Stream Key Podcast: Is Being A Variety Twitch Streamer Worth It?

Is Being A Variety Twitch Streamer Worth It Link

After streaming for about 2 months, GreenChord and SuperV1D were ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, in order to become Partner, you DO HAVE to sacrifice a lot, including sleep, no breaks/vacation! 

The question becomes: is it worth becoming Partner? For me, it's a no so far...

This synopsis was an eye-opener.

At any rate, here's the synopsis:

1. SuperV1D guest, Twitch Affiliate, TruGaming Sponsor
2. He streams pretty much everything when the game comes out
3. He started streaming Minecraft as its the only game that his computer can play, then got new computer and streamed variety
4. When he was 10 yrs old, Youtube started out, and he wanted to make videos, so he combined two things he liked the most which are superman and video games, and combined. He added the 1 for V1D
5. Motivation--he likes hearing people saying that their day is better and not feeling as depressed because of him, that's what keeps him going
6.  Variety streamer--not tied down to 1 game or 1 genre
7. Pros of Variety Streaming:
1. Get to try out everything, find out what you and your audience like 
2. You don't get tired of playing the same game over and over again
3. May prevent burnout
4. Your personality is key, b/c you're not known for just playing one game that might get stale
5. Flexibility in case the game you play dies down  
6. Showing people different games and broadening your viewers' horizon and can reach out to new viewers as well
8. Cons of Variety Streaming:
1. You're not going to grow as fast as an established LoL streamer
2. for instance, some of his viewers come to him for the game, and may leave when he switches games
3. It takes a lot of practice to develop your personality to be a variety streamer than if you focus on one game
4. You're not going to pick up as many viewers when you play a new game
9. Great analogy of Variety vs. Single Game
1. You planted a seed in a lot, and it's already hard enough to focus on that and grow that
2. But variety, you have to plant a bunch of seeds all over the place, so even harder to work on all those plots
3. So you can't focus on that one game that you can be known for, so you have to be known for your personality
10. Creating your identity as a variety streamer:
1. Finding out what works and what doesn't 
2. A lot of trial and error
3. He reports to start whatever he wants, and then keep changing games and then narrow down the games that works based on viewership stats
4. Sometimes hard to tell why your viewers changed, was it due to the game itself, was it the stream, and/or something that's out of your control that increased or decreased views
5. But often, there are some games that draw in more views: so that will tune the personality of your stream
6. SuperV1D loves Persona 5, but found out over time that hs viewers will NOT come to watch him play Persona, so he has to play another game
11.  Controversy:
1. "Just stream for fun, that's all that matters":
2. He disagrees--indeed, he finds streaming inherently fun, but you want to push more viewers. I totally agree with that.
3. Because it's soul crushing to see your viewers plummet no matter how you try to ignore the numbers
4. This is even when you absolutely don't care about making Twitch a career or getting Partner, it's just hard on the ego to see lower audience numbers
5. Analogy is you work at McDonald's but you don't do that for career, but rather, you want to use it as a stepping stone for something bigger
12. You got to play the games that grow your audience
1. So he played Roblox even though he doesn't like it, but it got him viewers. Agree: it's more fun to have more viewers who can interact with your chat. But he made Roblox fun for him.
2. If you want to grow your channel, you have to sacrifice a little and play the games your audience wants
3. "you're only here for the viewers" that's SO true b/c by streaming on Twitch, you're doing it for viewers, otherwise, just game and NOT stream (exactly!). You're inherently streaming for the viewers, that's why you're streaming, even if it's your friends, you're streaming for them.
13. His views can plummet from 30s to singles
14. While it IS soul crushing when views drop, you expect it to happen as a variety streamer, but even more soul crushing for the single game streamer, b/c what if you get a large drop suddenly for what you've always been doing.
15. Guest feels that as a Variety streamer, you have to kind of promise to play the game again b/c your viewers who came in to see you expects to see you play it again
16. He caters more to the viewers than planning out a specific game schedule. He makes his schedule for his viewers, which makes good sense! 
17. He states schedules should be flexible, otherwise someone may only see him on Monday b/c he plays that game
18. He does a general multiplayer game on one day, and then Follower Friday where he only streams the game that they want to see, and all the days in b/w, he plays what he wants
19. He reports that his base watches him for his personality, regardless of the game he's playing, so if you play your most favorite games, then you will have more fun and you'll put on your best face.
20. A game dies in popularity or you get sick of the game, but how do you keep those viewers when you must move onto a new game?
1. He reports that there'll always be a game that will replace it. 
2. SuperV1D reports you can play a game of a similar genre, and find out what chat would like as a backup game
3. SuperV1D replaced Minecraft with Terraria, and then weaning his viewers off those games slower, and then they end up liking him and will stick around and see his other games
21. Variety vs. Single gaming
22. SuperV1D notes he was single gaming b/c of his hardware capabilities, or if that's the only game you like and just stream that
23. Established streamer and you're a single gamer, it's hard to jump to variety, so best to:
1. Start your stream off with your single game, from the very beginning, announce as soon as possible that you will play a game later down the road
2. So when it's time to come to change the game, the chat knows b/c you keep telling them over and over that you're going to do a different game, and it won't be a shock
3. Someone only streamed Destiny had thousands of viewers, then changed game, and his stream died
24. Two he watches mainly:
1. Lirik and Sodapoppin
2. He's trying to mirror what they're doing
3. Sodapoppin is totally random per SuperV1D b/c he can stream whatever game he wants given his popularity
4. Lirik has a niche: survivor games and then will play a random game near the end of his stream
5. SuperV1D reports that he doesn't have a niche like Lirik
25. Finding your identity is very important which is a whole another subject
26. Why did SuperV1D decided to do variety?
1. He plays a lot of games, knows a lot of unknown games.
2. his reasoning is that he's playing games anyway, he might as well stream, that's why he decided on variety
27. SuperV1D's one advice:
1. Don't give up! 
2. so many times when he wants to quit, but then he perseveres, and viewers increased!
3. if you really want to do this, just don't give up. 
4. because once you give up, you fail
5. SuperV1D reports that you can be successful even with 2 viewers, which is true
6. stay committed, you will be discouraged when your numbers stagnate/drop, but he feels that the hard work will pay off

