Review: What is GameShow and Do You Want It?
Last Updated on September 21, 2019 by Michael Brockbank
Looking for good software to stream your game play on services like Twitch and YouTube? GameShow has a lot of potential, but it’s probably not the easiest to manage. However, it does have a few features that are worth exploring to some degree.
Finding the best game streaming software is essentially based on user preference. What some people think are features, others might see as junk. It’s all about finding the right fit for your needs.
With that being said, here is my impression of the GameShow software and what it can do for you.
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What is GameShow?
GameShow is software you run from your computer to record or live stream games to online services like Twitch. It allows you to process games directly from your computer or through USB capture devices.
This program works well for those who want to broadcast live or record their game play for future uploads or edits.
Why Would You Want GameShow?
GameShow is a cheaper alternative to apps like XSplit Broadcaster. In fact, it’s far more affordable than some of the other programs out there that can cost several hundred dollars.
Unless you’re planning on building an advanced layout for professional televised applications, you don’t need to spend $700 on live streaming software.
This program comes with a free version. However, you have to settle for a watermark that periodically scrolls across your video if you use 720p at 30fps rendering higher than a bitrate of 1250.
And trust me, it gets very annoying as it runs every 30 seconds. The company logo as well as text grows from the corner of your stream until it fits across the display. It sits there for a few seconds and then shrinks back.
The professional version of GameShow is only $29.00. To put this into perspective, XSplit charges $15 every three months as a service. Which means you’ll spend $60 per year to use the software. GameShow is a one-time fee of half that price.
Where Can You Get GameShow?
You can download the latest version of GameShow from the developer’s website. It has a built-in auto-updating function allowing you to stay current with your software versions.
What Are Some of the Most Notable Features?
GameShow has a lot of features available that I find engaging. The downside is how the controls take a bit of getting used to. But after an hour, I was ready to stream using templates and other modifications to the broadcast.
Built-in Noise Reduction
One of the more important features for me is the capability to reduce background noises. GameShow has this feature built into the audio function. However, it’s a bit more difficult to use in comparison to other apps.
On the other hand, the noise reduction capabilities are for more advanced with many more settings. This lets you fine-tune the experience perfectly for your needs. It just takes quite a bit of trial and error to get your settings just right.
Import from OBS
Have a scene in OBS that you love? You can easily import it into GameShow. This brought over a few settings and my background image quickly.
Although I did have to fine-tune the scene to work with GameShow, a lot of the adjustments were already there.
Useful Integrations
GameShow offers a couple of useful tools in the form of integrations. You can add a Twitter feed and Streamlabs alerts by connecting the software to those systems.
Being able to pull in the alerts is worth exploring alone.
However, GameShow is lacking a few widgets I find useful on my stream. For example, I like being able to install the Extra Life plugin to show donations and goals through XSplit.
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Usable Gaming Templates
One of the things I find interesting is the ability to use and download additional gaming templates. These often include graphics and settings perfect for specific types of games.
It’s a bit reminiscent of how Streamlabs OBS works, but it lacks some of the more advanced graphics and widgets.
Unfortunately, the download page doesn’t have a great deal of detail for how to install templates you download. However, it’s not overly difficult once you figure out the steps.
Part of the template aspect is how users can upload their own creations to share with the community.
Easy Setup for Twitch and YouTube
Connecting your software to Twitch and YouTube is pretty straight forward. For example, I was able to connect Twitch just by authorizing GameShow through the system. This means you don’t need to worry about grabbing your streaming key.
Unfortunately, Twitch and YouTube seem to be the only platforms GameShow supports. In contrast, even XSplit supports things like Facebook Live and Daily Motion through free plugins.
Layers, Not Scenes
If you want to switch how the video is delivered, you need to switch to another layer within GameShow. This acts similar to how scenes work in other programs.
For example, you can click into a full screen video of yourself through the webcam or back to the game from the different layers within the software.
Lots of Resource Options
Like other systems, GameShow comes with the ability to include a wide range of resources. Image carousels, web pages, desktop views, other sounds and more are all available when you add a new segment to your layers.
Personally, I’m looking forward to giving the image carousel a try. Perhaps an alternating background or various channel promotions during stream with graphics.
Easy to Start Streaming or Recording
I know this is probably just because I am a bit picky, but I do like how you can start your videos. GameShow gives you an obvious button on the top left to start and stop your broadcasts. This is a feature that some systems like XSplit lack.
I just like easy interfaces that have obvious functions. Buttons that say, “Stream” and “Record” rank pretty high up there on the list for me.
How Easy is GameShow to Use?
If you’re used to software like OBS, you shouldn’t have much of a problem with GameShow. It’s a bit convoluted and takes a bit of exploration to find the tools you want, but it’s not overly difficult to get used to.
However, it is far more complicated than something like XSplit Gamecaster. The trade-off is having far more abilities and ways to customize the stream or recording.
Personally, I find Streamlabs OBS easier to operate than GameShow.
Is it Worth the Price?
When you consider that I’ve spent more than $150 on XSplit so far, the $29 price tag on GameShow may be worth the switch. It’s definitely more affordable than some others out there as they reach more than the cost to replace my Samsung Galaxy.
But compared to OBS and its variants, I’m not convinced it’s worth the price. For one thing, the Twitter and Streamlabs integration is the only noticeable difference between OBS and GameShow.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Even though the free version has that damn watermark effect scrolling across your screen, it’s still something you should try. You don’t need to register or hand over your credit card information to use the free version.
If you think it’s worth $30, then by all means buy it. It’s a decent program and comes with a myriad of features and abilities.
But for me, I think I am going to stick with OBS for live streaming.[template id=”543″]
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