heavyweight champion when it comes to gaming content and communities. It is the go-to platform for gamers, esports enthusiasts, and live gaming events. Twitch’s user interface is centered around live streaming. The platform’s emotes and badges allow viewers to show support for their favorite streamers.
  • YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform. While it might not be exclusively gaming-focused like Twitch, YouTube’s colossal audience and diverse content types make it a powerful platform for streamers seeking broader exposure. YouTube Live enables creators to broadcast live streams and then have those streams saved as regular videos on their channel.
  • Facebook Gaming is a rising star in the live-streaming world. With a built-in audience of billions, it offers streamers the potential to reach a vast and diverse community. Its live streaming integration encourages interactions, with features like real-time reactions and comments directly connected to the social media platform.

Stream at the Right Resolution and Bitrate

Find the balance between resolution and bitrate to maintain high-quality streams without overloading your Internet connection. Higher resolutions require more bandwidth, so consider your viewers’ Internet capabilities when setting the parameters.

Final Thoughts

So, if you were thinking, “Streaming those tough demanding games? No way, it sounds too difficult!” don’t let the challenge scare you off! It’s totally worth it and brings some seriously awesome perks. Viewers love watching skilled players who can conquer insane challenges! That’s how you build a passionate community of fans who appreciate the thrill of epic victories right alongside you.

Don’t be fooled by the thought that investing in hardware and software is a waste. Nah, it’s a smart move! Sure, there might be some expenses upfront, but think of it as an investment in your streaming future. As you wow your viewers with top-notch gameplay and captivating content, more and more people will subscribe to your channel. The payoff is real! So, don’t let the fear hold you back, and let your gaming adventures get epic!

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author on the blog

Stefan Mitrovic

Stefan is a long-time content creator and one of the Stream Mentor's co-founders. He's a tech geek and a Dota 2 player (not even a good one) who wanted to help others become professional streamers and earn from the comfort of their home.

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