How To Change Game On Twitch Mod

How to Change Game on Twitch Mod

So, you’re a Twitch mod and you want to help your streamer keep things organized? One important part of that is making sure the game they’re playing is correctly shown on their stream. This helps viewers know what they’re watching, find the stream if they’re looking for a specific game, and helps the streamer get discovered by more people interested in that game. It’s like putting a name tag on the stream! This process isn’t difficult, but it can be a little tricky if you haven’t done it before. Let’s break down everything you need to know about how to change the game being played on a Twitch channel when you’re a mod.

Understanding Your Role as a Moderator

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” As a moderator, you are a trusted member of the streamer’s community. You help them keep their chat safe, enjoyable, and organized. Part of this role involves assisting with stream management, and that’s where changing the game category comes in. Streamers might get caught up in the gameplay and forget to change the game themselves. As a mod, you can quickly and easily update the category to ensure the stream is properly listed on Twitch. It also assists in discoverability; when viewers search for a specific game, your streamer’s channel will appear in search results only if the correct game is selected. This helps viewers find the channel more easily. Ultimately, changing the game on Twitch as a mod helps make the viewing experience better for everyone.

Why is Choosing the Right Game Category Important?

Choosing the right game category is super important for many reasons. Here’s why:

• Discoverability: Twitch uses game categories to help viewers find streams. If the game is incorrect, viewers looking for that game won’t find your streamer’s channel. Imagine trying to find a show about cats, but all the shows are labeled “dogs.” You wouldn’t find what you wanted!
• Engagement: Viewers interested in a specific game are more likely to watch a stream listed under that game. When they see a stream playing the game they enjoy, they may join the stream and chat, which increases engagement.
• Accurate Information: It helps viewers know what they are watching. Imagine clicking on a stream and thinking it is a puzzle game, but it turns out to be an action game. This can be very frustrating for the viewer.
• Streamer Growth: Proper categorization helps Twitch’s algorithms suggest the stream to viewers interested in similar content, helping the streamer grow their audience.

Common Scenarios Requiring Game Changes

Let’s look at some common reasons why you, as a mod, might need to change the game category:

• Switching Games: The most obvious one! When the streamer switches from one game to another, the category needs to be updated.
• Incorrect Initial Setup: Sometimes, a streamer might start the stream and forget to select the correct game at the beginning.
• Temporary Changes: If a streamer switches to “Just Chatting” for a bit, or a very short game demo, they might not want to pause or stop the stream; they’ll want you to change it quickly.
• Content Creation: Occasionally, a streamer might be working on game related content but not necessarily playing the game directly. You will want to change the category then, too.

Methods for Changing the Game on Twitch as a Mod

Okay, now let’s get into the actual steps. There are two main ways you can change the game being played on a Twitch channel as a mod:

1. Using Chat Commands.
2. Using the Twitch Dashboard.

Both methods are simple and easy. Let’s explore them!

Method 1: Using Chat Commands

This is the quickest way to change the game directly within the stream’s chat. It requires the broadcaster to enable mod chat commands.

How to Use the Chat Command

The chat command to change a game is: /game [game title]. Let’s break it down:

• /game: This is the command itself that tells Twitch you want to change the game.
• [game title]: This is the name of the game you want to switch to. For example, Minecraft, Among Us, Fortnite.

Here is how to use it:

1. Open the Twitch channel’s chat.
2. Type /game followed by the exact name of the game and press enter. For example, if the streamer is playing “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”, you would type: /game The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and press enter.
3. Twitch will update the game category to whatever you typed, if the category is present on twitch.
4. The streamer and other viewers will see that you have updated the game in the chat.

Important Notes on Chat Commands

• Exact Title: Make sure you type the exact game title. Twitch recognizes game categories very specifically. A small spelling error will not work. If you are not 100% sure how it appears on twitch, it’s best to use the next method.
• Multiple Words: If the game title has multiple words, type the complete title just as you see it listed on Twitch.
• Correct Spelling: Pay attention to spelling and punctuation. For example, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” needs the correct capitalization and punctuation to be registered correctly.
• Streamer Permission: The streamer has to enable mod chat commands for this to work. If it doesn’t work, ask the streamer to make sure they enabled it!
• Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation message in the chat when the game category has been updated.

When to Use the Chat Command

Chat commands are best when you need to quickly change the game, or if you are helping the streamer and the streamer already started the stream. It is a quick and direct method.

