While games can be played on any platform including mobile phones, tablets, or consoles, a great majority of dedicated players use a computer for this purpose. Depending on the chosen games and their hardware requirements, it makes sense to use a mid-level or better PC or a Mac laptop of the latest generation in order to enjoy good game flow without bugs and glitches.

A hidden bonus of playing on a computer is that it’s extremely easy to capture every moment of gaming action and record yourself playing video games, often simply by hitting a button. Of course, there are software tools necessary for this operation and it might take you a while to learn the exact commands, but once you master this, recording gameplay on PC will become completely instinctive and you won’t even have to think about it.

We picked the most suitable recording tool for each type of computer and OS that you can use to record everything that happens on your screen while you are playing your favorite game.

Also read: How to Record Steam Gameplay? >

How to Record Gameplay on a Computer (Windows and Mac)

Do you want to share your epic gaming moments with your friends by recording your gameplay? Perhaps, you might even discover a love for creating game content and eventually become a streamer. FoceSee can help you to record your gameplay on both your Windows and Mac computers easily.

Key features of FocuSee:

• Automatic Zoom-In – FocuSee automatically follows the cursor movement and applies dynamic zoom-in effects to enhance the video.
• Customization Options – You can choose from different cursor styles, and layouts for the selfie and screen, customize the appearance with camera frames and filters, and add backgrounds, rounded corners, shadows, and padding to make the video more appealing.
• Show off Your Personality – When recording with your webcam, you can customize your appearance by adding camera frames and filters to reflect your individual or brand style.
• Multiple Export Options – FocuSee offers preset sizes for social media platforms and allows the export of videos up to 4K resolution or high-quality GIFs.

Please free download FocuSee to start the wonderful experience of recording gameplay on both Windows and Mac computers.

Step 1. Launch FocuSee on the computer > Enter your account and password to create an account or log in to FocuSee (you can sign in with your Google account).

Step 2. It supports 3 recording options. You can choose the one you want to record.

Step 3. Focus on capturing your screen recordings, and let FocuSee handle the post-production automatically. You can get a visually appealing video as soon as you finish recording. After the recording is complete, you have the flexibility to further customize the output by changing the background, adjusting the cursor style, adding captions, editing the zoom effect, and applying other enhancements to create a polished, professional-looking video.

Step 4. Export your recordings as an MP4 or GIF file, or share it with a link easily.

Further Reading: MW2 Voice Chat Not Working >

How to Record Gameplay on PC (via OBS Studio)

PC is the most widely used form of computers, and many gaming titles are available only for Windows-based machines. Of course, this also means there are great supporting tools for this platform, including a reliable recording program that can effectively record a gaming session. One of the best screen-capturing tools for PC is called OBS Studio and it is an open-source product that can be downloaded for free. It can perform several different tasks, including gameplay recording with no lag. Here is what to do in order to capture your most impressive gaming moments with OBS Studio:

Step 1. Install OBS on your computer and run it.

Step 2. Specify the game from which you would like to capture content.

Step 3. Click on the Mode menu, then decide whether you want to record the entire screen or just a limited section you define and set up other important parameters for your video.

Step 4. Press the Start Recording button to commence capturing immediately, and press it again when you are ready to stop.

While this is the quickest way to record your screen action and visuals, you can also activate your microphone and camera to include sounds and your face into the video and make it even more engaging and fun to watch.

How to Record Gameplay on a Windows 10 & 11 (Xbox Gamebar)

If you own a newer computer that has Windows 10 and 11 installed on it, you might not even have to search for an external screen recorder. This is because Windows introduced a feature intended specifically for recording gameplay that greatly simplifies the whole procedure. If you are confused about how to record gameplay on PC Windows 10 & 11, the feature you need is called Xbox Gamebar and once you set it up on your computer it can be activated at any moment, even if the game is already in progress. Follow these steps and you won’t have the slightest difficulty making a fantastic-looking gaming clip:

Step 1. Open the Game Bar by simultaneously pressing the Windows key and G key.

Step 2. Within the Game Bar, open the Widget Menu, then select Capture option.

Step 3. Choose Start Recording button to begin recording the upcoming game content, or Record last to capture the last thing you did.

You can also activate your microphone if you want to record your comments while you are gaming.

Further Reading: How to Record for Longer on Xbox >

Top 10 Screen Recorders for PC Gamers

Wondering about the best screen recorder for PC games? Try using these tools:

Gemoo Recorder

With Gemoo Screen Recorder, an intuitive and user-friendly screen recorder, screen, camera, and microphone recordings may be made with simple clicks. It also includes adding annotations and saving and sharing on the internet. Gemoo Recorder is an excellent option if you need an easy and straightforward screen recorder. Free try Gemoo Recorder now and learn about its key features.

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Gemoo Recorder’s Key Features

• Captures high-quality recordings of your computer screen, up to 4K.
• Provides several recording options, letting you capture your game sessions precisely as you see fit.
• Lets you mark key points or add your comments, as well as add annotations.
• Permits you to cut out any unnecessary segments from your recordings.

