Game Recorder for PC

Even while the popularity of consoles may be growing, many gamers still prefer PCs for their gaming requirements. You may play a variety of games, including some of the top PC games accessible online, FPS games, strategy games, and more. Sharing your games with your friends and other players around the world doubles the enjoyment. While one method is to stream games on Twitch, this usually uses a lot of data and can be very taxing on your internet. Because of this, I favour videotaping my gaming and uploading it to websites like YouTube. If you wish to follow suit, do as well, here are the 15 best game recording software for Windows to help you out.

Best Game Recording Software on Windows (2024)

You should absolutely have a look at Streamlabs OBS if you’re just getting started and you find OBS’s interface to be a little bit too difficult. A video recording and streaming platform called Streamlabs OBS attempts to make OBS’s user interface easier for beginners. The programme is quite user-friendly and has a tonne of built-in features that will make it easy for you to record and broadcast your games.

You may import all the tools from the company’s website immediately using the software because it links to your Streamlabs account and saves you from having to copy and paste numerous URLs. The programme is similar to a skinned version of OBS in that it has many of the same functions as the original OBS but a more user-friendly interface.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Includes a variety of plugins to enhance user experience
• Easy to set up
• Saves resources and settings on the cloud

Cons:

• More likely to crash with all its add-ons
• Fewer encoding options than OBS
• Multistream functionality only available in premium version

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and 7

Price: Free, $19/month

Download Streamlabs OBS

3. Nvidia Shadowplay

You must have already been prompted to install GeForce Experience on your device if it has an Nvidia GPU. In addition to just updating your Nvidia drivers, the software also comes with Nvidia’s Shadowplay application, which makes it simple to record video games. One of ShadowPlay’s best advantages is that it leverages the GPU (Nvenc) to conduct the video encoding, which reduces the amount of CPU power needed.

If you have a 4K panel, your recordings will likewise be in 4K because the software is capable of recording at the same resolution as your display. The GeForce Experience software is a must-try if you own an Nvidia GPU because it’s free and typically performs admirably for simple gameplay recording.

Pros:

• Works only with Nvidia GPUs
• Doesn’t have as many features as other software on the list

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and 7

Pricing: Free

Download Nvidia GeForce Experience

4. Radeon ReLive

Since that Nvidia has its own recording software, shouldn’t AMD have the same? Enter Radeon ReLive, the company’s exclusive programme for recording games on an AMD GPU (formerly known as AMD ReLive). AMD’s ReLive uses the GPU for the majority of the encoding, similar to the Nvidia technique, freeing up your CPU cycles for other tasks. Although the effect on framerates is often minimal (5–10 percent), it may not be sufficient for more complicated streaming setups. Furthermore, the programme includes upscaling capability as well. This means that even if you play in 1080p, you can still record in 4K UHD. Radeon ReLive is definitely worth a try if you have an AMD GPU.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Easy setup and simple to use
• Support for upscaling

Cons:

• Works only with AMD GPUs
• OpenGL game recording not available
• Doesn’t have as many features as dedicated recording software

Compatibility: RX Vega, 500 Series Graphics products; Radeon RX 400 Series; Radeon R9 Fury, R9 300, R7 300 Series; Radeon Pro Duo; AMD Radeon R9 200, R7 200, R5 300, R5 240 Series; AMD Radeon™ HD 8500 – HD 8900 Series; AMD Radeon™ HD 7700 – HD 7900 Series

Pricing: Free

Download Radeon ReLive

5. Bandicam

In terms of screen recording software, Bandicam screen recorder is among the most well-known. Although advertised as a screen recorder for Windows, the programme also makes an excellent game recorder because to its excellent ability to record at high bitrates and frames. Videos can be recorded in 4K Ultra HD with a variety of frame rates. Due to its built-in compression technology, which ensures that there is no quality loss and you obtain the shortest file size possible even at such high quality, it enables tiny size video recordings. The recordings can be modified for use with Computer games or other activities, and the window size can be reduced or increased.

Pros:

• Two capture modes
• Ability to resize capture area
• Support for numerous codecs and formats
• Built-in compression feature

Cons:

• Quite costly
• Videos might have some lag issues

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and Vista

Pricing: Free Trial, $33.26/year for 1 license

Download Bandicam

6. Gamecaster

One of the simplest yet most capable recording tools available is Gamecaster. The programme makes it simple to record your gaming in high definition in addition to streaming. With only one button press, you may begin recording, and Gamecaster will select the appropriate parameters for your PC.

The utilisation of features like picture-in-picture mode, watermarks, video annotations, and social media integration is another plus. With the help of Gamecaster’s built-in video editor, you can also effortlessly manage all of the recorded films and share them with the rest of the globe. You can use your smartphone to manage the livestream of your gaming sessions with the Gamecast Remote feature. One of the top game recording programmes for Windows 10 and Windows 11 is without a doubt this one.

