Streaming Pitfalls: Fixating on a single game

 Streaming Pitfalls: Fixating on a single game

As you delve deeper into the world of streaming, you might stumble upon an enticing shortcut that promises rapid growth on platforms like Twitch, Kick, and even YouTube. This shortcut involves associating yourself closely with a specific game's community. By establishing yourself as an authority on that game, sharing stories, discussing updates, and engaging with viewers' opinions, you can attract a dedicated audience of fellow enthusiasts. This tactic often proves successful for moderately popular games, with a sizeable and devoted following.

However, along with the potential rewards come significant risks. When you pigeonhole yourself into playing only one game, you run the danger of feeling trapped by the fleeting success it brings. The reason is simple: the fan base you cultivate may primarily identify with the game you play rather than you. If you eventually decide to shift to a different game or content, you risk losing everything you've built up. Sadly, I've witnessed numerous streamers lose their passion for streaming due to this very phenomenon, and it's far from pleasant. In this article, we will explore the perils of becoming too attached to a single game and provide some valuable tips to safeguard your channel's future.

One-Game Streaming Temptations

It's no coincidence that many streamers suddenly pivot their content after they experiment with a new game, and lo and behold, a massive surge in viewership follows. Soon after, they proudly proclaim themselves as an exclusive Fortnite streamer or World of Warcraft streamer. They see the shortcut and eagerly take it. While some genuinely fall in love with the game and stick with it until the end of their streaming journey, others find their careers cut short because of it. If you're considering centering your channel around one game, ensure you don't become one of the latter.

Though it may sound like an exaggeration, I've witnessed it firsthand. Several partnered streamers, boasting thousands of followers, earned their checkmarks primarily due to their singular game focus. However, when they attempted to venture beyond it, they faced severe setbacks, backlash, and breakdowns. Some even bid farewell to streaming forever, while others found themselves back at square one, with viewership numbers comparable to their early days on the platform. Devoting yourself entirely to a single game leaves you stranded on an island; you're left with two options – play that game indefinitely or bear the consequences. And that's a challenging experience you might not be prepared for when you initially sign up

Hyper-Specializing vs. Pigeonholing: Striking the Right Balance

If you've been following The Streamer Framework, you might recognize the method of hyper-specializing in one subject, as I previously discussed in the entry "Embracing the Potential of Niche Focus." However, as with many aspects of life, an excess of this strategy can lead to issues. By entirely tying your channel's identity to an external brand, you risk severely limiting yourself. Viewers will associate you solely with that one thing and lose interest in seeing anything beyond it.

The key takeaway here is finding the right scope. Hyper-specializing doesn't mean restricting yourself entirely. It's about starting from a focused point and gradually branching outwards. For instance, when building The Streamer Framework, I branded it exclusively around streaming but offered insights useful to YouTubers, Kick streamers, and others. It's about being hyper-focused while remaining open to diverse content.

On the other hand, some streamers fall into the trap of hyper-focusing solely inward. They become overly attached to a particular game, thriving on the viewership it brings, but fear straying even slightly from their formula. Any deviation leads to a drop in audience numbers, and they interpret this as a sign to avoid anything unrelated to their primary game. In doing so, they unintentionally let their personal brand fade away, consumed by the game's brand itself. Finding a healthy balance between hyper-specialization and avoiding pigeonholing is crucial for sustainable growth and content diversity.

Final Thoughts

In reality, exploring beyond your designated niche isn't a bad thing; rather, it's about avoiding the tunnel vision brought on by short-term attention. If you want to try something different, go ahead and do it. Let go of any followers who may drop off because of the change. Like a snake shedding its skin, periodically allow flaky followers to fall away, conditioning your community to recognize your diverse interests. This approach will make your channel more unique and distinct.

Focusing solely on one game, like "Call of Duty," might make you replaceable by any other streamer doing the same. Instead, consider showcasing your passion for "Call of Duty" while also discussing cars knowledgeably, hosting cooking shows, or playing different games occasionally. By doing so, you build an actual brand for yourself rather than solely relying on the strengths of the game's brand. Gradually, you'll wean yourself off the need to chase viewer numbers.

If you've already built your channel exclusively around one game, it's never too late to differentiate yourself just be prepared for a shift in response from your viewers, which might manifest as follower loss, lower view counts, or negative comments. Stay committed to yourself and to the changes you make, especially if they align with your passions. Remember, viewers, may be upset during this transition, but it's essential to take responsibility for the necessary adjustments without blaming them.

While playing only one game isn't inherently wrong, becoming overly obsessed with it and feeling trapped in the process can be detrimental. Allow yourself the freedom to explore other interests and give your channel room to breathe. In doing so, you'll create a vibrant and authentic streaming brand.