Customer Ratings

• G2: N/A
• Capterra: N/A

Gemoo Recorder’s Price Plans: Free to $59.99/5 years.

Xbox Game Bar

The Xbox Game Bar is a native Windows 10 and 11 gaming overlay. You may share screenshots, record your gameplay, and talk to other players simultaneously. The Xbox app may be launched, system information can be seen, and audio settings can be adjusted, all from the convenience of the Xbox Game Bar. The Xbox Game Bar is an extremely useful application that may facilitate enhanced gameplay.

Xbox Game Bar’s Key Features

• Simply pressing a button will allow you to capture snapshots of your current gameplay.
• Supports chit-chatting with other players in-game on Xbox Live.
• Allows you to monitor your system’s gaming stats, including CPU/GPU use and frame rate.
• Enables you to adjust game-time audio parameters, including volume and output device.

Customer Ratings

• G2: N/A
• Capterra: N/A

Xbox Game Bar’s Price Plans: Free to use

QuickTime Player

The media player QuickTime Player comes pre-installed on Macs and is free and simple. Formats of video, audio, and still images are all supported, and there are tools for recording, modifying, and sharing. As a bonus, QuickTime Player has a built-in screen recording feature, ideal for making demonstration videos or video gameplay.

QuickTime Player’s Key Features

• Supports video, audio, and image files of many different forms.
• Lets you customize your movies with things like titles and credits, as well as transitions and effects like dissolves.
• Facilitates the export of videos to several formats, allowing you to easily share them with others or view them on the go.

Customer Ratings

• G2: N/A
• Capterra: N/A

QuickTime Player’s Price Plans: Free to use

Bandicam

Bandicam is a top choice for capturing video games since it supports recording in 4K Ultra HD. You may use it to upload the video to a popular video-sharing website. This program allows you to record both the game and microphone audio simultaneously. The software may be used in several pedagogical ways, including video capture and streaming, as well as the development of instructional materials. Screen recording, game capture, webcam recording, and HDMI capture devices are all supported by the program.

Bandicam’s Key Features

• Can improve recording quality by utilizing the H.264 encoder.
• Integrated video animation allows you to animate titles, logos, and images.
• Makes moving pictures in the form of PNGs and GIFs from video projects.
• Enables you to capture gameplay from any web-based or flash-based game.

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.3/5 (39 Reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (97 Reviews)

Bandicam’s Price Plans: Free to $33.26 per year

HitPaw Screen Recorder

HitPaw Screen Recorder, a simple but effective video game screen recorder, is designed specially to record games on your device. This tool lets you record your voice and gameplay while capturing the keyboard during screen recordings. Most significantly, you can utilize your iPhone or iPad as a camera if your computer doesn’t have one or record games.

HitPaw Screen Recorder’s Key Features

• You can record the whole screen, only your camera, with or without sound, and save the file in various formats.
• Enables you to start and stop recording at certain times and on a predetermined schedule.
• Capable of trimming, cropping, rotating, and adjusting the video’s settings and speed without the need for an external program.

Customer Ratings

• G2: N/A
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (2 Reviews)

HitPaw Screen Recorder’s Price Plans: Free to $9.99 per month

ShareX

ShareX is a top free screen recorder due to its extensive features rivaling its commercial counterparts. Without developers or expert users, customers may feel overwhelmed by ShareX’s abundance of features. While the software’s editing tools are complicated, anybody with experience with a screen recorder and an editor will have no trouble learning to utilize them.

ShareX’s Key Features

• Records the active window, region, freehand area, or screen.
• Provides support for hotkeys, allowing for accelerated navigation.
• Capture images, investigate the software’s past, and snag website data.
• Enables you to personalize video recordings with things like color filters and watermarks.

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.8/5 (72 Reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (15 Reviews)

ShareX’s Price Plans: Free to use

ShadowPlay

ShadowPlay is a software that lets computer users record and publish video and still images of their gaming. It’s a common tool for streamers and content developers to utilize while recording and sharing gameplay or instructional. Using a microphone, users may record games in HD definition, complete with in-game sound and commentary. Users have the option of recording at a variety of frame rates and resolutions to suit their needs.

ShadowPlay’s Key Features

• Supports multiple formats, such as PNG, JPEG, and BMP, to save screenshots.
• Instantly saves the user’s most recent play session so they may relive the most thrilling moments.
• Permits you to broadcast their games on sites like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.
• Includes tunable streaming parameters like bitrate and resolution.

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.5/5 (20 Reviews)
• Capterra: N/A

ShadowPlay’s Price Plans: Free to use

Ezvid

A free screen recording application, Ezvid, promises to be the world’s best tool, and they may not be too far wrong. The ease with which videos may be created and uploaded to YouTube with Ezvid is complemented by the product’s focus on minimizing users’ time investment. That’s why it’s so popular with gamers and movie buffs who want to upload content to YouTube as often and as soon as possible.

Ezvid’s Key Features

• Provides artificial voiceover for use in narrating.
• Offers video resolution that is both automated and excellent in quality.
• The playback rate of the created videos may be adjusted.

