Over the past decade, gaming has developed from a casual hobby into a global industry that generates billions of dollars each year. Streaming platforms have played a huge role in this transformation. Streaming started out as a way for friends to share gameplay but has now grown into a massive form of entertainment. Professional streamers
Over the past decade, gaming has developed from a casual hobby into a global industry that generates billions of dollars each year. Streaming platforms have played a huge role in this transformation.
Streaming started out as a way for friends to share gameplay but has now grown into a massive form of entertainment. Professional streamers can now earn full-time incomes by building loyal communities.
Live streaming gameplay has made gaming more visible, interactive and more profitable than ever before.
For beginners looking to get into gaming and streaming, the amount of different games and genres can be overwhelming. Picking the right niche can make a big difference to the experience you have.
Some gaming categories are especially beginner-friendly. In this blog post, we explore some of the top niches and some things to consider when considering which ones to choose:
Retro and classic games
Creating a sense of nostalgia in a game helps to keep people coming back. Streaming retro games can help to build this sense of connection.
Titles from consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, PlayStation 2 or the Sega Genesis have a loyal fan base who love to revisit the games they grew up with.
As a beginner, streaming older titles could be beneficial to you as retro niches are often less crowded than newer game categories. This could make it easier to get discovered.
Also, these games usually don’t require top-of-the-range hardware or fast internet speeds, which is helpful if you are still in the process of building your setup. Viewers in these communities often value personality and storytelling, making it ideal for growing a loyal audience.
Indie games
Indie titles are quickly rising in popularity and tend to be creative and unique. Platforms like Steam and itch.io are full of indie games waiting to be discovered.
For newer streamers, indie games offer two big advantages. One is that the competition is lower compared to popular titles like Fortnite or Call of Duty: Warzone. And, indie developers often support the streamers who play their games.
This could be sharing streams with their own audiences and gives organic exposure that can help your channel grow faster.
Games like Hades, Stardew Valley or Among Us have all become world famous with the help of streamers.
Horror games
Horror is one of the most entertaining genres to watch live due to audience reactions. This includes jump scares and slow-burning tension that create moments viewers love to clip and share.
Games like Phasmophobia, The Outlast Trials and Resident Evil 4 keep audiences on edge. This makes streams more engaging.
Horror is especially good for beginners who have strong or funny reactions. You don’t need to be a pro gamer to keep people entertained; your genuine response to the scares is often just as entertaining.
Make sure your audio and camera are set up properly, as viewers love seeing real-time reactions.
Casual and cozy games
Not every viewer wants high-intensity gameplay. Some games give a relaxing, feel-good vibe. These games are ideal if you are looking to build a laid-back stream that encourages conversation and community bonding.
Titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Sims 4 and Minecraft attract audiences who enjoy calm, interactive content. You can talk freely with chat, share tips or just build a relaxing atmosphere that makes people want to return.
Competitive multiplayer Games
For naturally competitive types that enjoy fast-paced action, multiplayer games can give your stream energy and excitement. Popular examples include Valorant, Apex Legends and League of Legends.
One thing to note is that competition in these categories is fierce. But if you have solid skills or a charismatic streaming style, you might be able to stand out.
A good strategy for beginners is to stream less saturated time slots or focus on specific modes within these games.
What to consider when choosing a niche
Your comfort with the game
If you are genuinely enjoying yourself, that energy will be seen by the audience.
Hardware and internet requirements
Some games need more resources than others.
Category saturation
Some niches are harder to break into due to competition.
Community culture
Certain gaming communities are more welcoming and supportive for beginners than others.
You should not underestimate the importance of interacting with your chat. Even the most entertaining gameplay can feel flat without some personality behind it. Talking to viewers, responding to comments and building rapport is important.
Streaming strategy for beginners
When you are starting out, consistency matters more than being perfect. Stream on a schedule, even if it’s just a couple of times a week, so your audience knows when to expect you.
You should pick one or two niches at first instead of jumping around too much. This will help to build a core community around shared interests.
