February 7, 2025
Stream obs streaming twitch game games pc software steps simple quality streamers performance get good need know guide nvidia partners

The world of online gaming is vast and exciting, and for many, sharing that experience with others is a rewarding endeavor. Twitch, a platform dedicated to live streaming, has become a haven for gamers seeking to connect with audiences, build communities, and even turn their passion into a career.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to embark on your Twitch streaming journey.

From understanding the basics of Twitch streaming and setting up your account to planning engaging content, optimizing your stream, and building a loyal community, we’ll cover everything you need to know to succeed. We’ll also explore various monetization options available on Twitch, allowing you to turn your passion into a source of income.

Join us as we delve into the world of Twitch streaming and empower you to share your gaming adventures with the world.

Understanding Twitch Streaming

Twitch is a popular platform for live streaming, primarily focusing on video game content. It allows content creators to share their gaming experiences with a large audience, interact with viewers, and build a community around their content.

Benefits of Streaming on Twitch

Streaming on Twitch offers several benefits for both content creators and viewers. For creators, it provides a platform to:

  • Build a Community:Twitch fosters a sense of community, enabling streamers to connect with their audience, engage in conversations, and build relationships.
  • Gain Recognition:Streaming allows creators to showcase their skills and personality, potentially attracting a large following and gaining recognition within the gaming community.
  • Earn Income:Twitch offers various monetization options, such as subscriptions, donations, and advertising, enabling streamers to earn income from their content.
  • Collaborate with Others:Twitch facilitates collaboration, allowing streamers to team up with other creators, participate in tournaments, and expand their reach.

For viewers, Twitch offers a platform to:

  • Watch Live Gaming Content:Twitch provides access to live streams of various video games, allowing viewers to enjoy real-time gameplay, tournaments, and other gaming events.
  • Interact with Streamers:Viewers can engage with streamers through chat, participate in polls, and even influence the direction of the stream.
  • Discover New Games:Twitch can expose viewers to new games and genres they might not have encountered before, expanding their gaming horizons.
  • Connect with Other Gamers:Twitch fosters a sense of community, allowing viewers to connect with other gamers who share their interests and engage in discussions.

Target Audience for Twitch Streams

The target audience for Twitch streams is primarily gamers and individuals interested in gaming content. This includes:

  • Casual Gamers:These individuals enjoy playing video games for entertainment and relaxation, often seeking to watch others play and learn new strategies.
  • Competitive Gamers:This group is highly invested in competitive gaming, watching streams to learn from professional players, analyze gameplay, and stay up-to-date on the latest strategies and trends.
  • Esports Enthusiasts:These viewers are passionate about esports and follow professional gaming leagues, tournaments, and individual players, often watching streams to support their favorite teams and players.
  • Content Creators:Streamers themselves often watch other streams to learn new techniques, gain inspiration, and network with other creators.

Essential Equipment for a Basic Twitch Setup

To start streaming on Twitch, you need a basic setup consisting of:

  • Computer:A computer with sufficient processing power and graphics capabilities to run the game and streaming software smoothly.
  • Camera (Optional):A webcam to capture your reactions and provide a more personal touch to your stream.
  • Microphone:A microphone to capture your voice clearly for communication with viewers.
  • Internet Connection:A reliable internet connection with sufficient upload speed to ensure smooth streaming without interruptions.
  • Streaming Software:A software program like OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS to capture your gameplay, manage your stream, and interact with viewers.

Types of Content Suitable for Twitch Streaming

Twitch offers a wide range of content suitable for streaming, including:

  • Gameplay:Streaming gameplay of various video games, from casual to competitive titles, is the most common type of content on Twitch.
  • Let’s Plays:These streams involve playing through a game for the first time, providing commentary and reactions, often focusing on humor and entertainment.
  • Speedruns:Streamers attempt to complete a game as quickly as possible, showcasing their skills and knowledge of game mechanics.
  • Esports:Streaming professional esports tournaments, matches, and leagues, allowing viewers to follow the competitive gaming scene.
  • Just Chatting:Streamers interact with their audience in a casual setting, discussing various topics, playing games, or simply chatting with viewers.
  • Creative Content:Streamers showcase their artistic skills, such as drawing, painting, music production, or writing, engaging viewers in the creative process.

