About Streaming and Gaming

What originally motivated you to start streaming on Twitch?

Originally, it was a very spontaneous decision. I remember noticing the ‘Live’ function on Facebook more or less by accident. In some large groups, a few drunk people were messing around in front of a live camera and entertaining random viewers. The quality was pretty poor, and the technical setup was really rough.

Later, I saw someone hosting a livestream on YouTube. However, the setup looked very different. There were so many interactions with the chat, music, and graphical pop-ups from viewers, and, of course, constant alert sounds as people kept donating money and virtual goods. In short, it was a lively community with possibilities I’d never seen on YouTube or Facebook. Eventually, I realized he was just mirroring his Twitch livestream there.

A few days later, I made an account on Twitch because I thought I could try streaming the then-brand-new horror game ‘Visage’ live. Back then, I didn’t have any equipment or a real idea of the options available, so it was just a straightforward game broadcast. Since I managed to attract one viewer on my first try, one thing led to another, and that’s how it all started.

How would you describe your streaming style, and what sets you apart from other streamers?

I think in terms of technology and interaction that I have set up for the viewers, I’m now on the same wavelength as well-known streamers. It took a few months to get all the features of Twitch and the OBS streaming software down, but now everything with the overlay is running smoothly and more or less at Twitch standard.

In terms of style, however, I feel I am quite different from other streamers.

It’s well known that the really big influencers can barely engage with their chat. Mostly, if anything, they read out donations while the rest of the chat often gets overlooked. At 30 messages in 10 seconds, no one can really blame them. BUT I’ve realized that even smaller streamers often don’t engage much with the chat; they usually run a set program, especially in the Just Chatting category, like a TV format where the chat is only acknowledged if attention is bought.

I don’t agree with this approach at all. I’ve always found scripted formats boring, and I promised myself I wouldn’t handle things this way.

Every viewer is greeted, and I pause the game or reaction at any time to address serious questions. I don’t take donations, subscriptions, or other support for granted.

We, meaning my mod team and I, try to only censor, delete, or ban when Twitch guidelines are violated, when there are criminally liable comments, or when something could drive other viewers away. Beyond that, I value freedom of expression highly, and we aim to positively influence the chat accordingly. The only exception is when I have a guest on stream; in those cases, the chat knows I can only glance at it occasionally.

My main focus is on story-driven games—games with complex and demanding narratives. These are mostly RPGs, although I generally prefer Japanese developers, with a few exceptions. I especially enjoy the Final Fantasy series, Shadow Hearts, Kingdom Hearts, and Metal Gear. Story-heavy horror games like Silent Hill, Resident Evil 7 and 8, and The Medium also have a place. Additionally, there are some interactive ‘movies,’ as I call them, like Until Dawn or Detroit: Become Human, which are immersive and full of dramatic decision-making, fitting well with my channel.

I don’t often play multiplayer games, but the exceptions are The Forest, Phasmophobia, and sometimes Mario Kart tournaments.

The content of the games and reactions ranges from vibrant fantasy games to serious, political, or very dark topics—I have few taboos in this regard.

What is your favorite game, and is there a particular game that holds special meaning for you?

My absolute favorite game is Final Fantasy 7, which was released in 1997 for the PlayStation 1. It’s still my favorite, and every two years at the latest, I stream either the original along with its prequel or one of the two remakes that are now available.

Although it wasn’t the first story-driven game I knew—that honor goes to Secret of Mana for the SNES, which I also stream from time to time—FF7 took complexity to a whole new level. Perhaps because of my age back then, it managed to captivate me more than any movie or game I had experienced up to that point. I could write entire essays about this masterpiece, but that’s material for another interview. ^^

Of course, I also have to mention the Metal Gear series. While it’s a stealth shooter and not a genre I usually go for, the series tells an extremely complex and bizarre political story, weaving in all sorts of known and lesser-known conspiracy theories and occult themes. Along with Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, this rounds out my all-time favorites list.

What are some challenges in streaming that many viewers might not see?

For me, the only thing that sometimes causes internal stress or could be seen as a challenge is the technical side. Especially on Windows PCs, and particularly with audio, you can never fully rule out issues. Overall, nothing major has gone wrong, and if there were small pauses, viewers never fled, but technical hiccups can still be annoying. Beyond that, it’s all pretty relaxed, though that depends on the type of person.

For more introverted people, or those who struggle with self-confidence or have other complex personal backgrounds, streaming can definitely have its downsides. As your reach grows, so does the attention from strangers, and when you touch on controversial topics, the responses won’t always be positive. You also need to understand the dynamics of the internet and social media, as issues like stalkers and different types of parasocial relationships come into play, which require a healthy approach.