Pros:

• Free software with all features you need
• Intuitive and Clean UI
• Provides option to record locally or stream to all popular platforms with one click
• Partner integrations

Cons:

• Highlight feature not available
• Not for advanced users

Compatibility: Windows 10

Pricing: Free

Download Gamecaster

7. Fraps

Another very well-liked and user-friendly game recording programme for Windows is called Fraps. Fraps is all about simplicity of use, unlike competing recording tools that include intimidating settings and configurations pages. You just start recording by going to the “Movies” section.

Fraps does provide you with a few crucial options, such as the ability to manually control the video capture frame rate, which ranges from 30 to 120FPS. Moreover, there is a custom FPS value entry option that allows you to set a frame rate even lower than 30. Next, and this is really cool, Fraps can record audio from both external input and system sound. Fraps can also be used to record games that use DirectXM and OpenGL.

The nicest part is that you can record games on your Windows PC while displaying your cursor, just like OBS Studio. In addition, a live frame rate counter is available in the screen’s corner, which is highly useful for avid players. To be clear, Fraps is a simple screen recording programme that can be a useful tool for PC gamers who desire a smooth experience when capturing their gaming.

Pros:

• Lightweight and simple to use
• Can set custom FPS value; Supports 120FPS video recording
• Has a live FPS counter
• Highlight cursor and capture audio from an external input device

Cons:

• 30-seconds recording limit for free version
• No options to add titles
• No pause button
• Recorded video size is high

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista and XP

Pricing: Free; $37 for Full Version

Download Fraps

8. Gecata Screen Recorder

The Gecata game recorder from Movavi is excellent for Windows and comes with a number of features that are great for both streamers and casual players. Gecata’s user interface is clearly defined, making it very easy for anyone without much technical knowledge to start recording gameplay. The software includes a special Game Mode that enables you to start recording 4K movies at up to 120 frames per second as soon as the game launches. You can choose how overlays show frame rate.

In addition, you can choose to record a portion of the windowed mode screen. As I mentioned, Monavi Screen Recorder offers many post-recording options that allow you to do a variety of things, including turning a video into a GIF, trimming, cutting, and joining films, adding animated titles and special effects, and much more. Overall, Movavi Screen Recorder can be a decent choice if you’re looking for game recording software with a good selection of editing features. As an

Pros:

• Feature-packed
• Comes with many editing tools
• Supports screen resolution up to 4K
• Can record a part of the screen
• Convert screen recording to GIF instantly

Cons:

• A bit expensive
• Limited free trial

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7

Pricing: Starts at $39.95

Download Movavi Screen Recorder

9. Dxtory

Dxtory is another another straightforward programme on this list with a tonne of functions and minimal system impact. It is one of the most lightweight yet reliable pieces of software. The UI is incredibly straightforward, making it simple to comprehend and adjust any options. To ensure you receive the best video, it captures lossless videos at the highest quality (huge size, though).

The audio settings are also fairly powerful, allowing you to concurrently record two sounds, such as game sound and microphone sound, which can then be altered separately. You can pick the video codec, frames per second (from 10 to 120), sources, size, and format in the video options. As the game starts, you can make the software record it automatically. You can also control whether the software uses the GPU or the CPU to record the game.

Pros: 

• Basic UI
• Intuitive user experience
• Plenty of customization options

Cons:

• Annoying trial notification
• Not for casual users

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista and XP

Pricing: Free Trial, $28.29 for 1 license

Download Dxtory

10. Action!

If you have a powerful computer, Action! is one of the best game recording programmes you can use right now. Your GPU is used by the software to speed up recordings and relieve CPU load. High-quality videos with up to 4K resolution, fast frame rates, and even live commentary are possible to produce.

Also, the videos can be watched on all well-known platforms including YouTube, Hitbox, Twitch, Livestream, and Ustream, among others. Time-Shift mode is also included in Action!, but it is only available for 10 minutes instead of 20. Also, you may edit your movies with tools like cropping, slow-motion effects, and other fundamental features.

Pros:

• Feature rich
• GPU acceleration
• Easy to use
• Great options for file sharing
• High definition playback

Cons:

• Higher frame rates take up more memory
• No option to customize frame rates
• Quite costly

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and Vista

Pricing: Free Trial, $29.95 per user

Download Action!

11. D3DGear

D3DGear may seem like a straightforward and unimportant tool, yet it is quite helpful. There is no additional configuration needed for the game recording programme. In reality, recording your gaming footage only requires a click after you install it. It has a compact design and an integrated compression technology that will resize any videos you capture using it.

As the videos are real-time compressed, you could still be able to record a video even if your hard disc is at capacity. Even though it’s little, it exploits GPU acceleration to put the GPU under pressure rather than the CPU. You only need to press the hotkey to begin or end recording; the software connects to games automatically.

