In this digital era, finding a game recorder for PC can be easy and challenging at the same time. Look at it like this; there are many game recording software to download. But the sheer number of options can make it sweaty to find a game screen recorder for PC that suits all your needs. That's why this post narrows down your list to the 12 most used game recorders for PCs. We'll also discuss how to choose a game recorder and record an award-winning gaming video on your desktop. Read on!
Part 1. 3 things about game recorder for PC you need to know
1. What to take into account?
First and foremost, the perfect game recording software should be simple to understand and use. You'll often find game recording programs with complicated user interfaces that can intimidate beginners. So, the best game recorder for PC keeps things simple without sacrificing functionality.
In addition, the best game recorder should come with tools for adding notes, shapes, webcam overlays, and voice commentary. An inbuilt video editor is also a nice extra. Remember also that the pricing should be realistic without sacrificing functionality. There's no need to pay $200 for a game recorder when there are many excellent options for less than $50. And if you can find a free, open-source option, the better.
2. What to avoid?
If you've used OBS Studio, you'll know what I'm talking about. Although free game recorders are excellent if you're on a budget, these game screen recorders often come with a long learning curve. In addition, developers of freeware don't send in regular updates. So, avoid freebies if possible.
You may need to trim, crop, and retouch your gaming video for obvious reasons before sharing it online. In that case, choose a game recorder for PC that allows you to edit the video on the spot. Another thing to avoid in a game recorder is those without an inbuilt editing suite.
3. Tips for recording a quality gaming video
Before recording a gaming video, plan and set up the right recording tools. Besides getting the right recording software, ensure that you have the right webcam for adding a picture in picture overlay. Adding a webcam overlay to your gaming video allows you to express emotions while narrating something to your viewers.
Also, make an effort to learn some video editing skills. As said earlier, it's vital to trim and split your gaming video to remove the uhs and ums. Not only that. You may also want to zoom in on the action, add background music, add subtitles, etc. Wondershare UniConverter should tick all boxes.
Part 2. Top 12 game screen recorders for PC recommended
1. [Best for screen recording games in the background]- Wondershare UniConverter
"I like this gem because it allows me to more than just change the format of a video. It enable me to record the game in the background while doing something else with another application."
| Average Ratings | 4.7/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows & Mac |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | √ (Only available for Windows) |
Wondershare UniConverter is the best game recorder for recording specific apps in the background. Here, just launch the gaming app on the application recorder and let UniConverter do its thing in the background. But before recording the video, you can preset the frame rate, quality, format, and keyboard shortcuts. UniConverter also houses an excellent video converter and editor for retouching your game clips before sharing.
Try Wondershare UniConverter for free now!
Over 3,591,664 people have downloaded it to try the advanced features.
Steps to record a gaming app in the background with Wondershare Application Recorder:
Step 1 Open and select the video game to record.
Fire up UniConverter on your PC and then press the Screen Recorder tab. After that, launch the Application Recorder tool and then open the video game. Now click the Select an Application button, and UniConverter will auto-select the gaming screen.
Step 2 Customize the video game recording settings.
Do you want to capture the video game with computer audio like keyboard sounds and mouse clicks? If yes, select a System Audio device. You can also choose a Microphone for applying voice overlays.
Don't stop there. Press the Settings icon to set MP4, AVI, or FLV as the target format. You can also set the video quality and frame rate. Note that you can record Full HD 1080P at 60 frames per second.
Step 3 Record the gaming video on PC.
Tap REC to start capturing the gaming video in the background as you proceed with other computer tasks. Then, if satisfied, press Stop and play your video to preview it.
Wondershare UniConverter — Best Game Recorder for PC.
Security Verified. 3,591,664 people have downloaded it.Record the screen of a particular Application while using another one.
Capture games, movies, or live streams in the background while browsing other websites or using other software.
Support picture-in-picture recording mode.
Convert and compress your video, audio, and image files without quality loss.
Save any online video or music from more than 10,000 platforms and sites.
