Getting OBS to Display Your Game Capture: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want to stream your gameplay but OBS isn't showing your game? Don't worry, this guide will walk you through troubleshooting common issues and getting your game capture up and running.
1. Verify Game Capture Source is Added
First things first: is your game capture source even in OBS?
- Open OBS Studio: Launch the program.
- Check the Sources Panel: Look at the "Sources" panel (usually at the bottom). You should see a list of sources, including your game capture. If it's not there, you need to add it.
2. Adding a Game Capture Source
If your game capture isn't in the sources panel, follow these steps:
- Click the "+" button: Locate the "+" button in the "Sources" panel.
- Select "Game Capture": Choose "Game Capture" from the list of available sources.
- Name your Source: Give your capture source a descriptive name (e.g., "League of Legends," "Rocket League"). This will help you identify it later.
- Select your game: OBS might automatically detect your game, but you may need to select it manually from the dropdown menu.
3. Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Even if your Game Capture source is added, problems can still occur. Here's how to tackle common issues:
- Game Not Launching in Fullscreen: Game Capture often requires fullscreen mode. Switching your game to full-screen can resolve issues.
- Multiple Monitors: If you have multiple monitors, ensure your game is running on the correct monitor that OBS is capturing.
- Administrator Privileges: OBS might need administrator privileges to capture certain games properly. Try running OBS as an administrator.
- Conflicting Software: Other capture software or overlay tools might interfere with OBS. Temporarily close these programs.
- Outdated Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can cause problems. Update your graphics drivers to the latest versions.
- Incorrect Game Selection: Double-check that you've selected the correct game from the Game Capture settings. If your game isn't listed, try using the "Window Capture" source instead.
4. Using Window Capture (If Game Capture Fails)
If Game Capture persistently fails, try Window Capture instead. This method captures a specific window.
- Add a "Window Capture" source: Follow the same steps as adding a Game Capture source, but select "Window Capture" this time.
- Select your Game Window: Choose the window representing your game from the dropdown menu.
5. Advanced Settings (For Experienced Users):
For advanced users, explore OBS's advanced settings for more fine-tuned control over capture. These settings are typically found within the Game Capture or Window Capture properties.
This guide should help you get your game showing in OBS. If problems persist, refer to OBS's official documentation or search online forums for more specific troubleshooting advice related to your game and system. Remember to provide details about your setup (operating system, graphics card, games etc.) when seeking help.