Then there are the legal aspects, especially in Germany. As soon as you earn any money on Twitch, you’re required to register a business and often need to consult with the tax office or hire a tax advisor once you reach affiliate status. If you’re unfamiliar with these things, it can be a bit of a hassle, but once it’s all set up, it becomes routine.

Additionally, you need to be able to talk freely and comfortably, which isn’t easy for everyone at the start, especially since you might not know if anyone is even watching. Most viewers quickly move on if you’re just silently playing. Twitch thrives on interaction, even if in the beginning it’s mostly a monologue. You have to push through that, or growth will be very difficult.

How do you prepare for your streams? Are there specific rituals or routines that help you get into ‘stream mode’?

My stream preparation is the same every day except Fridays, when I do social and political reactions. Since I almost always finish one story game before starting a new one, I usually don’t need to buy or download anything in advance. About an hour before the stream, I start the software and pick a music selection for the intro. I set up the lighting and camera, check the mic, sound, and overlay, place my drinks, and that’s about it.

In terms of interaction, as soon as the stream starts—even before the music begins—some regular viewers start chatting, so I naturally slip into ‘stream mode,’ if you want to call it that.

Even in the very first months, when I averaged only 3 to 5 viewers, they would make themselves known right at the beginning, along with my moderators, who are also at least partly present from the start.

How important is interaction with your community to you, and how do you maintain contact with your viewers?

Interaction with my community is extremely important, and anyone wanting to become a streamer should be aware of that. In my opinion, not maintaining this connection results in limited success. While some of the biggest streamers can get away with minimal interaction, likely because they have thousands of followers, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone starting out.

Within Twitch streams, I engage with almost all chat messages, and I also use polls to let viewers have a say in the program. There are channel points awarded by Twitch for each viewer, and you can even add other ‘loyalty points’ through external programs. Setting up rewards is possible, and there are Twitch Drops that can be enabled. These allow viewers to earn bonuses for certain games or even Discord Nitro gifts through subscriptions. There are countless ways to make things more interactive. Viewers can even participate in game decisions automatically through chat, and I sometimes offer small browser games during breaks or intros.

Outside of Twitch, I manage a Discord server, and I’d recommend it to any active streamer. It’s a place where you can talk to your viewers and let them connect with each other. From playing games together to voice channels and discussions on various topics, there’s so much potential. If viewers link their Twitch and Discord profiles, even more interactions are possible.

Discord is a blessing for any influencer, but it’s also heavily monitored. Servers have been banned for the smallest reasons, so it’s important to be cautious if you want to build something lasting there. Avoiding edgy humor, for instance, is essential as younger audiences often appreciate it, but it can lead to issues.

Aside from Twitch and Discord, other social media platforms are also helpful for engaging the community and promoting content, with TikTok and Instagram being particularly worth mentioning.

Are there any special moments with your community that you like to remember?

There have been quite a few memorable moments. Since we often stray from the main topic, we’ve had many interesting discussions and thought-provoking exchanges. Every stream is filled with humor, and I’ve even had the chance to meet a few viewers in real life. We’ve already had two small community meetups, and there are definitely more planned for next year. These gatherings are great for building connections with viewers, and they’re also just a fantastic experience.

Playing games together on stream has also been a highlight, though it’s a bit rare for me as I mainly focus on story-driven games.

How do you handle critical or even negative comments?

Constructive criticism is essential and valuable, especially when it comes to audio quality. In the first few months, I received a lot of feedback on that, and I was grateful for it—there’s a lot you don’t notice as a streamer, so every comment helps. Criticism has also been helpful regarding breaks, mini-games, and the order in which games are played.

What I don’t tolerate, and this is stated in most streamers’ rules, are spoilers. People can be deleted or muted for that unless they’ve been specifically asked to share something. I also don’t appreciate people who just complain about the game selection with comments like, ‘Why don’t you play this or that?’ Twitch has a general culture of not tolerating this kind of behavior.

Beyond that, I don’t tolerate insults, threats, doxxing, or any kind of disrespect toward myself or other viewers. Thankfully, this hasn’t been an issue on my channel. Since I don’t play big mainstream games like Fortnite or Valorant, I’m also not a target for the typical ‘TikTok trolls’ who can’t behave. ^^

Because of that, my mods and I rarely need to step in seriously. I’ve been on social media for decades, so virtual insults or similar behavior don’t bother me at all. Debates on content are always welcome, but the conversation should be respectful, especially since I have many younger viewers. It’s important to me that no one leaves the stream feeling upset just because someone couldn’t control themselves.

