Consoles are becoming more popular, but a lot of people still play games on PCs. There are a variety of games available for you to test, from some of the best pc game recording software to first-person shooter games and strategy games. Additionally, the enjoyment is multiplied when you share your games with your friends and other gamers from across the world. Streaming games on Twitch is one way to do this, but it usually has an effect on your internet and is very dependent on how much you can do. That is why I like to record my gaming and then upload it to video-sharing platforms such as YouTube. If you’re interested in doing the same thing, here are the 15 best pc Game recording software options for Windows.
Top 15 Best PC Game Recording Software in 2022
Most of these best pc Game recording software programs will let you record videos in their original format without having to change them. This results in an enormous video file size. As a result, it is advised that you record films to a disc that has sufficient space. When you obtain the video, ensure that it is compressed before sharing it. Additionally, unless otherwise noted, the highest resolution that these programs may record at 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’re interested in recording yourself while playing games, you may do so by perusing our list of the best webcam software.
1. Open Broadcaster Software
Open Broadcaster Software, or OBS, is a favorite tool for a lot of gamers because it’s free and can be used in many ways. Whether you want to record your games or even broadcast them simultaneously, OBS is the solution for you. No extra settings are necessary; simply choose the source to record and begin recording. However, there is a learning curve associated with it, which you may adjust to overtime.
OBS can record in MP4 and FLV codecs and stream in high-definition with the help of your computer’s GPU. It records in the same manner as your panel, at a 1:1 ratio. It can record and store video, but it also has a lot of other features that make it great for making video courses. Picture-in-Picture mode, Custom Watermarks, and Push-to-Talk mode are among these features.
2. Streamlabs OBS
If you’re new to OBS and find the UI a little confusing, you should certainly check out Streamlabs OBS. Streamlabs OBS is a video recording and streaming platform that makes OBS’s UI easier to use for people who aren’t tech-savvy. The software is very easy to use and has a lot of built-in features that will help you record and stream your games. There aren’t many steps because the software connects to your Streamlabs account. You don’t have to copy and paste a lot of URLs. The software has many of the same functions as the original OBS, but with a more streamlined UI that resembles a skinned version of OBS.
3. Nvidia GeForce Experience
The GeForce Experience app should already be on your computer if it has an Nvidia GPU. In addition to installing your Nvidia drivers, the software also has Nvidia’s Shadowplay function, which makes it easy to record games. One of the best aspects of ShadowPlay is that it handles video encoding via the GPU (Nvenc), which means it requires fewer CPU resources. The software may record at the same resolution as your display, which means that if you have a 4K screen, your recordings will be in 4K as well. If you own an Nvidia GPU, the GeForce Experience software is a must-try, as it is free and typically works fairly well for recording basic games.
4. Radeon ReLive
Therefore, since Nvidia has its own recording software, don’t you believe AMD would as well? Radeon ReLive, which was previously known as AMD ReLive, is nowhere. This is AMD’s own software for recording gameplay on an AMD graphics card. As with Nvidia’s method, AMD’s ReLive makes a lot of use of the GPU when it comes to encoding, which frees up the CPU for other things. Even though the effect on framerates is very small (5–10%) in most cases, it may not be enough for more complex streaming systems. Additionally, the software supports upscaling. As a result, even if you play at 1080p, you may record at 4K UHD. If you own an AMD GPU, you should give Radeon ReLive a try.
5. Bandicam
The Bandicam screen recorder is a well-known screen recording software. If you want to record your computer screen, this software is great. It can record at high bitrates and frame rates, making it great for recording games as well. You may record videos at a frame rate of your choosing and in 4K Ultra HD resolution. Even though it has a high resolution, it still has a small file size because of its built-in compression technology. This means that no quality is lost and the smallest file size is achieved. The recordings may be customized for gaming or other PC activities, and the window’s size can be modified.
6. Gamecaster
Gamecaster is one of the simplest but most powerful best pc Game recording software available. In addition to broadcasting, the software lets you easily record high-quality videos of your gaming. You can start recording with a single button push, and Gamecaster will set the settings for your computer. You can start recording with just one button push.
Additionally, picture-in-picture mode, watermarks, video annotations, and social network integration are available. In addition, Gamecaster lets you edit recordings with a built-in video editor, organize all of your recorded movies, and share them with the world.
7. Fraps
Fraps is another extremely popular best pc Game recording software for Windows that is really easy to use. Fraps isn’t like other recording tools, which have a lot of settings and options. It’s all about making it easy to use. Simply navigate to the “Movies” section and begin recording. However, Fraps has a few critical options. You may manually adjust the video capture frame rate, which ranges from 30 to 120 frames per second.
There is also the option to set a custom FPS number, which lets you lower the frame rate to less than 30. In addition, Fraps can record audio from both an external input and the system sound, which is a very good thing. And, just like with OBS Studio, you can show your cursor when you record games on your Windows PC. Not to mention, a live frame rate counter is available in the bottom-right corner of the screen, which is quite useful for avid gamers. To put it simply, Fraps is a lightweight screen recording application that may be an excellent tool for those looking for a flawless experience when recording their PC games.