AI-powered features such as Smart Trimmer, AI Portrait, and Background Remover take your video to the next level.
The complete video toolbox to convert, compress, edit videos, burn DVDs, and much more.
2. [Best for recording and editing video game videos] -FBX Game Recorder
"I like the speed in FBX opens up 3dStudio models for viewing."
| Average Ratings | 4.6/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | √ |
When it comes to recording HD-quality game videos with slow-motion effects, FBX Game Recorder tops. It's a simple app for PCs that allows smooth and easy recording or live streaming. And to make your video eye-catching, this program comes with an intuitive editor for adding GIFs, filters, effects, fonts, texts, captions, etc. Another thing, it supports background recording without lagging.
3. [Best for capturing 4K UHD at 400fps] - Bandicam
"The best thing about Bandicam is that we can record video in different modes, which is very cool."
| Average Ratings | 4.3/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | √ |
Yes, Bandicam can capture 4K UHD videos at 400fps. It's a free game recorder for PC that can capture all your 2D/3D video games in 4K, 1080P, or 720p with lossless quality. While recording your video game, Bandicam allows you to add a webcam overlay and voice narrations via microphone. Furthermore, you can add real-time drawings, mouse effects, fonts, texts, etc. But sadly, it lacks an inbuilt editor.
4. [Best for recording Xbox Games and chatting with Xbox friends] - Xbox Game Bar
"The Game Bar will get the job done, mostly, but not knowing whether it's working or not in a given game means it's a little riskier than third-party tools."
| Average Ratings | 3.5/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | X |
| Picture-in-picture recording | X |
| Record specific window in the background | X |
This game recording software comes pre-installed on your Windows 10 PC. With Xbox Game Bar, you'll enjoy a fantastic recording performance with instant access to screen capture widgets. But the main attraction of this game recorder is the ability to chat with Xbox friends and find new teammates while playing. On the flip side, Xbox Game Bar can be intimidating at first. But once you understand it, it's one of the coolest freebies on your PC.
5. [Best free, open-source game recorder for PC] - OBS Studio
"It has a great configuration and advanced tools for video streaming, recording, and editing."
| Average Ratings | 4.5/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, & Linux |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | √ |
We can't talk about the best game recording software for PC without reserving a spot for OBS Studio. It's a professional-grade game recording software that offers cross-platform compatibility on Mac, Windows, and Linux. OBS Studio can capture most PC games with a webcam overlay and microphone narrations. Also, you can switch between multiple recording scenes with beautiful transition effects. And best of all, this game recorder for PC allows you to livestream your game recordings to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. How is this software even free?
6. [Best for capturing screen, webcam, and sound] - VideoProc Converter
"The product is powerful, easy to use, excellent customer service and fast solving issues."
| Average Ratings | 4.3/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows & Mac |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | X |
Are you still searching for the best game recorder for a low-end PC? Consider VideoProc Converter. It's an all-in-one tool for creating an irresistible gaming video. VideoProc can capture your computer screen in 3 modes, including recording the screen and webcam concurrently. Interestingly, you can add a Chroma Key effect for your webcam overlay if you're unsure about your background. What's best, it features tools for drawing, adding texts, cropping, etc.
7. [Best for game streaming on PC] - Gecata by Movavi
"The game grabber is super-easy and the audio quality is great!"
| Average Ratings | 4.1/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | X |
Gecata by Movavi is a lightweight and powerful game recorder for Windows PCs. It can capture those incredible game moments and directly share them with your online friends. Gecata also allows you to record and stream at the same time. In addition, you can add your facial expression and voice narration while recording and streaming to YouTube and Twitch. And lest I forget, it records 4K at 120fps.
8. [Best for recording 8K UHD game videos] Action!
"An excellent recording tool either for work use or gaming."
| Average Ratings | 4.4/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | X |
Consider Action! To capture 8K videos. This game recorder offers smooth UHD/HD game capturing sessions in up to 120fps. You can capture videos directly in MP4 (/ AVC). Action! also offers webcam and microphone support, expected from a professional-grade screen recorder. Another thing, you can export the video directly to Facebook and YouTube and livestream clips to YouTube, Twitch, Ustream, etc.