Q/A:

• How SuperV1D handles IRL issues
• Look into mobile IRL streaming when there are days that you can't stream
• If you usually do 4 hrs, at least stream for 1 hr
• PUBG supersaturated with viewers, but he loves PUBG so much should he stream a game that he doesn't love as much
• what if you want to play a game you love so much, but not popular.? He reports to schedule the game and it can be flexible. (my input, or play the game off-stream)
• He has a feeling that Code Vein will be big, and to consider streaming that if you love the genre
• He reports you have to roll with the wave, and once it crashes, make sure you still play it and slowly transition to a new game
• GreenChord mentions book 20 Immutable Laws of Marketing: very good idea to go with a trend! See if your viewers want to see you stream it, and if so, play the trending game
• Twitter how to use it for your channel--GreenChord put out a whole article on it
• you have to post a LOT for Twitter, 4 times a day and you have to comment a lot
• This shows that streaming is HARD WORK! (this is why sadly, I agree, you may have to sacrifice too many things to be Partner, so it may not be worth it for me)
• What games should you stream when you start streaming
• He sees more stream success from bigger, more established games
• Follow what your chat likes
• Play games that get you views
• If you're getting viewers from bigger games, then play those bigger games
• You may be smaller in PUBG directory, but you may have more viewers, but if you play a smaller game, you may be listed higher, but not as many viewers 
• SuperV1D posts twitter that automatically sends to instagram
• "How can you tell if you should do variety streaming"
• SuperV1D struggles with this every day
• the way he gets out of that mindset, play the 1 game for 1 week straight, if you can't, then you're a variety streamer, b/c it'll be hard to play 1 game for years if you want to be a single game streamer
• Stream as much as you can
• He reports to not take breaks in streaming AT ALL (sadly this IS TRUE YET AGAIN to gain Partner, which is why Partnership may not be worth it for me in the end)
• SuperV1D recommends to sacrifice the sleep to get larger blocks or hours to stream (NOOO! but in reality this is TRUE FOR PARTNERSHIP for most people who are working full-time and/or have a family)
• Recommends having some sort of schedule of what games you'll be streaming, but he says it's not the be all, end all

Good People Doing Cool Things…

Just read an email from one of the original DFG Kickstarter backers, James.

James helped me out quite a bit in my KS giving feedback, making videos and just chatting about the Kickstarter, the industry and life in general. James is good people and I am more than happy to help any way I can.

James started up his own company and miniatures line. Reclusive Phoenix, is running a kickstarter (Slumbering Oblivion: Cthulhuinspired game miniatures) 

The minis look great! If you like Cthulhu or creature minis to use in other games, please go give it a look, if you are short on funds now or it's not your cup of tea, you can still help by spreading the news.