Setting Up Your Twitch Account and Channel

Stream obs streaming twitch game games pc software steps simple quality streamers performance get good need know guide nvidia partners

To start streaming on Twitch, you need to create an account and set up your channel. This process involves creating a profile, customizing your channel’s appearance, and connecting your gaming console or PC to Twitch.

Creating a Twitch Account

To create a Twitch account, follow these steps:

  • Go to the Twitch website (twitch.tv) and click on the “Sign Up” button.
  • Enter your email address, username, and password.
  • Verify your email address by clicking on the link in the email Twitch sent you.
  • Once your email is verified, you’ll be redirected to your Twitch dashboard.

Customizing Your Channel

Your Twitch channel is your online space on the platform. Customizing it with branding and a unique layout helps you create a recognizable and engaging presence.

  • Channel Banner:This is the large image at the top of your channel page. It’s an excellent place to showcase your brand or game of choice. Twitch recommends a banner size of 1280×480 pixels.
  • Profile Picture:This is the small image that represents you on Twitch. It’s usually your avatar or a logo. Twitch recommends a profile picture size of 256×256 pixels.
  • Channel Layout:Twitch offers various layouts and customization options for your channel. You can adjust the position of elements like your chat, video player, and panels. Experiment with different layouts to find one that suits your preferences and stream style.
  • About Section:This section allows you to tell your viewers about yourself, your streaming goals, and your preferred games. It’s a great way to introduce yourself and connect with your audience.
  • Panels:Panels are customizable sections on your channel page that can display information like your social media links, schedule, or donation information. They are a great way to add more personality and structure to your channel.

Connecting Your Gaming Console or PC

Connecting your gaming console or PC to Twitch allows you to broadcast your gameplay to your viewers.

  • Console Streaming:Most modern consoles (like PlayStation 4/5 and Xbox One/Series X/S) have built-in streaming capabilities. You can connect your console to Twitch using the console’s settings menu. You’ll need a Twitch account and a good internet connection to stream successfully.

  • PC Streaming:For PC streaming, you’ll need a streaming software like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or Streamlabs OBS. These software programs capture your gameplay and send it to Twitch. They allow you to customize your stream with overlays, transitions, and other effects.

Choosing a Channel Name

Your channel name is your identity on Twitch. It’s important to choose a name that is relevant to your content, memorable, and easy to find.

  • Relevance:Choose a name that reflects your streaming niche or the games you play. For example, if you stream Call of Duty, a name like “COD_Gamer” would be relevant.
  • Memorability:Choose a name that is easy to remember and pronounce. A catchy or unique name can help you stand out from the crowd.
  • Availability:Check if the name you want is available on Twitch. If it’s already taken, you may need to get creative and try a different variation.

Choosing and Configuring Streaming Software

Choosing the right streaming software is crucial for a smooth and high-quality streaming experience. There are several popular options available, each with its unique features and advantages.

Comparing Popular Streaming Software Options

This section compares and contrasts two popular streaming software options, OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS, to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

  • OBS Studio: Open-source, highly customizable, and free to use. It offers advanced features and a wide range of plugins. It’s known for its flexibility and control, making it a favorite among experienced streamers.
  • Streamlabs OBS: Built upon OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS offers a user-friendly interface and integrated features like alerts, overlays, and donation tools. It’s ideal for beginners and those seeking a more streamlined experience.

Setting Up Your Streaming Software

Setting up your streaming software is a straightforward process, but it requires some basic configuration to ensure your stream runs smoothly.

  1. Download and Install: Download the software from the official website and follow the installation instructions.
  2. Configure Sources: Add sources to your scene, such as your webcam, game capture, or desktop display. This will determine what your viewers see on your stream.
  3. Adjust Audio Settings: Configure your microphone and other audio sources, ensuring they are properly set up and balanced.
  4. Set Up Streaming Settings: Configure your streaming service, bitrate, resolution, and other settings to optimize your stream’s quality and performance.

Adding Overlays, Alerts, and Visual Elements

Overlays, alerts, and other visual elements enhance your stream’s visual appeal and provide a more interactive experience for your viewers.