Do you have specific values or guidelines that you promote within your community?

I think I’ve already covered most of the guidelines. In general, a certain level of respect is important to me. Insults and disrespect, especially toward other viewers, are where I draw the line, and I’ll intervene if necessary. I also make it a point to highlight any form of bullying for what it truly is.

In terms of values, I promote them indirectly quite often. For one, the actions in the games I play often bring up certain values. We also frequently debate social and political issues, which leads naturally into value discussions. I’m open about my ultra-conservative worldview, especially when it comes to the pitfalls of modern social interactions. I aim to provide a counterbalance within the streaming world to the heavily progressive, discourse-restrictive mainstream, as freedom of speech is very important to me. We don’t shy away from tackling controversial or even ‘triggering’ topics, often inspired by the darker themes in some of the games I play.

Additionally, internet safety is a recurring topic. I even have a dedicated Discord channel where I share tips on online anonymity and caution people about certain practices and mechanisms in social media. Technical tips and discussions on internet security are a regular part of the community.

How has your community changed and developed over time? Personal experiences and growth?

In the very beginning, it was mainly real-life friends and a few political activists who supported the channel, but over time, more and more new faces joined. Since I avoided advertising on other platforms during my first year, most of my early viewers found the channel by chance through game searches on Twitch. Over time, as I began having more conversations with well-known political activists, I attracted people who share my worldview and want to support me.

With the larger reach that came from these connections, my streams now rank higher in Twitch categories, making it easier for new viewers, including gamers, to find me. Additionally, since I’m active in other areas outside of streaming, especially in online and offline security topics, I’ve gained a third group of followers who appreciate my content on those issues.

Of course, there are always a few troublemakers, and I’ve had to part ways with some, but the community continues to grow, with sensible members remaining the majority. Some viewers tune in depending on the game I’m playing, but most of my audience now shows up regardless of the content, and the number of regulars is steadily increasing. I’ve also formed a few personal connections with viewers.

My growth has been more linear than exponential, as I’ve focused on building my reach organically. I’m not a fan of quick promotions, viewer swaps, or intrusive self-promotion in other streams—it doesn’t suit my personality. So while my growth might be slower, it’s steady and upward.

How has streaming impacted your life, both positively and in terms of challenges?

The only real challenge with Twitch, as I’ve mentioned, is the audio tech, though even that’s becoming less of an issue over time. I always aim to stay authentic and not put on a persona, so apart from occasionally tackling a really tough game, there’s not much that I find challenging. ^^

Streaming has definitely had positive and eye-opening effects. It’s connected me with groups of all kinds, which has been an opportunity to learn new things and see how different generations view the world—perspectives I wouldn’t normally encounter. I see that as a major broadening of horizons. I’ve also discovered a lot of new games, which is a plus.

Interacting daily with strangers and, theoretically, with the whole world (since everything’s recorded and accessible to anyone) has definitely influenced my way of speaking. I’ve become more talkative and open, which is probably something no long-term streamer can avoid.

What have been some of your biggest achievements as a streamer?

There were definitely two pivotal points where things changed significantly for me. The first was when my small group of 3-5 familiar viewers grew to an average of 15. This shift happened around the time I introduced political and social discussion sessions into my streams. Since then, even niche games have done better as my channel became more discoverable.

The second turning point has been the current phase, where my stats look completely different. Viewer counts sometimes reach triple digits, and the numbers on replays have skyrocketed. I’ve also had real-life encounters with people who know me through Twitch, and I find myself being a topic of conversation in groups I’d never previously been part of. Financially, there’s been growth, too, with some viewers being quite generous with their support, which I consider a real success.

One piece of advice I would give to any streamer is not to rely too heavily on ‘raid success.’ While it’s great if a popular streamer raids your channel and brings in their audience, it’s common for many of those viewers to leave shortly after, or they might not have been actively watching to begin with. So, it’s important not to change who you are in the hope of retaining those viewers. It’s wonderful if some of them stick around long-term, but there’s no guarantee, and Twitch doesn’t count raids in the metrics that matter for things like achieving partner status. This is especially important for smaller streamers aiming to grow authentically.

The Gaming and Streaming Community

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out with streaming?

If you want to start streaming, think about what you aim to achieve. Is it important to eventually grow big and ‘famous,’ or do you simply want to game a bit and share the experience with others? This decision is especially important when you hit an average of three viewers, as joining the Affiliate Program comes with certain obligations, not only benefits; I’ve already touched on the legal aspect.

