How to Add an Overlay to XSplit Gamecaster and Impress Viewers
Last Updated on September 13, 2021 by Michael Brockbank
Gamecaster has a lot to offer a game streamer, especially when it’s free. In this case, adding an overlay can add quite the visual impression in Gamecaster for anyone watching the stream. Today, I’ll show you how to easily add one.
Of course, this tutorial is for version 4 of the software. There is a massive difference between Gamecaster 3 and 4, so make sure you’re using the correct application.
Get Gamecaster today…it’s completely free!In any case, an overlay can add quite a bit to a stream or recorded video. Visual elements are known for keeping the attention of an audience longer.
And some can be used to deliver additional information viewers might want, such as social profiles and web addresses.
Adding the Overlay to Gamecaster
One of the nice things about Gamecaster is that you don’t simply get an overlay. In fact, I’m showing you how to install a package that will also include starting soon and intermission screens.
That way, you can leave the stream without people watching an empty chair. Or, perhaps you just want to take a break from the game after a long stream.
I’m going to assume that you have Gamecaster already installed and loaded.
Step 1: Access the Vault
From the Gamecaster Studio, click the “Vault” option on the top.
In the Vault, you will see a lot of different elements you can add to Gamecaster, including an overlay.
Step 2: Click the “Overlays” Option
By default, Gamecaster will show you everything available you can install. Click the “Overlays” option to access those particular files.
This will open a list of all the different overlays you can use in the software. You’ll see both Free and Paid elements. You’ll need to use Gamecaster Gold to buy the “premium” overlays, which I’ll go over in a moment.
Step 3: Choose an Overlay for Gamecaster
Perhaps the most difficult part of this process is choosing the overlay you want to use. Currently, there are over 170 overlays you can choose from.
When you click on one, an example screen will load and show you what each file will look like when used. Click the scenes on the right to see an example how each one will appear.
NOTE: You will need Gamecaster Gold if you want to use any of the premium scenes for your overlay. See below.
From a design perspective, it’s a good idea to find a theme that will fit the game you plan on playing. Of course, you really don’t have to. But, it will add to the overall ambiance of the live stream or video.
Once you decide on an overlay pack, click the “Add to Studio” button. In this instance, I’m adding the Tristram pack as I intend to stream Diablo III.
I’m actually fairly excited to give this one a try.
After a few moments, Gamecaster will add the overlay set to your Studio. It will also align the camera position and additional elements automatically.
This means you don’t need to fine-tune the camera feed in the Studio as it is already done for you.
To transition from one screen to another, just click on the panel you want to show.
Your overlays are ready and you can start streaming if you wish.
How to Edit the Overlay in Gamecaster
The overlays you get in Gamecaster have a lot of customizable options available. For instance, what if you want to add your social profiles to the gameplay?
Hover over the file you want to adjust and click the Edit icon.
This will load up Gamecaster’s Scene Editor.
From here, you can select what elements you want to change on the left and make fine-tuning adjustments on the right.
When you click on an element to change, additional options will appear for it on the right.
Once you’re done making changes, adding widgets, and what-not, click the Save button on the top right.
Once you’re done, you can simply close down the editor and return to Gamecaster’s Studio.
Things to Be Aware of in the Editor
Although there are a ton of features, tools, and settings you can play with in the editor, there are a few things I want to mention.
A Little Sluggish When Changing Sizes and Locations
When I was testing the overlay, the Gamecaster Scene Editor was a little wonky to control. On the screen, the resizing and moving elements were a bit difficult to manage, and the size controls on the right didn’t have the best clickability.
It was like the up and down arrow boxes were a bit off from the actual images. It’s difficult to explain, but I had to click just a bit off the corner of the arrows to get the numbers to adjust.
Otherwise, I just entered the numbers manually.
Keep the Undo Button in Mind
There were a few adjustments that went a bit haywire and shifted things where I didn’t want them. Don’t forget that you have an Undo button on the top nav bar.
This was a lifesaver as I tried to move things around.
Zoom In for Fine-Tuning
The Zoom feature on the top navigation bar is also a nice tool. You can zoom in on the overlay and fine-tune the positions and sizes of elements to the very pixel.
I suggest zooming in if you want things to sit in precise locations.
Getting and Use Gamecaster Gold
As I mentioned above, you can also use Gamecast Gold to buy “premium” overlays. You can also use them for alerts, emotes, panels, and stingers.
Essentially, “stingers” in Gamecaster are animated transitions within your scenes for Gamecaster. Some of them are actually pretty nice looking.
Anyway, to get Gamecaster gold, go back to the “Vault.”
From The Vault, click the “How to earn” button on the top right. You’ll also see your current gold total.
This will open a popup.
From this screen, you can buy gold with cash or you can use your “Refer a friend” link to earn. When someone signs up with Gamecaster through your link, you both get 200 Gamecaster Gold.
This isn’t the only method you can use to earn gold, either.
Gamecaster has something called Seasons in which you have a certain amount of time to earn as much XP as you can. This can be from simply streaming games from Gamecaster or even if you get a follower on Twitch while you’re live.
The higher your XP goes during the season, the more gold you’ll earn.
To see these, click the “Rewards” option on the top.
This screen will show you your current level for the season.
To see what you need to do to earn more XP, click the “See Quests” button on the top right.
This will launch a window where you can see daily and seasonal quests you need to complete.
Once you have enough gold saved up, you simply click on the overlay you want to use in Gamecaster and it’ll be deducted.
Add More to Your Stream with a Gamecaster Overlay
To be honest, I’m quite surprised by the sheer number of overlays available. And the ability to add widgets and make custom adjustments just makes it that much better.
Although the Editor is a bit touchy, it’s not overly difficult to manage, once you figured out how everything behaves.
At any rate, this is just one of the many reasons why Gamecaster is among my favorite free streaming platforms. There’s so much you can do without actually spending a single dime.
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