Customer Ratings

• G2: N/A
• Capterra: N/A

Ezvid’s Price Plans: Free to use.

TinyTake

TinyTake is a screen recording timelapse and video capture software developed by MangoApps. It allows users to capture screenshots, record videos, and share them with others. TinyTake is available for Windows and Mac operating systems and can be used for personal or business purposes. Its features include screen recording, webcam recording, audio recording, annotation tools, and cloud storage. It also allows users to share their captures and recordings via email, social media, or private sharing links. TinyTake offers free and paid versions with varying features and storage capacity.

TinyTake’s Key Features

• Text, shapes, arrows, highlights, and other elements are available to the users.
• You can keep your captures locally on your computer or upload them to the cloud.
• Can record up to 120 minutes of video from your camera or screen.
• Allows you to manage your captures online, change them, or download them anytime.

Customer Ratings

• G2: 4.3/5 (17 Reviews)
• Capterra: 4.6/5 (7 Reviews)

TinyTake’s Price Plans: Free to $29.95 per year

ScreenFlick

Screenflick is a Mac-only program that captures and records screen activity. Its primary function is to document and save everything shown on Mac’s screen. Screenflick allows users to record video of their whole screen, individual windows, and even scrolling windows. Screenflick’s capacity to record flawless video at high frame rates is one of its most appealing features. It’s perfect for crafting high-quality video lessons, software demos, and other forms of video content because of its highly optimized recording engine.

ScreenFlick’s Key Features

• Can record smoothly at up to 60 frames per second.
• Allows you to capture in full resolution or scale down to fit your needs.
• Sound recording from your Mac, your microphone, or both.
• Shows your keystrokes and mouse clicks on your screen recording.

Customer Ratings

• G2: N/A
• Capterra: N/A

ScreenFlick’s Price Plans: Free to $35 per license

What Features Should I Look for in a Screen Recorder for PC Games?

The following are some features to seek in a PC game screen recorder:

• High resolution and frame rate: Look for a screen recorder that can screen record in HD or 4K at 30 fps or 60 fps if you want to capture your gaming at the highest possible quality.
• Straightforward Interface: Your screen recorder should have a straightforward interface and support various recording formats and modes; this will ensure that it is compatible with most of your games and software.
• Video Encoding for GPU: Find a screen recorder that transfers video encoding to your graphics processing unit (GPU; Nvidia or AMD) to lessen the load on your central processing unit (CPU)
• Editing features: Opt for a game recording software that has in-built editing features or interacts with other programs like Clipchamp so you can edit your recorded films and screenshots before sharing them.
• Live Broadcast: If you want to show off your gaming skills to the world, you only need a screen recorder to broadcast your action on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook.

Tips. How to Record Gameplay on Mac

Mac computer owners tend to be just as avid gamers as the PC crowd, and there are quite a few games developed exclusively for this platform. Another thing that is available to virtually every person that has a Mac is an excellent general-purpose screen recorder tool that can be very handy if you are looking to record gameplay. QuickTime Player is one of the most widely used tools within the Apple ecosystem, and its ability to capture games in high resolution and without loss of FPR is one of the major reasons for its huge popularity.

Follow the instructions provided below to use QuickTime, even if you are unsure how to record gameplay on a computer:

Step 1. Open QuickTime player on your Mac computer.

Step 2. Choose File menu, and then select New Screen Recording.

Step 3. After a Screen Recording prompt shows up on the screen, click on the triangle button to set up your microphone, camera, sound volume, and other technical specifications.

Step 4. When you are ready, run your game, select the area of the screen you want in the video, and press the Record button to start capturing live action from your game.

FAQs of Record Gameplay on Computer

What Is Game Recording Software?

Software designed specifically for recording video games in high definition is called game recording software. After recording yourself playing video games, you may upload your videos to platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and more with the help of these apps. Videos in MOV, MP4, GIF, and other formats can be safely kept with these applications, and it is also possible to effortlessly capture live streams using these tools.

Moreover, you can create videos of your gaming to share on social media or showcase your successes or highlights; analyze and improve your gameplay; document your progress as a player; create lessons and demonstrations for other players; and more with the help of game recording software.

How do gamers record their gameplay and face?

With the “Screen + Camera” mode of Gemoo Recorder, you can record the gameplay screen and your face at the same time. What’s more, you can record the sound while playing the game through the microphone, allowing viewers to have a more realistic and better viewing experience.

What do most YouTubers use to record gameplay?

There are many video recording tools on the market, such as Xbox Gamebar for Windows users, and QuickTime Player for Mac users, you can choose the one that suits you best. Gemoo Recorder works well on both Windows and Mac computers. You can start recording without a complicated setup.

Final Words

If you didn’t know how to record gameplay on a Mac or another type of computer, after reading this article you should be well-prepared for this task. We recommended the most suitable software tool for each platform, but there are other applications you might try that could produce a similar result. No matter which tool you ultimately decide to use, it’s wise to memorize the commands and shortcuts so that you can start recording your screen with minimal delay when you have something cool going on in the game that deserves to be kept and shared.