  1. Overlays: These are static graphics that remain visible throughout your stream, such as a banner with your channel name or a timer.
  2. Alerts: These are dynamic graphics that appear when specific events occur, such as a new follower or donation.
  3. Visual Elements: These can include animations, transitions, and other graphics that add visual interest and engagement to your stream.

Optimizing Stream Settings

Optimizing your stream settings is crucial for ensuring a smooth and high-quality viewing experience for your audience.

  1. Bitrate: A higher bitrate results in better video quality but can lead to buffering issues for viewers with slower internet connections.
  2. Resolution: Streaming at a higher resolution provides a sharper image but requires more bandwidth.
  3. Encoding Settings: Experiment with different encoding settings to find the optimal balance between quality and performance.
  4. Internet Connection: A stable and reliable internet connection is essential for smooth streaming.

Planning and Executing Your Stream

Twitch stream

Planning and executing your stream is the key to success. You need to have a clear vision for what you want to achieve, and a strategy for how you’re going to get there.

Planning Engaging and Interactive Streams

Planning engaging and interactive streams is essential for keeping your viewers entertained and coming back for more. Here are some tips:

  • Choose a theme:Having a theme for your stream can help you focus your content and attract a specific audience. For example, you could focus on a particular game, genre, or even a specific character.
  • Set a schedule:Sticking to a regular schedule will help your viewers know when to expect your stream. This can be a daily, weekly, or even monthly schedule, depending on your availability.
  • Plan your content:Before you go live, think about what you want to cover during your stream. This could include gameplay, challenges, discussions, or even just hanging out with your viewers.
  • Use interactive elements:Interactive elements like polls, quizzes, and chat games can help you engage your audience and make your stream more fun.
  • Be spontaneous:While it’s important to have a plan, don’t be afraid to be spontaneous and go with the flow. Sometimes the best moments happen when you least expect them.

Strategies for Interacting with Your Audience

Effective communication is key to building a strong community on Twitch. Here are some strategies:

  • Respond to chat:Make an effort to read and respond to comments in your chat. This shows your viewers that you appreciate their presence and are interested in their feedback.
  • Ask questions:Asking questions in chat can help you get to know your viewers and encourage them to participate. You can ask them about their favorite games, their thoughts on the game you’re playing, or even just how their day is going.

  • Host giveaways:Giveaways are a great way to show your appreciation for your viewers and encourage them to stick around. You can give away in-game items, merchandise, or even just gift subscriptions.
  • Run contests:Contests can be a fun way to engage your viewers and create excitement. You can have them compete in challenges, submit creative content, or even just guess the answer to a trivia question.
  • Use emotes:Emotes are a fun way to express yourself and add personality to your chat. Encourage your viewers to use emotes that are relevant to your stream.

Sample Stream Schedule

Here’s a sample stream schedule with different segments and activities:

Time Segment Activity
1:00 PM Intro Welcome viewers, chat with them, and introduce the day’s theme.
1:15 PM Gameplay Play a game with viewers, answer questions in chat, and participate in challenges.
2:00 PM Break Take a short break to stretch, eat, or just relax.
2:15 PM Q&A Answer questions from viewers about the game, your streaming setup, or anything else they’re curious about.
2:45 PM Raffle Give away a prize to a lucky viewer who has been active in chat.
3:00 PM Outro Thank viewers for joining, announce your next stream, and say goodbye.

Promoting Your Stream and Attracting Viewers

Once you’ve got your stream set up and running, it’s time to start promoting it and attracting viewers. Here are some tips:

  • Use social media:Social media is a great way to promote your stream and connect with potential viewers. Share your stream schedule, highlight your best moments, and engage with your followers.
  • Join Twitch communities:There are many Twitch communities where you can connect with other streamers and viewers. This is a great way to get feedback, find new viewers, and build relationships.
  • Collaborate with other streamers:Collaborating with other streamers is a great way to cross-promote your channels and reach a wider audience.
  • Use Twitch’s features:Twitch has a number of features that can help you promote your stream, such as the “Go Live” button and the “Stream Manager” tool.
  • Be patient and consistent:Building a successful Twitch channel takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight. Just keep streaming consistently and promoting your channel, and you’ll eventually start to see growth.

