Launch week: a checklist for gaming content creators

A major release is the busiest week of the year for gaming creators. Viewers are searching, but every other creator is publishing at the same time. Preparation is what makes the difference.

Before launch

Check the publisher's content policy

Every publisher sets its own rules for streaming, monetised video and use of game footage. Read the current policy for the specific game before you plan monetised content. Some publishers restrict pre-release footage, spoiler content or particular kinds of commercial use.

Prepare your scene collection

• Starting soon, live, break and ending scenes
• A clean gameplay scene with minimal overlay, because viewers want to see the game
• An alert style that doesn't cover the UI elements the game relies on

Plan your first three uploads

Decide on titles, thumbnails and formats in advance. On launch day you want to be playing, not designing.

Launch day

• Test audio levels with game audio, music and microphone together.
• Check for spoilers in your title and thumbnail. Many viewers avoid them.
• Pin a schedule so new viewers know when you'll be back.

The first week

• Keep sessions consistent. A regular schedule beats one marathon.
• Save highlights as you go, so you can cut them into short clips later.
• Watch your analytics for which formats keep viewers, and do more of those.

Neon Arcade's Creator Toolkit includes original overlay templates, a content calendar and video planning sheets built for launch weeks.