October 5, 2023
As a new gaming streamer, you probably have a passion for sharing with your viewers. However, you might not have unlimited money to stream games. Especially as a variety streamer, you can complete a game within a few days, leaving you content with gaps to fill. I have collected some of the most popular free games suitable for streaming.
Fortnite
Let us start with the most famous representative of this genre: Fortnite. Though not as hyped as it used to be, Fortnite’s playful graphics and consistent content improvements still entertain audiences. Its developer, Epic Games, recently temporarily removed the game’s signature gameplay mechanic, called building, with overwhelmingly positive responses from its community. During its boom, the game was known for tremendously boosting content creators’ careers, of whom the streamer Richard “Ninja” Tyler Blevins is most known. Fortnite additionally has a thriving esports scene, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
The origin of all battle royale, PUBG: Battlegrounds, lost its place in the spotlight after the release of Fortnite. However, it remains a fun game to stream (and watch), especially if you have a full squad. Nowadays, the game offers various maps, fun cosmetics, and the same amount of playful chaos as always!
Apex Legends
The last battle royale I would like to highlight is Apex Legends. In terms of popularity on Twitch, it has fluctuated. However, quite a few streamers consistently entertain an audience of 300+ viewers playing this game. Apex Legends lies between the two previously mentioned titles regarding visual style and realism. Moreover, it does not lose much watchability when playing solo. Because of these two factors, it is an excellent title for solo streamers that do not aim for a game niche.
Valorant
Before its release, Riot Games’ first FPS title Valorant (https://playvalorant.com) was presumed to become a competitor to Counterstrike: Global Offense (CS:GO) in the esports space. In the world of streaming, it has definitely taken over. The comic-like graphic style, diverse abilities, and regular content updates create an endearing watching experience that shows in the game’s flourishing Twitch community. Casual gamers, such as Pokimane and Sideon, and professional players, have picked it up.
League of Legends
League of Legends (LoL) is Riot Games’ premium product. The free-to-play MOBA title has accumulated a loyal fanbase as well as a myriad of playable characters, events, and game modes since its publication in 2009. Although primarily known for its competitive scene, LoL can also be enjoyed in a laid-back streaming setting thanks to more casual game modes. Furthermore, the hundreds of champions with different abilities ensure that every player can find an option that fits their playstyle and preferences.
Rocket League
Rocket League unites two appealing concepts: football and cars. It might sound ridiculous at first, but the title has maintained a loyal fanbase since its release. On a casual level, it is fun and chaotic, particularly when playing with friends. But even in regards to professional gaming, it has proven its worth. Moreover, due to its car customization options, it is especially compelling for a car enthusiast. All these points combined make Rocket League a suitable streaming game for many kinds of streamers.Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact has gained immense popularity during its short lifetime. It performs well not only in terms of revenue for its publisher Hoyoverse but also in the world of gaming content. This gacha game is an excellent option for streamers that love freedom when exploring a vast and colorful world. However, during the endgame stages, engaging content is scarce.
Lost Ark
In February this year, a new game joined the ranks of hyped MMOs: Lost Ark. Technically not new but just published for the western market and technically an MMOARPG, it has been highly anticipated and dearly loved by the MMO community. While the long-term performance of Lost Ark can only be speculated, it certainly is a prime streaming title in the current Twitch meta.
Words on Stream
Unlike all the previously featured games, Words on Stream is a browser game with the main focus on viewer interaction. That is what makes it such a simple yet engaging choice for streamers. Moreover, it is an entertaining filler when you, as the streamer, want to relax or take a break for a little while, for example, while eating. Once easily set up, both the streamer and their community can form words from the letters displayed in each level and put their guesses in the Twitch chat. Words on Stream’s only negative is that it limits the words each player can score. Therefore, you need a good number of active viewers to progress and unleash the game’s full potential.
Gartic Phone
Like Words on Stream, Gartic Phone is a relatively simple browser game. In Gartic Phone, a group of players alternates between describing each other’s drawings and drawing each other’s descriptions until the game reveals results in a final showcase. While taking a little bit more effort to set up due to its lobby feature, the game excels in light-hearted, entertaining chaos once it is completed. My advice for streamers is to establish a few rules with your community before starting a round to ensure every participant is comfortable with the initially crafted phrases.
Warframe
The action role-playing third-person shooter Warframe has attracted quite the fanbase since its release in 2013. Although nine years old, the game still receives regular attention from its developer Digital Extremes, in the form of events, updates, and DLCs. Warframe is compelling for various gamers (and streamers), offering in-game fluid movement, a myriad of guns to wield, and mesmerizing story quests.
Path of Exile
Set in a dark fantasy world, the online action RPG Path of Exile might not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, Path of Exile is a gaming gem providing hundreds of hours of stream time for those who like the game’s atmosphere and world design. It offers an intricately designed item and economy system on top of deep character customization. It also allows players to be rewarded for their grind through leveling races hosted in separate game worlds called “leagues.”
Final Thoughts
To summarize, the free-to-play model appears to become more and more popular among publishers rendering streamable content more accessible. This reduced barrier to entering streaming enables more people to express themselves through their game choices and connect with others through streaming.