Engaging Your Audience and Building a Community

Building a strong community around your Twitch stream is crucial for its success. A vibrant community provides a sense of belonging for viewers, fosters loyalty, and ultimately helps your channel grow.

Interacting with Viewers

Active engagement with your viewers is key to building a community.

  • Respond to Chat Messages:Acknowledge messages, answer questions, and participate in conversations. A simple “Thanks for the follow!” or “Good point!” can go a long way.
  • Run Polls and Quizzes:Interactive polls and quizzes can be fun ways to engage viewers and gather their opinions.
  • Host Q&A Sessions:Dedicate time for viewers to ask questions, creating a space for deeper interaction and learning.
  • Recognize Regular Viewers:Acknowledge viewers who consistently tune in, perhaps by giving them shoutouts or creating a dedicated “regulars” list.

Responding to Chat Messages

  • Be Prompt:Try to respond to chat messages as quickly as possible. Viewers appreciate feeling heard and valued.
  • Be Positive and Encouraging:Even if you’re facing a challenge in-game, maintain a positive attitude. Your energy will be contagious.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Laugh:A good laugh can break the ice and create a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Be Respectful:Even if you disagree with a viewer’s opinion, maintain a respectful tone.

Running Giveaways

Giveaways are a great way to generate excitement and attract new viewers.

  • Set Clear Rules:Clearly Artikel the giveaway’s duration, eligibility criteria, and how winners will be selected.
  • Promote the Giveaway:Announce the giveaway on your social media channels and during your stream.
  • Use a Randomizer:Utilize a randomizer to ensure fairness and transparency in selecting winners.

Examples of Successful Twitch Communities

  • Ninja:Ninja’s community is known for its high energy and strong sense of loyalty. He regularly interacts with viewers and has built a strong reputation for being supportive and welcoming.
  • Pokimane:Pokimane’s community is known for its positive and supportive atmosphere. She actively encourages kindness and inclusivity among her viewers.
  • Ludwig:Ludwig’s community is known for its humor and wit. He often interacts with viewers in a lighthearted and engaging way, fostering a fun and relaxed environment.

Fostering a Positive and Welcoming Environment

  • Set Clear Channel Rules:Artikel expectations for behavior in your chat and establish consequences for violations.
  • Moderate Your Chat:Actively monitor chat for inappropriate language, spam, or harassment.
  • Promote Inclusivity:Create a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
  • Be Authentic:Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Viewers will connect with you more if you’re genuine.

Monetizing Your Twitch Channel

Turning your passion for gaming into a source of income is a dream for many streamers. Twitch offers a variety of monetization options that can help you earn money while doing what you love. Let’s explore the different avenues available to you and how you can maximize your earning potential.

Twitch Affiliate and Partner Programs

The Twitch Affiliate and Partner programs are two of the most popular ways to monetize your channel. These programs offer a range of benefits, including the ability to earn revenue through subscriptions, donations, and more. To become an Affiliate, you need to meet certain requirements, including:

  • At least 50 followers
  • An average of 3 viewers concurrently for the last 30 days
  • At least 500 minutes of broadcast time in the last 30 days
  • At least 7 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days

Becoming a Partner requires meeting more stringent requirements, including:

  • At least 500 followers
  • An average of 75 viewers concurrently for the last 30 days
  • At least 2,500 minutes of broadcast time in the last 30 days
  • At least 12 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days

Generating Revenue Through Subscriptions

Once you become an Affiliate or Partner, you can offer subscriptions to your viewers. These subscriptions provide your viewers with exclusive perks and benefits, such as:

  • A custom badge next to their username
  • Access to exclusive emotes
  • The ability to post in chat during raids
  • The ability to watch your stream in higher quality

You receive a portion of the subscription revenue, which can vary depending on your Partner status and the subscription tier.

Generating Revenue Through Donations

Viewers can also choose to donate to your channel directly. This is a way for them to show their appreciation for your content and help support your streaming endeavors. You can set up a donation system through third-party services like Streamlabs or PayPal.

