VR can oftentimes be difficult to set up on its own, but when you have to stream it as well, it can seem like a huge challenge.
Luckily, there are many different ways to do so as long as you have adequate equipment available.
This post will explain how to stream VR and what you should keep in mind for the optimal streaming experience.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will shed light upon:
- What you’ll need to stream VR
- How to stream VR from a PC
- How to stream VR from a Playstation console
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Equipment Needed to Stream VR
Before we talk about how to stream VR, it’s important that you ensure you have all the components necessary to do it properly.
VR can be highly demanding to play on its own, and if you want to stream it, you’ll need even more resources.
To stream VR effectively, here are the things you’ll need:
Adequate PC Rig
This isn’t something you need to worry about if you’re using the Playstation VR Headset and a Playstation console.
However, if you’re using a Meta Quest 2 or an HTC Vive Pro 2, then you’ll need a beefy PC to handle all the load.
We recommend that for the processor, you should at least have an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 or something equivalent.
As for the GPU, you’ll require something such as the high-end NVIDIA RTX 20 series or 30 series. Either that or something that’s equivalent.
When it comes to the RAM, you can sometimes get away with 16 GB with lower-end titles but just to be safe, it’s a good idea to have at least 32 GBs worth.
VR Headset
Of course, this isn’t really something that needs to be stated.
However, it’s important to consider which VR headset would be best for you as you do have a few options to choose from.
In our opinion, the best options out there would be the Meta Quest 2 or the HTC Vive Pro 2 if you intend to game on your PC.
If you intend to game on your Playstation 4 or 5 console, then, of course, you’ll opt for the PS VR Headset.
Webcam (Optional)
While you don’t need a webcam to stream VR, it’s always a good idea to have it so that your viewers can watch you flail around.
Watching the streamer play a VR game can be extremely funny for viewers. Hence, your viewers would be missing out if you don’t have a webcam.
We recommend that you opt for a webcam that can stream in at least 1080p and 30 fps.
Capture Card (Optional)
Having a capture card can really take the load off of your GPU since it can handle the majority of the load when it comes to streaming.
You don’t need it, but it’s a good idea to have it so that your streaming software doesn’t use up all the resources of your GPU. Speaking of streaming software…
Streaming Software
To capture the gameplay of your VR games, you’ll need streaming software.
Luckily, this isn’t too big of an issue since most popular streaming softwares are completely free to use.
We’d recommend that you opt for either OBS or Streamlabs.
Wireless Headset (Optional)
Again, it’s not absolutely necessary to have a wireless headset. You could very much get away with a wired headset that has a fairly long cable. However, it can be obstructive and you could even trip over yourself.
Hence, if you can afford it, it’s a good idea to get a wireless headset that you can game in VR completely unencumbered.
Green Screen (Optional)
Having a green screen can really bring the immersion of VR to the next level on your stream.
It can give your viewers the illusion that you’re really within the game, and it can be a very fun experience for them.
If you don’t have a green screen, your viewers will just see your regular background which can definitely be jarring at times.
Again, this is something that’s completely optional. It could be something that you don’t have initially but you could work towards and buy it sometime in the future.
How to Stream VR From a PC?
To stream VR from your PC, follow these steps:
Step 1: Run the VR game that you wish to play on your stream.
Step 2: Run the streaming software of your choice (OBS or Streamlabs) and ensure that your Twitch or Youtube account is connected to it.
Step 3: In the Scene box, click the Plus symbol to “Add a Source”.
Step 4: Select Game Capture from the options that are shown to you.
Step 5: From the first drop-down list in the new Game Capture Window, select Capture Specific Window.
Step 6: From the second drop-down list, you can choose either VR Capture or the name of the game that you intend to play.
The first option will have the VR play walls visible, whereas the second option will just allow your viewers to watch the gameplay only.
Step 7: Alternatively, if you’re utilizing the LIV toolkit to see chat and alerts, you’ll have to choose that instead.
This will allow you to look at your chat and alerts while you’re in VR.
Step 8: Lastly, make sure that the size of the window is proper. Ensure that everything, such as sounds, alerts, your mic volume, etc. are all appropriate.
Once you’re sure everything is in order, click on Start Streaming.
How to Stream VR From a Playstation Console?
To stream a VR game from your Playstation 4 or 5 console, follow these steps:
Step 1: Run the VR game that you’d like to play on stream.
Step 2: On your Dualshock controller, click on the Share button.
Step 3: Select Broadcast gameplay.
Step 4: Choose the streaming service that you’d like to use. This could be Twitch, Youtube, etc.
Step 5: Make a title for your stream and select the appropriate broadcast settings.
Ideally, you’d want to stream in 1080p on High. However, if you don’t have the internet for it, you can tinker with the settings to find the right balance that does not drop frames.
Step 6: Click on Start broadcasting.
You’ll know that the stream is live when the Chat appears on the right-hand side.
Wrapping Things Up…
It’s actually not that difficult to stream VR from a PC or a Playstation.
The only issue is that you do need a beefy PC and a decent internet connection to be able to do it effectively.
VR is a lot of fun to watch for viewers, and it’s also an experience that many people can’t enjoy themselves since they may get nauseous.
Hence, if you’re a streamer and you happen to have a VR headset, consider streaming VR games.
What do you think of watching VR games on streams? Let us know in the comments section below.