The Art of Commentary While Livestreaming Games

3 August 2025

Livestreaming has exploded in popularity over the past decade. What once was a niche hobby for tech-savvy gamers has become a full-blown industry. But here's the thing—while gameplay is the centerpiece of every stream, it's the commentary that keeps viewers glued to the screen.

Let’s face it, watching someone silently play a game can get boring fast. That’s where commentary steps in and works its magic. So if you're asking yourself how to get better at streaming or wondering why some streamers seem effortlessly engaging—it all comes back to mastering the art of commentary.

In this article, we're diving deep into what makes commentary awesome, how you can level up yours, and why your voice is your most powerful in-game weapon. 🎮

Why Commentary Matters More Than You Think

Before we even get into the nitty-gritty tips, let’s clear one thing up—commentary isn't just "talking while gaming." It's an art form. It’s the glue that ties your gameplay together with your personality.

Think of your stream like a sandwich. The bread? That’s the game. But without the filling (your commentary), it's dry and unappetizing. And nobody wants a dry sandwich.

It Builds Connection

Your commentary is what gives you a unique flavor. People might come for the game, but they stay for YOU. By reacting, explaining, joking, and just being yourself, you build an emotional connection with your audience. And connection is everything—especially if you're aiming to grow your followers.

It Keeps Viewers Engaged

Ever notice how some streamers have this incredible energy, even during boring segments of a game? That’s commentary doing heavy lifting. Whether you’re stuck in a loading screen or grinding for in-game loot, your voice can keep things interesting.

It Sets You Apart

Thousands of people stream the same games every day. Your commentary is the secret sauce that sets you apart. If two streamers are playing the same game at the same skill level, the one with better commentary will win hearts—and subscribers.

Types of Commentary in Livestreaming

Not all commentary is created equal. Depending on your style (and your audience), you might lean toward one or mix a few of these:

1. Informative Commentary

This is where you break things down—kind of like a gaming guru. Think walkthroughs, tutorials, tips, and meta discussions. For example, explaining why you chose a certain skill build or how to beat a tough boss.

Great for: Strategy games, complex RPGs, MOBAs

2. Entertaining Commentary

Got jokes? Sarcasm? Wild reactions? This style is all about keeping things lighthearted and funny. It’s more about being relatable and less about dropping knowledge bombs.

Great for: Casual games, party games, and horror games (because reactions are gold!)

3. Narrative Commentary

You turn a game into a storybook. You bring characters to life with voices, create backstories, or add your own creative twist.

Great for: RPGs, story-driven games, or sandbox games like Minecraft

4. Reactive Commentary

This is your gut-level response to what’s happening in-game. You’re basically thinking out loud—cheering victories, venting during fails, and sharing raw emotion.

Great for: Any game, especially competitive ones like Fortnite, Apex Legends, or Call of Duty

The Golden Rule: Be Yourself (But Amplified)

Here’s the deal—viewers can smell fake from a mile away. If you try too hard to sound like someone else, you’ll lose authenticity…and your audience.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring the energy. Think of it like this: you’re still you, just at 120%. Emphasize your natural quirks, amplify your reactions a little more, and speak with purpose.

Tips to Level Up Your Commentary Game

Alright, now that you know why commentary matters, let’s talk about how to make yours amazing.

1. Talk... Even When No One Is Watching

This one’s awkward, we know. But in the early days, you might have a stream with zero viewers. Still, talk as if you’ve got a thousand people watching.

Why? Because it builds the habit. Silence is the enemy of engagement. So explain what you’re doing, vocalize your thoughts, and pretend you’re streaming to a packed house.

2. Keep It Flowing

You don’t have to talk non-stop like a radio DJ, but dead air can kill vibe fast. If you’re not saying anything, viewers can lose interest. Try this: narrate your thoughts.

Instead of just thinking, “I need to flank this enemy,” say it. Boom—now you’ve got commentary.

3. Tell Stories

Humans love stories—it’s in our DNA. Use personal anecdotes, in-game tales, or even made-up scenarios to entertain.

Got a funny memory from a past game session? Share it. Did something ridiculous happen at work that day? Talk about it (as long as it’s appropriate).

4. Engage With Chat

This tip is massive. Viewers love feeling seen and heard. So when someone pops into chat, acknowledge them. Ask questions, react to their comments, and thank them for being there.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on usernames and remember regulars—it’ll make your community feel tight-knit.

5. Practice Your Timing

Comedy is all about timing. So are reactions. Learn when to speak, when to pause, and when to let the game do the talking.

For example, during a cutscene or dramatic moment, dial it down. Let the scene breathe. But when there’s action? Bring the hype!

6. Improve Your Mic Game

No one wants to hear tin-can audio or background noise from your dog barking. Invest in a decent mic (you don’t need to break the bank), and learn how to use noise gates, pop filters, and compression.

Clear, pleasant audio makes your commentary 10x more enjoyable.

7. Watch Your Streams Back

Cringe? Maybe. Helpful? Absolutely. Re-watching your streams helps you see where you nailed it and where you need work. Are you pausing too long? Speaking too fast? Mumbling?

It’s like game film for athletes—you gotta review to improve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best streamers were beginners once. Here are a few pitfalls to dodge:

❌ Talking Too Much Without Substance

Rambling is different from engaging. Don’t fill space just for the sake of it. Aim for meaningful or entertaining content, not just noise.

❌ Ignoring Your Audience

If someone takes time to comment or ask a question, don’t leave them hanging. It’s a missed opportunity to build rapport.

❌ Being Negative All the Time

Rage moments happen, but constant whining or trash-talking can be a turn-off. Keep things fun, not toxic.

❌ Repeating the Same Phrases

We all have our “go-to” words, but if every sentence starts with “Yo guys, um…” it gets old. Mix it up.

Building Your On-Stream Persona

You don’t need to play a character—but creating a consistent on-stream personality helps your brand.

Are you the chill strategist? The high-energy jokester? The narrative storyteller? Whatever your vibe, lean into it. Give viewers something stable and recognizable.

Tools That Can Help

Here’s a quick list of nifty tools to enhance your commentary game:

- Voice Meter Banana/OBS Filters: For managing audio levels and cleaning up sound
- Stream Deck: For triggering sound effects, scenes, and hype moments
- Closed Caption Plugins: Great for accessibility and engagement
- Chat Bots: Help keep chat lively and interactive

Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Perfect

You won’t wake up with the voice of a Twitch legend overnight. But like any skill, commentary gets better the more you do it. Every stream is another rep in the gym.

It’s not about being the funniest, smartest, or loudest streamer. It’s about being you—in a way that connects, entertains, and leaves people wanting more.

So fire up that mic, hit that "Go Live" button, and talk your way to greatness.

FAQs About Game Commentary

Q: Do I need to be funny to be a good commentator?

Nope! While humor helps, authenticity matters more. Be knowledgeable, be engaging, and let your personality shine.

Q: What if I run out of things to say during a stream?

Prep a few talking points beforehand—like current patch notes, trending gaming news, or personal stories. And remember, narrate your actions!

Q: How do I handle trolls or negative comments?

Don’t feed the trolls. Use moderation tools, keep your cool, and lean on your community to keep things positive.