Example: The streamer finishes playing “Mario Kart” and starts a new game called “Stardew Valley.” You, as a mod, would type /game Stardew Valley directly in the Twitch chat, then press Enter.

Method 2: Using the Twitch Dashboard

This method involves accessing the streamer’s dashboard, which provides a more visual and comprehensive way to manage the stream information. It is useful for changing game categories and adding any additional details. Keep in mind you need editor access to make these changes in the dashboard. Ask your streamer to add you as an editor if you do not have this access.

How to Use the Twitch Dashboard

1. Access the Dashboard: Open the Twitch website and go to the streamer’s channel. Click the streamer’s profile picture in the upper right corner and then select “Creator Dashboard.” If you don’t see this option, you are not a moderator for the creator, or they have not added you as an editor.
2. Navigate to Stream Manager: On the left-hand side menu of the dashboard, look for “Stream Manager” and click it.
3. Find the Edit Stream Info Panel: On the stream manager page, you should see a panel or a section that says “Edit Stream Info.” It might be directly displayed on the page, or it could be hidden behind a button that says “Edit Stream Info.” Click it.
4. Change the Category: You’ll see a text box to add the game, if the game is not added previously, or a box will show the game previously selected. If previously selected you may click in the box to edit it. Begin typing the game’s name you want to switch to. Twitch will start suggesting game titles. Choose the correct title from the suggestions.
5. Save Changes: After you have selected the correct game, click “Done,” or “Save” or similar button at the bottom of the panel, which will save the changes.

Advantages of Using the Dashboard

• Visual Interface: The dashboard offers a more visual interface, which can be easier to use than commands for some people.
• Search Assistance: As you type the game name, Twitch suggests options, reducing the chance of spelling errors.
• Additional Information: While changing the category, you also have the option to edit other stream details, like stream title, tags, or audience.
• See the current game: It’s easy to see the game currently listed so that you can verify what is set before changing anything.

When to Use the Dashboard

The dashboard is best for situations where you might need a bit more time, want more clarity on the game title, or need to change more than just the game category. It’s also a good option when you’re not sure about the precise spelling of the game.

Example: The streamer is getting ready to start a new stream and hasn’t set the game yet, and they would like you to set it before they start. Go to the creator dashboard, the stream manager page and change the stream information.

Tips and Best Practices for Mods Changing Game Categories

Changing the game category seems easy, but here are some tips to do it effectively.

Communication is Key

• Talk with the Streamer: Always check with the streamer on if you should make the changes, or the specific game category. You want to make sure you are on the same page!
• Inform the Streamer: Once you’ve changed the game category, let the streamer know, especially if they are focusing on the game. A quick message in chat or using Discord to message them directly is a great option.
• Community Awareness: If there are viewers asking about the game, let them know you’ve made the adjustment!

Accuracy Matters

• Double Check Spelling: Before hitting enter, look at the text for errors, use the twitch dashboard when unsure.
• Proper Categorization: Pick the specific game category. If the game has sequels or different versions, make sure you choose the correct one.

Timing Your Changes

• Change at the Right Time: Avoid changing the game category mid-match. If possible, do it during a natural break.
• Quick Changes When Needed: If the streamer is transitioning quickly to another game or changing game category, it is good to be ready to change it quickly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Command Not Working: If the chat command isn’t working, ensure the streamer has enabled mod chat commands. If they have enabled mod commands, make sure your spelling is correct.
• Incorrect Game Appearing: If the wrong game appears, double-check for spelling errors. Sometimes the game might have an updated name or a slightly different way of being listed.
• Twitch Issues: Sometimes Twitch might have server issues. If you are sure you typed everything correctly, wait a moment and try again.

Keeping Up-to-Date

• Twitch Updates: Twitch regularly updates its platform. Stay informed about any changes by following Twitch’s official channels or community pages.
• New Games: New games are always being released! Keep an eye out for these so you are able to quickly update categories for the streamer.

Use the Right Tools

• Dashboard for Major Changes: Use the dashboard when you need to double-check information or when you have more time.
• Chat Command for Quick Changes: Use the chat command when you know the game’s name and need to make the change quickly.

Be Proactive

• Anticipate Needs: If you know the streamer is planning to switch games, be prepared to update the category accordingly.
• Offer Assistance: Let the streamer know you are willing to assist with keeping the stream information updated.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that the game category is always correct, contributing to a great viewing experience for the audience and helping the streamer grow their community.