While consoles are becoming more popular, a substantial percentage of gamers continue to rely on PCs for their gaming requirements. You may test out a variety of games, including some of the best online games for PC, FPS games, strategy games, and more. And the excitement is multiplied when you share your games with your friends and other gamers from around the world. While broadcasting games on Twitch is one option, it generally takes a toll on your internet and is significantly dependent on your bandwidth. That’s why I like to film my gaming and then upload it to video sharing sites like YouTube. If you wish to do the same, here are the 15 best game recording software for Windows.
The Best Windows Game Recording Software (2022)
The majority of these programmes will record raw movies with no compression. As a result, the video is quite large. As a result, it is advised that you only record films to drives that have sufficient space. Once you’ve obtained the video, make careful to compress it before sharing it anyplace.
Also, unless otherwise noted, the highest resolution that these software may record in is the same as the resolution of your monitor. Finally, you’d have the regular 30fps or 60fps options in all of them. Finally, if you want to record yourself while playing games, you can get started with our selection of the best webcam software.
1. Open Broadcaster Software
Open Broadcaster Software, or OBS, is perhaps the best tool of the bunch, simply because of its open-source nature and adaptability. It is the favoured tool for many gamers out there. OBS is the tool for you whether you want to record your games or stream it side by side. You do not need to make any extra settings; simply choose the source from which you want to record and begin recording.
However, there is a learning curve that you may become used to with time. OBS can record in MP4 and FLV codecs, and it can broadcast in high quality using your PC’s GPU. It records in a 1:1 ratio, which means it works in the same way as your panel. Aside from basic video recording and storing functions, it provides a plethora of other side features that are ideal for video lessons. Picture-in-Picture mode, Custom Watermarks, and Push-to-Talk mode are among the features available.
2. Streamlabs OBS
If you’re just getting started and find OBS’s UI a little too difficult, you should certainly look into Streamlabs OBS. Streamlabs OBS is a video recording and streaming platform that attempts to make OBS’s UI easier to use for novices. The software is simple to use and packed with integrated capabilities that will allow you to record and stream your games.
Because the software links to your Streamlabs account, you can import all of the tools immediately from the company’s website without having to copy and paste a bunch of URLs. The software has many of the same functions as the original OBS, but with a simpler UI that makes it more like a skinned version of OBS.
3. Nvidia GeForce Experience
If you own an Nvidia GPU, you’ve probably already been prompted to install GeForce Experience on your device. Apart from just installing your Nvidia drivers, the software also contains Nvidia’s Shadowplay function, which allows you to quickly record games. One of ShadowPlay’s best characteristics is that it handles video encoding using the GPU (Nvenc), which means it doesn’t use much CPU resources.
Because the software can record at the same resolution as your display, if you have a 4K screen, your recordings will be in 4K as well. If you have an Nvidia GPU, the GeForce Experience software is a must-try because it is free and typically works well for basic gameplay recording.
4. Radeon ReLive
So Nvidia has its own recording software; wouldn’t you expect AMD to have one as well? Enter Radeon ReLive (formerly known as AMD ReLive), AMD’s proprietary software for recording gameplay on an AMD GPU. AMD’s ReLive, like the Nvidia method, uses the GPU for the majority of the encoding, freeing up CPU resources for other tasks. The impact on framerates is minimal (5-10% in most circumstances), but it can fall short in more sophisticated streaming systems. Furthermore, the software has upscaling capability. As a result, even if you’re playing at 1080p, you can record at 4K UHD. If you have an AMD GPU, you should absolutely try Radeon ReLive.
5. Bandicam
Bandicam screen recorder is a well-known screen recording software. While marketed as a screen recorder for Windows, the software’s ability to record at high bitrates and frames makes it an excellent recording software for games as well. Videos may be recorded at variable frame speeds and in 4K Ultra HD quality. Even at such high resolution, it delivers minimal file size video recordings because to its built-in compression technology, which ensures that no quality is sacrificed and you obtain the shortest file size. The recordings may be customised for gaming or other PC activities, and the window size can be reduced or enlarged.
6. Gamecaster
Gamecaster is one of the most user-friendly but powerful recording tools available. Aside from broadcasting, the software is simple to use for high-quality recording of your gaming. You may begin recording with a single button push, and Gamecaster will customise the settings for you based on your PC.
You may also employ features like picture-in-picture mode, watermarks, video annotations, and social network integration. Gamecaster also allows you to edit videos with an in-built video editor, organise all recorded movies, and share them with the rest of the globe.
7. Fraps
Fraps is another famous best pc Game recording software for Windows that is also extremely easy to use. Unlike other recording apps that have confusing options and configuration pages, Fraps is all about simplicity. Simply navigate to the “Movies” area and begin recording; that’s all there is to it.
Fraps, on the other hand, provides a few key options: you may manually choose the video capture frame rate, which can range from 30 to 120FPS. There is also the option to specify a custom FPS value, allowing you to decrease the frame rate even lower than 30. Next, Fraps can record audio from both external input and system sound, which is really cool.