Technically speaking, sound quality is crucial. You don’t need to invest heavily at first—just see if streaming is really for you. Once you’re sure, though, a good microphone is recommended. If you’re hard to understand or the audio quality is poor, many viewers will quickly click away. Additionally, make sure OBS is set up to match your internet speed for a smooth stream. If your PC isn’t powerful enough, I’d suggest playing games on a console and streaming through a capture card, as that’s usually cheaper than buying an expensive gaming PC.

For a webcam, many recommend the Logitech C920, which is affordable. If you don’t want to sit against a plain wall, you can get a green screen cloth for a background effect, which you can adjust through software. Lighting is important, too, but you don’t need pricey Elgato lights.

Strategically, the timing of your streams matters. Try to be consistent in your schedule; if possible, don’t change the times often. There’s a lot of advice on how often to stream each week—some stream once weekly and grow large, while others are live daily. Whatever your schedule, I’d advise against changing it too frequently. Twitch viewers are creatures of habit. I’d also recommend streaming for at least three hours at a time; it takes a while to rank properly in a category.

Regarding your content, you should decide if you want to stay versatile and stream whatever interests you or focus on a niche. It’s harder to build a following if you constantly switch content, but those who do stick around will likely stay long-term, as they’re watching for you, not just the content. Alternatively, you could stick to a specific genre or niche, which will likely attract a focused audience more quickly but may limit your reach to that group.

And perhaps most importantly, be authentic. Viewers will eventually notice if you’re just putting on a show or trying too hard to please, and I’d strongly advise against that.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of promoting yourself on other platforms. Set up a Discord server, use Instagram, TikTok, and other apps of your choice for marketing, sharing stream highlights, or anything that suits you and your channel.

Are there common mistakes new streamers make that should be avoided?

Definitely, inconsistent streaming, lack of promotion, and poor audio quality are common mistakes.

It’s especially important in the beginning to keep talking, even if you think no one is watching. If you just sit there quietly playing, you’ll get ignored quickly, as thousands of other streamers are online at the same time, and viewers tend to scroll through based on personality and engagement.

I’d also advise against constantly sitting in a voice channel with your friends, especially in the early days. Sure, there’s plenty of conversation, but most new viewers won’t understand your inside jokes and want the streamer’s attention, which can be distracted in that setup. I’ve noticed this with many smaller streamers, and it’s definitely not a good approach.

Viewers, unless they’re lurkers, generally want to be the focus of attention. Of course, this doesn’t apply to everyone, but it’s a definite trend—people come to Twitch for interaction, not just passive viewing.

How important is it to be inspired by other streamers without comparing yourself too much?

When it comes to the technical possibilities on Twitch—like comparing it to YouTube and Facebook back then—all those Drops, gimmicks, viewer rewards, and everything that makes up the overlay, there’s definitely room for inspiration.

But that’s where it should stop. It’s crucial to bring in only your own character and personality. I’d especially advise against comparing yourself to others when it comes to stats and numbers, as that can be discouraging for some people. Just try it out and see how it goes.

I’d also recommend avoiding copying someone else’s content; it won’t work out in the long run. You should aim to create your own unique category.

How do you stay motivated even when fewer viewers tune in?

I stream with OBS Studio, like most people on Twitch. You can hide the viewer count with a single click, and I always do this, so I never know how many are watching at any given time.

It makes sense to review and analyze Twitch stats occasionally, as they’re very detailed, but never during the livestream. I would never change my game content based on viewer numbers—I have a clear goal in mind. If the numbers dip, I’ll just focus on improving my relevance in those specific categories.

How do you see the future of Twitch and the gaming industry in the coming years?

I think when it comes to Twitch, the competition among streamers will continue to grow. This trend has been evident for many years, and I don’t see it slowing down. Twitch will likely remain the dominant platform, even as YouTube tries to keep up by adding more features. In my opinion, YouTube will still be a second choice for most streamers for quite a while. Platforms like Kick exist, but I don’t think they pose a realistic alternative to Twitch.

Twitch does face occasional criticism, particularly regarding payouts. For example, streamers only receive half of a standard subscription, with better contracts available only to the biggest channels. There are also recurring issues with seemingly unjustified bans, while other people seem to get away with a lot. The reporting system has its flaws, although opinions on this vary.

Regarding the gaming industry

In my view, the gaming industry will continue to expand and diversify; the days of it being a small niche for ‘gaming nerds’ are long gone, as gaming has been in the mainstream for quite some time now.