Pros:

Most likely, you’re reading this article while using Windows 10. If that’s the case, Xbox Game Bar should be sufficient if all you need is a straightforward tool for logging your gameplay. You can only choose between 30 and 60 frames per second when recording video (the default shortcut is Win + Alt + R), as well as between standard (720p) and high (1080p) quality, and an audio bitrate.

You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Win + G) to open the Game Bar. Everyone may recommend it easily because of how simple it is to use and how cost-free it is. Although it is only appropriate for novices, you can choose one of the other aforementioned options if you’re seeking for something more complex.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Comes inbuilt with Window 10

Cons:

• Limited features
• Available only on Windows 10

Compatibility: Windows 10

Pricing: Free

13. ManyCam

At its core, ManyCam is a Windows and Mac application for live streaming. You can also just use it to record your games, though. It’s a fantastic tool to have on your gaming PC because you can record your games with it and you don’t need any additional software if you want to broadcast. Do keep in mind, though, that ManyCam allows streaming to Facebook and YouTube Live. Other features include automatic bitrate setup, 3D masks and filters, green screen, and more.

Although though ManyCam is available for free download, you’ll eventually need to buy a licence. ManyCam has a subscription-based business model by default, however you can also buy a lifetime licence if you like.

Pros:

• Can be used for both streaming and game recording
• Feature-rich
• Integrations with YouTube and Facebook

Cons:

• Expensive as compared to other options on this list

Compatibility: Windows 11 (likely), Windows 10, Windows 8

Pricing: subscription starts at $49/year; lifetime license starts at $59

Download ManyCam

14. Icecream Screen Recorder

Another feature-rich game recording programme that you may use to record your gaming and share it with friends is Icecream Screen Recorder. The app has essential features including the option to record webcam in addition to screen. Naturally, there is functionality for recording audio, and screenshots and screen recordings also have annotation features. While you’re editing your game recording before uploading it to YouTube, these tools might be quite helpful. Moreover, Icecream Screen Recorder enables you to effortlessly share your videos on YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox and add a custom logo to your recordings.

The software includes all the essentials you’ll need for editing. Recordings can be trimmed, the tempo can be altered, and more. Icecream Screen Recorder can be configured to automatically begin screen captures at predetermined times and convert movies.

Pros:

• Allows webcam recording as overlay
• Built-in video editor
• Supports custom logo watermarks

Cons:

• Free version is limited in functionality

Compatibility: Windows (including Windows 10 and Windows 11), macOS

Pricing: Free, pro version available at $29.95 one time fee

Download Icecream Screen Recorder

15. Wondershare Demo Creator

Demo Maker, one of the many helpful tools produced by Wondershare, is a reliable screen recorder that makes it simple to record PC games. In order to edit each one separately, the app records your screen and system audio separately. This gives you more freedom during post-production. Furthermore supported by the software are transitions, zoom and pan, green screen, and many other effects. You may even add narrations to your clips while Demo Maker is recording your game.

The AI facial recognition feature in Wondershare Demo Maker allows it to recognise your face and smoothly incorporate it into the recording. You don’t need to go to a Windows video editing app because all the modifications you require may be made within the product itself.

Pros:

• Record video and audio in separate streams
• Built-in video editor
• AI face recognition

Cons:

• No free version, and subscription is a tad pricey

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

Pricing: Free trial, subscription starts at $39.99/year

Download Wondershare Demo Creator

Bonus: Screencast-O-Matic

You may consider Screencast-O-Matic if you want a PC game recording programme that is simple to use. Although the user interface is straightforward, there are a lot of built-in functions. You can set a time limit, choose the resolution of your screen recording, and other options. Moreover, the software allows you to simultaneously record system and microphone audio, allowing you to record both your narration and gaming sounds.

Moreover, Screencast-O-Matic has a video editor. This can be helpful when you’re trying to give your gaming footage the final touches before uploading it to YouTube or sharing it with your buddies. In conclusion, Screencast-O-Matic offers all the capabilities you could ask for in a game recording programme, so you should absolutely give it a try.

Pros:

• Simple UI
• Can record system audio and mic at the same time
• Comes with a video editor

Cons:

• You will need to purchase the paid version to take advantage of all the features

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS

Pricing: paid plans start at $4/month (billed yearly)

Download Screencast-O-Matic

Conclusion of Record Your Gameplay with Game Recording Software

The game recording programme listed above gives you total control over recording your game as you play it. They all record in great quality, however their features and use may vary. Some could be missing a few features, but they are quite user-friendly, making them ideal for novices. Others might be best left to experts who plan to use streaming and video game teaching as their careers.

In either case, the list of game recording programmes above should meet your needs. Do you think there is any additional software that ought to have been listed in light of this? Tell us in the comments section below. You may also checkout Top Car Insurance Companies in USA.