How to Edit a Gaming Video in 2023 (For Beginners)

Introduction

Creating gaming videos is an exhilarating venture, but with over 99% of YouTubers trying their hand at it, it's essential to stand out from the crowd. This comprehensive guide will arm you with the knowledge to edit your gaming videos like a pro.

Step 1: Recording Your Gameplay

To get started, choose a game recording software that fits your needs. The two popular options are OBS Studio and Nvidia Shadowplay. For those with a high-end graphics card, Nvidia Shadowplay is often the preferred choice due to its user-friendly interface and efficiency.

Setup: Open your recording software, set it to recommended settings, and choose a storage location for your files.
Record: Start recording your gameplay while keeping in mind the quality and content you wish to capture.

Step 2: Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro

After recording, import your footage into Adobe Premiere Pro.

Create a New Project: Name your project and set it up with the desired settings for your video.
Import Footage: Drag your recorded files to the timeline.
Cutting Clips: Press C to cut your clips, focusing on maintaining interesting bits and removing any dead space.

Refine Your Clips

Removing Unnecessary Parts: Watch your clips multiple times to eliminate sections that detract from the pacing.
Audio Waveform: Use audio waveforms to pinpoint spots to cut your video precisely.

Step 3: Adding Zooms and Tracking

Enhancing your video can be done with simple zooms and tracking.

Zooming In: Select your clip, become familiar with the effect controls, and adjust the scale for a zoom-in effect.
Tracking: Set position keyframes and adjust the clip to track movement smoothly.

Step 4: Music and Sound Effects

Adding the right background music is vital.

Music Library: Use sites like Lick.com for royalty-free music that complements your video.
Audio Levels: Lower the volume to around -16 dB that works well under game audio.

Step 5: Including Subtitles

Subtitles can enrich the viewer's experience and boost engagement.

Using the Text Tool: Press 'T' to add text and format it using the effect controls.
Poppin Effect: Incorporate keyframes for smooth animations to enable an engaging pop-in effect for your subtitles.

Step 6: Transitions

Transitions between clips can significantly impact your video’s flow.

Using Adjustment Layers: Create adjustment layers for smooth transitions.
Premier Pro Transitions: Make use of the built-in transitions or rely on custom presets for better results.

Step 7: Exporting Your Video

Finally, to share your masterpiece:

Export Settings: Go to Export, choose .h264 format, adjust bit rate to approximately 20, and finalize the export.
Review: Check the final video and see if it meets your expectations.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve successfully edited your gaming video! Remember to enjoy the editing process and connect with your community. YouTube can lead to significant friendships and experiences beyond mere views and subscribers.

Keyword

Gaming Videos
Video Editing
OBS Studio
Nvidia Shadowplay
Adobe Premiere Pro
Zooms
Transition Effects
Music Licensing
Subtitles
Exporting

FAQ

Q: What software should I use for recording gameplay?
A: OBS Studio and Nvidia Shadowplay are popular choices, depending on your system capabilities.

Q: How do I cut and refine clips in Adobe Premiere Pro?
A: Use the cutting tool (press C) to slice your clips and remove any unnecessary or dead space for better pacing.

Q: Is it necessary to add background music to my gaming videos?
A: While it's not mandatory, background music can enhance viewer engagement. Use royalty-free music to avoid copyright issues.

Q: How can I add subtitles to my video?
A: Use the text tool in Premiere Pro, then apply animations and styles to make subtitles pop.

Q: What is the best format for exporting my video?
A: Export in .h264 format for optimized quality and compatibility. Adjust the bit rate for higher quality.