9. [Best for personalizing your gaming videos] - ManyCam
"Easy to use with great features."
| Average Ratings | 3.5/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | X |
When it comes to personalizing and customizing gaming videos, ManyCam excels. This game recording software boasts more than 12,000 objects, masts, and effects to apply to your gaming video for free. Besides these elements, you can also add a picture-in-picture effect from a source webcam with a virtual background. And, of course, it can livestream your gaming videos to platforms like YouTube and Facebook Live.
10. [Best professional-grade cross-platform screen recorder] - Screencast-O-Matic
"Yes. Game changer and constantly being updated with features I didn't know I needed!"
| Average Ratings | 4.5/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, & Linux |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | X |
It's always best to choose a screen recorder that ticks all boxes. One such program is Screencast-O-Matic which allows you to customize your gaming videos with overlays like texts, shapes, images, and videos. You can even go further with green screen effects and animated captions. But before that, Screencast-O-Matic allows you to capture your gaming videos with webcam and microphone overlays.
11. [Best for seeing your framerate as you record] Fraps
"The best software when you want to record something basic without paying."
| Average Ratings | 4.2/5 |
| Compatibility | Windows |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | X |
| Picture-in-picture recording | X |
| Record specific window in the background | X |
Any screen recorder for PC with customizable settings is always a welcome addition to our list. With Fraps, you can quickly know the frame rate between two recording points and save the stats of an external drive. In other words, you'll track the game's performance in real-time. Apart from this unique feature, there's not much to say about Frabs as it lacks many modern game-recording features. Nonetheless, it's a wonderful addition.
12. [Best for capturing all actions on desktop screen] - iTop Screen Recorder
"I came across this free screen recorder and became a fan of it for its simple editing functions."
| Average Ratings | N/A |
| Compatibility | Windows |
| Record Screen | √ |
| Record Audio | √ |
| Record Webcam | √ |
| Picture-in-picture recording | √ |
| Record specific window in the background | X |
Finally, use iTop Screen Recorder to capture all desktop actions in HD 1080P or UHD 4K. It's a relatively new screen recorder for PC that's simple to use. Just set the capture area and record the video game without any lags. iTop Screen Recorder also supports facecam and microphone recording to give viewers a more engaging experience. And then, you can export the video to 12+ formats, including the good-old MP4.
Try the Best Game Recorder for PC for free now!
Record games in high quality with Application Recorder of UniConverter easily.
Part 3. Frequently asked questions about game recorder for PC
1. How do I record my gameplay on PC?
Recording gameplay on PC is a relatively self-explanatory procedure. You just need to ensure that you have the right recording software and hardware like an external microphone and webcam. If you are recording a webcam overlay, make sure the room background is neat and well-organized to avoid any embarrassment.
2. What's the best screen recorder for PC gaming?
The best game recorder for PC should be simple, affordable, and highly effective. It should support webcam and microphone overlays, application of annotations, background recording, and feature an inbuilt editor. Some game recorders even support live streaming to Twitch TV and YouTube Live.
3. Can I upload gameplay to YouTube legally?
Yes, it's legal to add recorded game videos on YouTube. However, be careful not to use a piece of copyrighted music in the background.
4. How do gamers record their gameplay and face?
To record your computer screen and face simultaneously, you need a game recorder for PC that supports webcam overlays. Fortunately, most of the game recorders listed above allow this feature.
Try UniConverter Game Recorder for PC for free now!
Record any game screens with perfect quality.
Conclusion
There you go; these are the best game recording software for any avid gaming YouTuber. If you want something simple and effective, I recommend Wondershare UniConverter to record your PC games and other apps in the background. However, free options like Xbox Game Bar and OBS Studio should suffice if you're on a slim budget.
* Some of the above codec formats may need to be supported by system.