I don't know about you, but I am really loving that Murguba :P

People Behind The Meeples - Episode 157: Joe Slack

Welcome to People Behind the Meeples, a series of interviews with indie game designers.  Here you'll find out more than you ever wanted to know about the people who make the best games that you may or may not have heard of before.  If you'd like to be featured, head over to http://gjjgames.blogspot.com/p/game-designer-interview-questionnaire.html and fill out the questionnaire! You can find all the interviews here: People Behind the Meeples. Support me on Patreon!

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Name:	Joe Slack
Location:	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Day Job:	Game design is my day job. :)
Designing:	Two to five years.
Webpage:	boardgamedesigncourse.com and crazylikeabox.com
Blog:	boardgamedesigncourse.com
BGG:	jslack22
Facebook:	Joe Slack
Twitter:	@CrazyBrdGameGuy
YouTube:	CrazyLikeaBox
Instagram:	jslack22
Other:	My #1 best-selling book, The Board Game Designer's Guide on Amazon.
Find my games at:	Keep an eye out for games coming out soon!

Today's Interview is with:

Joe Slack
Interviewed on: 12/11/2018

Today we meet Joe Slack, a designer who has been fortunate enough to turn game design into a full time job. In addition to designing games, Joe also teaches game design. He taught a game design course at Wilfrid Laurier University and is also running the online Board Game Design Course. He is also the author of the #1 best-selling book, The Board Game Designer's Guide. In fact, you can currently enter a giveaway to win one of five audiobook copies of the game!

Some Basics
Tell me a bit about yourself.

How long have you been designing tabletop games?
Two to five years.

Why did you start designing tabletop games?
I found myself playing the same game with friends over and over, which was fun at first but lost it's appeal after some time, and wanted to make something better!

What game or games are you currently working on?
Isle of Rock and Roll, Jewel Heist, Mayan Curse, Everything Must Go!, and plenty of others

Have you designed any games that have been published?
Two games signed. One coming to Kickstarter spring 2019, and the other one to be released fall 2020.

What is your day job?
Game design is my day job. :)

Your Gaming Tastes
My readers would like to know more about you as a gamer.

Where do you prefer to play games?
Anywhere other great people want to play.

Who do you normally game with?
My wife, friends, and other game designers.

If you were to invite a few friends together for game night tonight, what games would you play?
I'd start with something light and fun like For Sale. Then maybe Azul, Century: Spice Road, The Mind, or one of many other great games.

And what snacks would you eat?
Chips and salsa

Do you like to have music playing while you play games? If so, what kind?
Not usually

What's your favorite FLGS?
I have two. 401 Games and Board Game Bliss. Both are awesome. Great prices and selection. Plus Board Game Bliss has amazing, knowledgeable staff.

What is your current favorite game? Least favorite that you still enjoy? Worst game you ever played?
We just finished Pandemic Legacy Season 1, which was pretty awesome. I wouldn't normally grab Dixit from the shelf, but it's still enjoyable to me. The worst would have to be Snakes and Ladders. Absolutley no decisions to make.

What is your favorite game mechanic? How about your least favorite?
I don't have a favorite mechanic, but I enjoy any that provide interesting and meaningful decisions. I'm not a huge fan of deck-builders generally.

What's your favorite game that you just can't ever seem to get to the table?
Century: Spice Road

What styles of games do you play?
I like to play Board Games, Card Games, Video Games

Do you design different styles of games than what you play?
I like to design Board Games, Card Games

OK, here's a pretty polarizing game. Do you like and play Cards Against Humanity?
No

You as a Designer
OK, now the bit that sets you apart from the typical gamer. Let's find out about you as a game designer.

When you design games, do you come up with a theme first and build the mechanics around that? Or do you come up with mechanics and then add a theme? Or something else?
Every game is different. But generally, I have a name or idea pop into my head and I think about what experience I'd like to create for players. There's often something thematic about this, but not always. The mechanics and theme usually naturally flow from this initial experience I'm aiming for.

Have you ever entered or won a game design competition?
I've entered a few, but have never won a game design competition. I have received some helpful feedback, though.

Do you have a current favorite game designer or idol?
I'd say Matt Leacock is one of my favorite designers.

Where or when or how do you get your inspiration or come up with your best ideas?
Out of the blue. I could be walking around, having a conversation with someone, anything really. I just think "that could be a game!"