You can also use Twitch’s built-in donation feature, which allows viewers to send you Bits, a virtual currency that can be redeemed for real money.

Generating Revenue Through Sponsorships

As your channel grows, you may have the opportunity to partner with brands for sponsorships. These sponsorships can involve promoting products or services on your stream, integrating them into your content, or participating in sponsored events.The revenue you earn from sponsorships can vary greatly depending on your audience size, engagement levels, and the type of sponsorship.

It’s important to choose sponsors that align with your values and your audience’s interests.

Managing Your Finances and Taxes

It’s crucial to understand the financial implications of monetizing your Twitch channel. You will need to keep track of your income and expenses and report them to the relevant tax authorities.

It’s important to consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re meeting all of your tax obligations.

You can use tools like spreadsheets or accounting software to track your income and expenses. Remember to set aside a portion of your Twitch income for taxes. The amount you’ll need to set aside will depend on your location and income level.

Gaming Online Games

Streaming online games is a popular way to engage with a community and build a following. With so many different genres and gameplay styles, it’s important to choose a game that aligns with your interests and streaming goals. By understanding the different types of online games, you can develop strategies for creating an entertaining and engaging streaming experience.

MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games)

MMORPGs are persistent online worlds where players create characters and embark on adventures. These games offer a rich narrative, expansive environments, and social interactions, making them ideal for long-form streaming.

Popular Examples

  • World of Warcraft
  • Final Fantasy XIV
  • Elder Scrolls Online

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Character customization and progression
  • Questlines and story-driven content
  • Raids and dungeons
  • Player-versus-player (PvP) combat

Streaming Strategies

  • Focus on specific storylines, quests, or events
  • Engage with viewers by asking for advice or suggestions
  • Create a sense of community by interacting with guild members
  • Share your progress and achievements with your audience

Creating a Unique Streaming Experience

  • Showcase your unique character build or playstyle
  • Offer commentary on the game’s lore and history
  • Use humor and personality to create a memorable experience

Balancing Gameplay and Audience Engagement

  • Set aside time for viewer interaction during breaks or downtime
  • Use chat commands or alerts to notify viewers of upcoming events
  • Be mindful of the pace of the game and adjust your commentary accordingly

MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas)

MOBAs are competitive games where two teams battle for control of a map and the destruction of the enemy base. These games are known for their fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and high skill ceiling.

Popular Examples

  • League of Legends
  • Dota 2
  • Heroes of the Storm

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Lane pushing and tower defense
  • Team fights and strategic positioning
  • Hero selection and itemization
  • Competitive matchmaking and ranked play

Streaming Strategies

  • Focus on specific heroes or strategies
  • Provide commentary on the game’s meta and patch changes
  • Engage with viewers by asking for their opinions on hero picks or strategies
  • Showcase your skills and gameplay through highlights and montages

Creating a Unique Streaming Experience

  • Develop a unique playstyle or signature hero
  • Provide in-depth analysis of gameplay decisions
  • Use overlays and graphics to enhance the visual presentation

Balancing Gameplay and Audience Engagement

  • Use breaks between matches to interact with viewers
  • Share your thoughts and feelings about the game’s competitive scene
  • Create a sense of community by fostering discussions and debates

Battle Royale

Battle Royale games are last-man-standing competitions where players compete in a shrinking map, eliminating each other until only one remains. These games are known for their high stakes, intense action, and unpredictable gameplay.

Popular Examples

  • Fortnite
  • Call of Duty: Warzone
  • PUBG

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Loot acquisition and weapon customization
  • Map exploration and strategic positioning
  • Close-quarters combat and tactical decision-making
  • Last-man-standing competition

Streaming Strategies

  • Focus on specific strategies or weapons
  • Provide commentary on the game’s meta and patch changes
  • Engage with viewers by asking for their opinions on strategies or loot choices
  • Showcase your skills and gameplay through highlights and montages

Creating a Unique Streaming Experience

  • Develop a unique playstyle or signature weapon
  • Use humor and personality to create a memorable experience
  • Showcase your creativity with builds or strategies

