How to Record Xbox 360 Gameplay with Cost, Tips, and Equipment I use.

In this hub I will go through what you guys need, the cost, and how to record, and use gameplay to your benefit and make Youtube Videos.

I have only been doing Youtube videos for a short amount of time, and I will also talk about what you can expect when thinking about whether you want to or not, start doing the videos. I will also give you the reality of starting the whole commentary process at this point.

Before going any further, if you want to check out my channel you can click HERE to go to my Youtube channel, and see some of the videos I have produced, and see the products I will talk about below in full use.

First off this is where I show the minimum equipment you will need, and below I will talk about the equipment I use. So let me talk about what you guys will need first.

A Computer - Obviously this is pretty self explanatory. BUT you will need a decent computer that has the capability of recording gameplay, and will be fast enough to upload videos, and can support software that can edit, and create videos from what you are recording. I also suggest that you have around 100-200 free GB's of storage, because if you work like I do, I can use up my 500 GIGS of storage in a week, and then have to go back and change a lot of things around, SO have a decent computer to start.

PRICE OF COMPUTER - This will probably cost around $1000.00 depending on your specs, unless you already have one.

Capture Device - You are going to need a device that is made to record gameplay. TO be honest, the best device I have seen out there that I suggest you suing the the El Gato Capture HD. I use this product, and you can check that product out on the right. I use the Black version which is what I suggest using for a couple reasons. First off it includes all the software required that allows you to record gameplay. ALSO It allows live streaming at ease, AND lastly, it is EXTREMELY simple to use. Anyone can use this product, and I think it is a great product for anyone who is attempting to start making commentaries.

PRICE OF CAPTURE DEVICE - The EL Gato I suggest will cost in the price range of $150.00 which you can make back over time if you become successful doing Youtube.

Editing Software - Obviously some computers have this built in LIKE my Macbook which I use that I will talk about below. But most of the bigger Youtube Commentators use Sony Vegas in order to edit their products. Personally I don't think this is necessary when getting your feet wet, but overtime I do suggest switching over to this, because you will be able to make much better videos, with more sound effects, and allow you to edit things into further detail, than basic editing programs allow.

PRICE OF SOFTWARE TO EDIT - If it comes on your computer then there is no cost. BUT Sony Vegas may run you upwards of $100.00 for basic software.

Microphone - I suggest buying an external microphone off ebay, or buying one off amazon, or even at bestbuy, that will allow you to record your voice, over a computer microphone. Computer microphones are fine to start off, but you will get much ebtter sound quality with external microphones that you can buy.

COST OF MICROPHONE - You can essentially pay anywhere from $5.00 up to $250.00 depending on the microphone you want. I would say a decent microphone costs about $50.00.

Gaming Platform - THis is pretty obvious as well, but you are going to need a gaming system of your choice. I use a XBox Elite which gets the job done, and also you will need the online service to play online, unless you are just going to record single player.

COST FOR PLATFORM, AND SERVICE - The Xbox, and elite will cost you anywhere from around $150,00 dollars up to $300.00 for everything, but buying online can also save you money on this aspect.

Okay guys so now let me talk about the programs that I use to record my gameplay, and to work.

My Dell - My school computer, I use to upload, and do any work on Youtube itself, once the videos are on the website. This is also the computer I use to write these guides, and anything else I do on the internet.

Price of my Dell - $1500.00

My Macbook. I use my Macbook to record, and do all my gaming voice overs. I use the built in editing program, internal microphone, and everything that came with that computer in order to record, and get my videos onto the internet.

Price of Macbook - $1800.00

El Gato Recorder - I use the El Gato HD Recorder which allows me to record all my gameplay, and save that gameplay to my Mac. It is also extremely user friendly, and will allow you to simply make you videos and get them ready to be posted online.

Price of El Gato - I bought mine on Ebay For $150.00

TV - For gaming I use a 32 inch TV which I have had for a while, but this is also big enough for me to play the game, and see what I am doing. I also have another 32 inch TV that I use my MacBook on and will rewatch the gameplays I am making on the TV to see the detail of what I am doing.

Price of TV - Mine costs $300, but you can buy a smaller TV for around $200.00 if needed.

I still lack an external microphone, and good editing software. Even though these are still built in to my Macbook, I am going to be eventually be buying a new microphone so I can do live gameplay, and record both my voice, and in game voice while playing. I am also going to be buying new software to further edit the videos I produce. I have been taking my Youtube slowly, and only buying things as I have needed them with profits from writing here. So I didn't jump into things all at once.

While there is nothing wrong with dreaming big, and thinking you are going to be the next Youtube Sensation, realistically you probably will not be. I STILL THINK everyone should try it out for themselves, but if you look at how many people are trying Youtube today, then you have to realize it is EXTREMELY competitive in the viewers. It is not easy to get started in today's time, and takes a bit of luck, to really get going. So before jumping in and going crazy with Youtube, I think you should realize all of this, and take going into Youtube slowly. You should realize that it is extremely competitive and I have honestly had significantly more success writing here, than I have making Youtube videos at this point. I can personally say how tough the Youtube market is, and how difficult it is to start out, and I will also be making a guide that will talk about tips for starting out on Youtube, that will help you get further when getting subscribers, and getting more viewers.

Overall Youtube is extremely competitive and only some will become famous. But with a LOT of effort, anyone can get there. And also remember that EVERYONE started out with no viewers, and no subscribers, so just take your time. Don't expect to make money fast, and put as much effort in as possible. It is not for everyone, but it is a LOT of fun to be able to make videos and help your team out.