How do you go about playtesting your games?
I put together the most basic version I can (MVP = minimum viable prototype) and try it myself to see how it works. Then I make changes, and play with someone else, quite often my wife. I continue to make improvements, and when it is functioning decently, I playtest it with friends, playtesters, and other designers. From there I determine next steps and keep trying to make it better with every iteration.

Do you like to work alone or as part of a team? Co-designers, artists, etc.?
I enjoy both designing on my own and with co-designers. Sometimes I've got an idea I just have to run with. Other times I have someone in mind that I know would be able to make my idea so much better by working together. I've pulled other designers in when I've been stuck and others have done the same with me, and it's usually worked out very well. Your game can be that much better with another designer's perspective and you find other designers you love to work with.

What do you feel is your biggest challenge as a game designer?
Knowing when to just shelf a game rather than keep fixing it.

If you could design a game within any IP, what would it be?
Road Rash maybe?

What do you wish someone had told you a long time ago about designing games?
Just make something quick and get it in front of people!

What advice would you like to share about designing games?
Just make something quick and get it in front of people!

Would you like to tell my readers what games you're working on and how far along they are?
Published games, I have: On the way...
Games that will soon be published are: Four Word Thinking - A quick, simultaneous word making game (Fall 2020) | King of Indecision - Fulfill the King's every desire to earn his loyalty, but be careful - he changes his mind often... (Spring 2019 on Kickstarter)
Currently looking for a publisher I have: Defio - A 2-4 player dice-drafting and dice-manipulation game, Cunning Linguistics, Awesome Sauce
I'm planning to crowdfund: Montalo's Revenge - A solo game of challenge and adventure
Games I feel are in the final development and tweaking stage are: Isle of Rock n Roll
Games that I'm playtesting are: Mayan Curse, Jewel Heist, Everything Must Go!, Mystery Crew, Storage Wars, Flippin' Dice, BBQ SOS
Games that are in the early stages of development and beta testing are: Plenty!
And games that are still in the very early idea phase are: Too many to mention!

Are you a member of any Facebook or other design groups? (Game Maker's Lab, Card and Board Game Developers Guild, etc.)
Too many Facebook groups!

And the oddly personal, but harmless stuff…
OK, enough of the game stuff, let's find out what really makes you tick! These are the questions that I'm sure are on everyone's minds!

Star Trek or Star Wars? Coke or Pepsi? VHS or Betamax?
Star Wars. Neither. VHS!

What hobbies do you have besides tabletop games?
Music, sketch comedy

What is something you learned in the last week?
Wear good footwear when moving a storage cabinet (luckily my toe's not broken!)

Favorite type of music? Books? Movies?
Rock music. Suspense, mystery, and game design books. Comedy and documentary movies.

What was the last book you read?
The Brain Audit

Do you play any musical instruments?
Yes. I play bass. I also dabble on drums.

Tell us something about yourself that you think might surprise people.
I've never played Magic.

Tell us about something crazy that you once did.
Drawing a blank!

Biggest accident that turned out awesome?
Most of my games. LOL!

Who is your idol?
My mom.

What would you do if you had a time machine?
Start designing games earlier! And placed some lucky sports bets...

Are you an extrovert or introvert?
Introvert

If you could be any superhero, which one would you be?
Batman

Have any pets?
No

When the next asteroid hits Earth, causing the Yellowstone caldera to explode, California to fall into the ocean, the sea levels to rise, and the next ice age to set in, what current games or other pastimes do you think (or hope) will survive into the next era of human civilization? What do you hope is underneath that asteroid to be wiped out of the human consciousness forever?
I hope great games survive, along with music and comedy. If Monopoly gets wiped out forever, I wouldn't be too upset. :)

If you'd like to send a shout out to anyone, anyone at all, here's your chance (I can't guarantee they'll read this though):
Thanks to everyone who plays board games and brings others into the hobby!

Just a Bit More
Thanks for answering all my crazy questions! Is there anything else you'd like to tell my readers?

If you're looking for tips and free training on how to design your game, check out my site https://www.boardgamedesigncourse.com/

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Thank you for reading this People Behind the Meeples indie game designer interview! You can find all the interviews here: People Behind the Meeples and if you'd like to be featured yourself, you can fill out the questionnaire here: http://gjjgames.blogspot.com/p/game-designer-interview-questionnaire.html

Did you like this interview?  Pleasse show your support: Support me on Patreon! Or click the heart at Board Game Links , like GJJ Games on Facebook , or follow on Twitter .  And be sure to check out my games on  Tabletop Generation.