Balancing Gameplay and Audience Engagement

  • Use breaks between matches to interact with viewers
  • Share your thoughts and feelings about the game’s competitive scene
  • Create a sense of community by fostering discussions and debates

Other Online Game Genres

There are many other types of online games that can be streamed successfully, such as:

  • First-Person Shooters (FPS): Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Valorant, Overwatch
  • Sports Games: FIFA, NBA 2K, Madden NFL
  • Survival Games: Minecraft, Terraria, Rust
  • Platformers: Celeste, Hollow Knight, Super Mario Odyssey
  • Puzzle Games: Tetris Effect, Portal 2, The Witness

Streaming Strategies

  • FPS: Focus on specific strategies or weapons, showcase your skills through highlights and montages, engage with viewers by asking for their opinions on strategies or weapon choices.
  • Sports Games: Provide commentary on the game’s meta and patch changes, engage with viewers by asking for their opinions on strategies or player choices, showcase your skills and gameplay through highlights and montages.
  • Survival Games: Focus on specific strategies or builds, engage with viewers by asking for their opinions on strategies or build choices, showcase your creativity with builds or strategies.
  • Platformers: Focus on specific challenges or achievements, engage with viewers by asking for their opinions on strategies or techniques, showcase your skills and gameplay through highlights and montages.
  • Puzzle Games: Provide commentary on your thought process, engage with viewers by asking for their opinions on solutions, showcase your problem-solving skills through highlights and montages.

Creating a Unique Streaming Experience

  • FPS: Develop a unique playstyle or signature weapon, use humor and personality to create a memorable experience.
  • Sports Games: Develop a unique playstyle or signature team, use humor and personality to create a memorable experience.
  • Survival Games: Develop a unique playstyle or signature build, use humor and personality to create a memorable experience.
  • Platformers: Develop a unique playstyle or signature technique, use humor and personality to create a memorable experience.
  • Puzzle Games: Develop a unique problem-solving approach, use humor and personality to create a memorable experience.

Balancing Gameplay and Audience Engagement

  • FPS: Use breaks between matches to interact with viewers, share your thoughts and feelings about the game’s competitive scene, create a sense of community by fostering discussions and debates.
  • Sports Games: Use breaks between matches to interact with viewers, share your thoughts and feelings about the game’s competitive scene, create a sense of community by fostering discussions and debates.
  • Survival Games: Use breaks between events to interact with viewers, share your thoughts and feelings about the game’s world and community, create a sense of community by fostering discussions and debates.
  • Platformers: Use breaks between levels to interact with viewers, share your thoughts and feelings about the game’s design and challenges, create a sense of community by fostering discussions and debates.
  • Puzzle Games: Use breaks between puzzles to interact with viewers, share your thoughts and feelings about the game’s design and challenges, create a sense of community by fostering discussions and debates.

Wrap-Up

As you embark on your Twitch streaming journey, remember that passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to connect with your audience are the keys to success. With consistent effort, engaging content, and a commitment to building a positive community, you can establish yourself as a respected streamer and share your love for gaming with the world.

Whether you aim to build a loyal following, monetize your channel, or simply connect with fellow gamers, Twitch offers a platform for achieving your goals and experiencing the joy of sharing your passion with others.

FAQ Summary

What are some popular streaming software options for Twitch?

Two popular options are OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS. Both offer a range of features for customizing your stream, but OBS Studio is generally known for its flexibility and advanced features, while Streamlabs OBS provides a more user-friendly interface with pre-built templates and integrations.

How can I promote my Twitch stream and attract viewers?

Promote your stream on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also join Twitch communities and interact with other streamers to gain exposure. Utilizing Twitch’s built-in features like tags and categories can help viewers discover your channel.

What are the benefits of becoming a Twitch Affiliate or Partner?

Affiliate and Partner programs offer benefits like the ability to earn revenue through subscriptions, donations, and ads. They also provide access to additional features like custom emotes, channel points, and higher stream quality.

How do I find a balance between gameplay and engaging with my audience?

It’s important to strike a balance between focusing on the game and interacting with viewers. Use tools like chat overlays and alerts to keep an eye on chat messages without interrupting your gameplay. You can also schedule specific times for interacting with your audience, such as during breaks or after a game.