While graphical improvements will slow down eventually, as there’s only so much the human eye can perceive, there’s vast potential for new genres and gameplay possibilities. Complex life simulations, for example, will become more realistic and intricate, and indie games often showcase a lot of creative ideas.

Unfortunately, in Western AAA titles, there’s often a lack of fresh, innovative concepts. Besides the numerous remakes and remasters, new releases often leave you feeling they could have been done better, with older games sometimes having better elements. The disappointment with many modern games is real.

There’s also the DLC strategy: games are increasingly released unfinished, and players have to wait weeks or months for updates to fix bugs. Then, they pay almost the same amount again for expansions. In the past, games were released as complete products.

Furthermore, ‘woke’ ideology seems to be taking over the Western gaming market. Contrary to what most players want, quotas for diversity are often added to receive funding, starting with pronouns, featuring queer protagonists in quantities that don’t reflect reality, and going even further. Usually, these elements are so clumsily implemented that they feel out of place and irrelevant to the scenario and plot—they just have to be included somewhere.

If studios simply created these kinds of games with their own original characters—knowing they might not be commercially successful—that would be one thing. But established franchises, characters, and scenarios are often deliberately altered in this direction, which, as with movies and series, doesn’t sit well with most fans. Gamers largely don’t want this agenda pushed on them, and I believe this kind of forced rewriting, especially of iconic characters, is something to be avoided.

Do you believe that streaming is a ‘career of the future’?

Basically, yes, I think streaming will eventually push traditional TV concepts further aside. However, for individuals, it will become increasingly difficult, as the competition is constantly growing, and most attempts will get lost in the crowd. For the 100,000th Fortnite streamer, for example, there probably won’t be room for a big career—if I’m putting it a bit bluntly.

What’s crucial is to stand out and create your own category, whether by having great skill in a particular game or genre, or—more likely—by showcasing an interesting personality and a creative program. Of course, that alone isn’t enough, but I’ve given some specific tips above.

It’s similar to humanities students: there will be more and more people, but fewer will have a chance to break through. In the end, factors that are largely beyond one’s control will play a role, and it’s important to ask yourself whether you’re willing to invest regular time for the rather unlikely chance that it will pay off in the end, or whether you’re not prepared for that commitment.

Which developments in the gaming world currently fascinate you the most?

Personally, I’m primarily following the development of RPGs, and I’m always excited when new, complex masterpieces come out. I usually test anything that sounds interesting to me on stream. Thanks to technical advancements, games can often compete with current movies in terms of visuals and storytelling, which I appreciate a lot, as good presentation is really important to me.

I’m also curious about how the AI revolution might impact future games. Perhaps we’ll eventually reach a point where in-game decisions lead to reactions that no programmer ever imagined, which would be incredibly appealing, as it would make every playthrough truly unique. Additionally, I hope VR will soon become more accessible for the masses, without bulky equipment or compatibility issues. That way, we could seamlessly dive into virtual worlds and share the experience with viewers on stream with minimal setup.

How do you see the role of social media alongside Twitch? How important are platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter to you?

I used to use these apps mainly for political activism, but in the streaming world, they play an even bigger role.

Promotion is practically essential, with Instagram and TikTok being especially important. Ideally, you should have channels on all social media platforms and creatively promote your Twitch channel there.

YouTube is great for uploading highlights from your streams. It also has the Shorts feature now, which, like Instagram and TikTok, allows you to create and share very short videos—this type of promotion is the most effective, in my opinion. Creating unique content outside of your streaming program can also be beneficial, depending on the content. I need to do more of this myself, as I see it as the most challenging part of the whole process.

Twitter (now X) and even Facebook can be useful too, but I think focusing on Instagram and then TikTok brings the most benefit.

Personally, what do you hope for in the future of streaming?

Primarily, I hope that technical barriers continue to decrease, that Twitch draws inspiration from all the features offered by OBS Studio, and that integrating viewer interaction becomes even easier.

Additionally, I’d like to see moderation operate without any political bias, ensuring that some people aren’t allowed more leeway than others. I’d completely overhaul reporting functions and remove banned word lists—except for direct insults—immediately.

Beyond that, it’s up to each streamer to decide what they make of their channel and reach, and up to each viewer to determine how they wish to enrich the community.

If, ideally, streamers can find success while also providing something positive and constructive for their regular viewers, then we’ve reached the optimal outcome.

If you want to learn more about ‘DerVagrant,’ visit him on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/dervagrant