8. Movavi Screen Recorder
It’s a new screen recorder made by Movavi. It has a lot of options for screen capture and post-production. If you use a screen recorder, its main benefit is that it has an easy-to-use interface and navigation that many people will like. With built-in audio, you may record the screen at up to 4K resolution. In addition, you can add a webcam and microphone voice-over to a screen recording that is already in progress. I think this is a great feature.
Additionally, you may record a portion of the screen in windowed mode. As I said before, Monavi Screen Recorder has a lot of post-recording options that let you change videos into GIFs, cut, merge, and add animated titles and other effects. Overall, if you’re looking for a game recording software that includes a strong dose of editing capabilities, Movavi Screen Recorder is a viable option. You may also check out the Gecata game recorder as an alternative to Movavi.
9. Dxtory
Dxtory is another simple app on this list that has a lot of power while being very light on the computer. Even so, it’s true that it’s one of the lightest software packages out there, but it’s also pretty strong. The UI is really straightforward, which makes it extremely easy to comprehend and change all of the parameters. In order to make sure you get the best video possible, it records lossless video at the highest possible quality. The size of the video is huge, though.
In addition, the audio settings are strong enough to record two sounds at the same time, like game sounds and microphone sounds, which can be changed later. In the video options, you may pick the video codec, the frame rate (10–120), the sources, the size, and the format. You may configure the software to automatically record the game when it starts and also adjust the amount of strain placed on the GPU or CPU during the recording process.
10. Action!
Action! is one of the best pc Game recording software programs available today, provided you have a strong computer. Because the software takes advantage of your GPU, it can record faster and relieve your CPU of unnecessary work. You may make videos with a resolution of up to 4K, a high frame rate, and even live commentary. In addition, the videos can be shown on a number of well-known websites, such as YouTube, Hitbox, Twitch, Livestream, and Ustream.
Action! also has a Time-Shift mode, but it only lets you use it for 10 minutes instead of 20 like in other games. You can also use basic editing options like cropping, adding effects like slow motion, and more to make changes to your movies.
11. D3DGear
D3DGear may appear to be a simple and unassuming tool, yet it is quite valuable. The game recording software requires no extra configuration. Indeed, after installing it, you’re only a click away from recording gameplay footage. Along with its small size, it has built-in compression technology that automatically compresses any movies made with it.
Because the films are compressed in real-time, you may still be able to record one even if you have less space on your hard drive. If you’re not sure how big this thing is, don’t worry. It takes advantage of GPU acceleration to put the work 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 begin or end recording.
12. Xbox Game Bar (Replaces Windows Game DVR)
You’re probably reading this review while using Windows 10. If that is the case, and all you want is a basic tool for recording your playtime, the Xbox Game Bar should suffice. By default, Win + Alt + R allows you to set a frame rate of 30 or 60 frames per recording, as well as a resolution of standard (720p) or high (1080p), and an audio bitrate. Alternatively, you may open the Game Bar by hitting the Win + G keyboard shortcut. Due to its ease of use and utter lack of cost, it is an easy suggestion for everyone. However, it is designed for novices, and if you want something more complex, you may choose one of the other aforementioned possibilities.
13. ManyCam
ManyCam is a live streaming application for Windows and Mac. However, you may use it to record your games as well. It’s an excellent tool to have on your gaming PC because it allows you to record your games and broadcast them without the need for additional software. Having said that, ManyCam allows live broadcasting on Facebook and YouTube.
Apart from that, you get features like automated bitrate adjustment, 3D masks and filters, and a green screen. While you may download ManyCam for free, you will eventually need to purchase a license. ManyCam is a service that you pay for each month, but if you want, you can also buy a lifetime license.
14. Icecream Screen Recorder
Icecream Screen Recorder is another best pc Game recording software that has a lot of features. It lets you record and share your gaming with other people. The software has a number of handy functions, including the ability to record both the camera and the screen. For screenshots and screen recordings, audio recording is built-in. Annotation tools are available for both screenshots and recordings. These tools are sure to come in handy when you edit your game recording before uploading it to YouTube, so use them!
You can also add your own logo to your recordings with the help of the Icecream Screen Recorder. This way, you can quickly share them on YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox. The software includes all of the necessary tools for editing. You may trim recordings, alter their pace, and do other operations. Also, you can set up Icecream Screen Recorder to start screen recordings and convert videos automatically at a certain time.
Wondershare makes a lot of useful things, and Demo Creator is a great screen recording software for the best pc game recording software. The software lets you record your screen and system audio separately, so you can edit each one separately. This provides you with more post-production freedom. In addition, the software allows for a wide range of effects, such as green screen, transitions, zooming and panning, and more.
When you record your game with Demo Creator, you can add narration to the footage as you like. Wondershare Demo Creator has AI face recognition, which can quickly and easily recognize your face and add it to the video. You can add annotations and make any necessary modifications within the software itself, without needing to switch to a Windows video editing app.