How to Record Yourself Playing Video Games [FREE]

Knowing how to record gaming videos for YouTube, Facebook, and more platforms is essential for streamers, content creators, or anyone who wants to save their gameplay moments.

Whether you're gaming on a PC, console, or mobile device, this guide will walk you through the best free ways to how to record yourself playing video games, capturing both your gameplay and yourself at the same time.

How to Record Yourself Playing Video Games on Windows/Mac PC

To record gameplay on PC or laptop without lag, solutions can vary depending on your operating system and specific recording needs.

👉Below is a comparison of the three popular recording tools for gamers:

Option 1. EaseUS RecExperts

EaseUS RecExperts is a powerful screen recorder for Windows and Mac, supporting simultaneous screen recording, webcam, microphone, and internal audio recording.

Its "Game Mode" is designed for game lovers to record gameplay on Mac and Windows without fps drops, watermarks, lag, or time limits.

Steps to record gameplay with EaseUS RecExperts:

Step 1. Launch the gameplay that you want to record. Next, open EaseUS RecExperts and click on the "Game" button on the left.

Step 2. Click on the "Select Game" option to choose a Game Window or Game Process. Then, you can enable the audio and webcam recording if needed. When all are done, click the big REC button to start the gameplay recording.

Step 3. A floating toolbar will appear, and you can pause or stop the recording. Besides that, the camera icon enables you to take a screenshot, and the timer icon lets you stop the recording automatically.

Step 4. After saving the recorded gameplay video, a media player will pop up. It gives you a built-in tool to trim the recording, extract audio from the video, and add an opening & ending part. You can find the tool at the bottom of the player.

Option 2. Xbox Game Bar

Xbox Game Bar is a built-in screen recorder for Windows 10 and 11 that lets you easily capture gameplay. This comes to be one of the best clipping software for Roblox, Minecraft, Trove, and more platforms.

Steps to record gameplay on Windows 10 and 11 with Xbox Game Bar:

Step 1. Press Win + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.

Step 2. Click Capture (the camera icon) > Start recording (dot in a circle) or press Win + Alt + R to start recording. You can toggle on the Mic recording option if necessary.

Step 3. Play your game and stop the recording (click the Stop recording button or press Win + Alt + R) when done.

Step 4. Find your recording in the See my captures option or Captures folder.

Option 3. QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a default screen recorder for Mac users, though it does not record internal game audio.

Steps to record gameplay on Mac with QuickTime Player:

Step 1. Open QuickTime Player and go to File > New Screen Recording.

Step 2. Enable the Microphone if you want to record your voice.

Step 3. Click Record and start playing.

Step 4. Click the Stop button to save the recording.

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How to Play & Capture Gameplay on Xbox/PS/Switch Console

As for how to record console gameplay, use the consoles' native recording capabilities or a capture card and software.

👉Here's a comparison of the two tools:

Option 1. Gameplay consoles' native recording capabilities only

Use the internal recorder directly if you only need to clip and share a short game video on Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.

⏩How to Record Gameplay on Xbox

Step 1. Press the Share button (wireless controller) or Xbox button (regular controller).

Step 2. Go to Capture & Share with RB (right shoulder button).

Step 3. Select Record what happened to capture the last 30 seconds of gameplay, or select Start recording to clip a new gameplay.

Step 4. Press hold the Xbox/Share button and navigate to Capture & Share > Stop recording if you have done capturing game footage.

Step 5. Access recordings via the Gallery.

⏩How to Record Gameplay on PlayStation

Step 1. Press the Create (PS5) or Share (PS4) button to launch the popup.

Step 2. Go to Capture Options to change the game recording settings.

Step 3. Choose Start New Recording and press X to start recording.

Step 4. Press the Create/Share button again to stop recording.

Step 5. Return to the homepage > Games > Media Gallery for your PS recordings and screenshots.

⏩How to Record Gameplay on Nintendo Switch

Step 1. Press the Capture button on the left Joy-Con of your Switch console.

Step 2. Long holding the button to clip game moments for up to 30 seconds.

Step 3. Release the button to stop recording. A saving process will appear on the screen.

Step 4. View and share your recordings or screenshots from the Album.

Option 2. A Capture Card and Screen Recorder

You can record games with a capture card if you need smoother, better, and higher-quality video recordings.

A capture card records the video signal directly from the console or gaming PC without impacting your gaming performance, which is especially useful for less powerful systems.

Steps to record gameplay with a capture card:

Step 1. Prepare the hardware and software you need:

• A capture card (like Elgato HD60 X or AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable)
• 2 HDMI cables
• A computer
• PC screen recording software (e.g., EaseUS RecExperts)

Step 2. Connect your console to the capture card via HDMI; connect the capture card to the PC via USB.

Step 3. Launch EaseUS RecExperts on your PC, set up recording (face cam, microphone voice, system audio, fps, file format, etc.), and start the session.

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How to Record While Playing a Game on Android/iPhone

Android and iOS have built-in screen recorders, but third-party apps offer extra features like webcam overlay.

👉Here's a comparison of applying the two tools:

Option 1. Android and iPhone's default recording capabilities

⏩How to Record on iPhone

Step 1. Open Settings > Control Center > tap "+" (green plus icon) next to Screen Recording to enable the screen recording feature.

Step 2. Swipe down to access the Control Center and tap the screen recording option (a dot within a circle). This will start the recording session.

Step 3. Tap the red status bar at the top of your screen and select Stop to finish recording.

Step 4. Go to your Photos app to access, view, and edit the recording file.

⏩How to Record on Android

Step 1. Swipe down the screen from the top to access the Quick Settings panel.

Step 2. Look for the Screen Recorder icon from these functions. If the recorder is not present, add it by editing the Quick Settings panel.

Step 3. Tap Screen Recorder, configure audio/video settings, and tap Start.

Step 4. Swipe down your phone screen to access the notification panel and tap Stop to end recording.

Step 5. Go to Gallery or Photos app to view and edit the recording.

Option 2. An additional screen recorder

Plenty of iOS screen recorders on the market offer advanced features. AZ Screen Recorder is an app that supports facecams and high-quality recording.

Steps to record gameplay with AZ Screen Recorder:

Step 1. Install AZ Screen Recorder from the app store.

Step 2. Open the app and tap Record.

Step 3. Enable Facecam and Microphone if needed.

Step 4. Stop recording and save the video.

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Best Practice for Filming Yourself While Playing Games

1. Use a high-quality webcam (1080p or 4K recommended).

2. Use proper lighting to avoid shadows.

3. Invest in a good microphone for clear audio.

4. Optimize recording settings (60 FPS, high resolution).

5. Place your facecam correctly (avoid blocking game UI).

6. Reduce background noise.

7. Engage with your audience.

8. Edit videos for a professional look.

9. Test all settings before recording.

Conclusion

Knowing how to record yourself playing video games has never been easier. Whether you use EaseUS RecExperts, built-in features, or a capture card, you can find a solution that fits your needs.

Start recording today and create amazing content!

How to Record Yourself Playing Video Games for Free FAQs

Learn more questions and answers about filming yourself and the game you are playing at.

1. What do YouTubers use to record gameplay for free?

Most YouTubers use OBS Studio, Xbox Game Bar, or built-in screen recorders.

2. Is it illegal to record a play?

Recording gameplay is legal for personal use, but monetization depends on the game's copyright policy.

3. Do I need a capture card to stream?

For PC games, no. For console games, a capture card is recommended for high-quality streams.