And, best of all, you can display your cursor in the same way that OBS Studio does while recording games on your Windows PC. Not to mention a live frame rate counter in the corner of the screen, which is really useful for avid gamers. To put it simply, Fraps is a lightweight screen recording application that may be a terrific resource for users who desire a flawless experience when recording their games on PCs.
8. Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi has introduced a new screen recorder featuring a slew of screen capture and post-editing options. However, the main advantage of this screen recorder is its current user interface and simplified navigation, which I believe many users will love. It supports up to 4K resolution and can record the screen with built-in audio. Furthermore, you can sync camera and microphone voice-over with an ongoing screen recording, which I believe is a fantastic feature.
Aside from that, you may record a portion of the screen in windowed mode. As previously said, Monavi Screen Recorder has a plethora of post-recording options that allow you to convert a video to GIF, trim, clip, and combine videos, add animated titles and special effects, and much more. Overall, Movavi Screen Recorder is a fantastic choice if you want a best pc Game recording software with a strong dosage of editing features. You may also try the Gecata game recorder as an alternative to Movavi.
9. Dxtory
Dxtory is another basic application on this list that provides a plethora of functionality while being quite light on the system. In fact, it is one of the lightest and most robust software packages available. The UI is really straightforward, making it very easy to comprehend and change any options. It records lossless footage at the highest quality to ensure you receive the best video possible (huge size, though).
Audio settings are also fairly strong, allowing you to record two sounds at the same time, such as game sound and microphone sound, which can then be altered independently later. You may configure the video codec, frames per second (from 10-120), sources, size, and format under the Video options. You may compel the software to automatically record the game when it starts, as well as balance whether the software uses the GPU or the CPU for recording.
10. Action!
If you have a strong computer, Action! is one of the best pc Game recording software available right now. The software takes advantage of your GPU to expedite recordings while putting less strain on your CPU. You can make high-quality videos with up to 4k resolution, fast frame rates, and even live commentary.
Furthermore, the videos may be broadcast on all prominent platforms such as YouTube, Hitbox, Twitch, Livestream, and Ustream, among others. Time-Shift mode is also included in Action!, however it is restricted to 10 minutes rather than 20 minutes. Cropping, effects like slow motion, and other basic editing options are also available for your films.
11. D3DGear
D3DGear may appear to be a simple and straightforward tool, yet it is incredibly useful. There is no extra setup required for the best pc Game recording software. In reality, you only need to install it and you’ll be able to capture your gaming footage in a matter of seconds. It contains a built-in compression mechanism that will compress any movies produced with it, as well as a lightweight design.
Because the movies are compressed in real-time, you may be able to capture a video even if you have less space on your disc. Despite its modest size, it also employs GPU acceleration to put burden on the GPU rather than the CPU. The software automatically detects and connects to games; all you have to do is hit the hotkey to start or stop recording.
12. Xbox Game Bar (Replaces Windows Game DVR)
You’re probably using Windows 10 right now as you read this article. If that’s the case, and you only need a simple tool for recording your gameplay, Xbox Game Bar should suffice. Video recording (default shortcut Win + Alt + R) lets you choose between 30 fps and 60 fps recording, as well as standard (720p) or high (1080p) quality and an audio bitrate, and that’s all there is to it.
You may also access the Game Bar by using the keyboard shortcut (Win + G). Because it is so simple to use and absolutely free, it is an easy suggestion for everyone. However, it is just appropriate for beginners, and if you want something more complex, you may choose one of the other aforementioned solutions.
13. ManyCam
ManyCam is primarily a live streaming application for Windows and Mac. You may, however, utilise it to just record your games. It’s a terrific tool to have on your gaming PC because it allows you to record your games and broadcast without the need for additional software. However, keep in mind that ManyCam offers live broadcasting to Facebook and YouTube. Other capabilities include automated bitrate setup, 3D masks and filters, green screen, and more.
While ManyCam is free to download, you will need to purchase a licence at some point. ManyCam operates on a subscription basis by default, but if that isn’t for you, you may also purchase a lifetime licence.
14. Icecream Screen Recorder
Icecream Screen Recorder is another another feature-rich best pc Game recording software that you may use to capture and share your games with friends. The software has handy features such as the ability to record camera in addition to screen recording. There is clearly audio capture functionality, as well as annotation tools for both screenshots and screen recordings. These tools will undoubtedly come in helpful when you edit your game recording before uploading it to YouTube. Icecream Screen Recorder also lets you add your own branding to your recordings and quickly upload them to YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
The software includes all of the fundamental editing tools you’ll need. You can cut recordings, modify their pace, and do other things. You may also programme Icecream Screen Recorder to start screen records at a predetermined time and convert videos.
15. Wondershare Demo Creator
Wondershare creates a variety of useful products, like Demo Creator, which is a great screen recording software for effortlessly recording PC games. The software records your screen and system audio independently, allowing you to manipulate them separately. That implies you’ll have more freedom in post-production. Green screen, transitions, zoom and pan, and other effects are also supported by the software. You may add narrations to your clips when recording your game with Demo Creator.
Wondershare Demo Creator has AI face recognition, which can recognise your face and flawlessly merge it into the recording. You can add annotations and do all of the necessary modifications within the software without having to go to a video editing app for Windows.
