[TUTORIAL - Windows] How to Record and Upload/Share Match Videos

[rob77dp]

Spoiler for pre-2018-08-20 version:

I am honored this is still linked to in 12th Trials Phase 4 Final Battle, however please consider this caveat: I have not confirmed the content in the last year- and the last review was a year ago with just enough effort to make sure no major errors or changes. Please consider recording your Finals matches but just beware you may have to troubleshoot the process some (try it before you're IN THE MATCH). Thanks. --Rob 2018-08-16

How to Record and Upload Match Videos
(It currently reads like a stream-of-consciousness so let me know if it is hard to follow.  I recommend using the instructions to record a few test matches against AI3 or random PvP to get the hang of it outside of important duels that "count".)

Spoiler for Recording steps (CamStudio):

A1.  Open Elements game

(Or navigate to kongregate.com and start Elements the Game)

B1.  Open CamStudio
(Download here and install before opening, obviously.)


B1a.  CamStudio settings… (should only have to do this the first time you open/use CamStudio)
•   On “Region” menu:  Click “Window”


•   On “Options” menu:  Click “Video Options…” > The default settings are these and should suffice for our recording purposes.


•   On “Options” menu:  Choose to record or not record audio:
(I have been unable to get it to record system sound instead of microphone sound... I recommend testing it before turning on or off)


•   Use the AVI recording option - I was unable to get the editing (Windows Movie Maker, later steps) to access/open the MP4's from CamStudio:



A2.  Begin match / searching for opponent.


B2.  Switch to CamStudio program window.

B3.  Click “Record video from the screen” button > Click on Elements game window once opponent is ‘found’ > Minimize CamStudio window/program


A3.  DUEL AND WIN!!

B4.  After end of duel:  Bring-to-front (double-click icon in system tray) CamStudio program> Click “Stop recording video from screen” button > Navigate to a folder to store original video > Enter descriptive filename > Click “Save”


*** Repeat A1 through B4 as required to completion of match, then proceed below after posting summary thread on forum ***

Spoiler for Editing steps (Windows Movie Maker):

C1.  Open Windows Live Movie Maker (Download the program from here if it is not already on your system)


C2.  On “Home” ribbon:  Click “Add videos and photos” button > Navigate to original video for editing > Click “Open”


C2a.  Movie Maker settings…
•   On “Home” ribbon:  Click “Save movie” dropdown button > Click “Create Custom Setting” option > Click in “Name:” field > Enter name for settings similar to “EtG” or “Elements1” > Set “Width:”/”Height:”/”Bit rate:”/”Frame rate:” to 958/652/5500/24, respectively > Set “Audio format:” to preferred level (96 kbps should be sufficient, I think) > Click “Save”


C3.  On “Edit” ribbon:  Set “Speed” to ‘2x’ > Play video > Pause video a few seconds before end of match/opponent-found screen > Click “Set start point” > Fast-forward/play video > Pause video after green ‘Confirmed’ appears (WIN - after clicking “OK” button on YOU WON screen;  LOSS - after clicking “Menu” button on YOU LOST screen) > Click “Set end point”


C4.  On “Home” ribbon:  Click “Save movie” dropdown button > Click the custom setting for Elements (refer to C2a, above) within the “Custom setting” section of dropdown menu > Navigate to a folder to store edited video (will upload from here to Youtube) > Enter descriptive filename > Click “Save”

Spoiler for Uploading steps (Youtube):

D1.  Here, proceed to upload video as you prefer (Youtube is recommended and instructions provided, below).

D2.  Open Youtube.com (and sign-in)


D3.  Click “Upload” button > Follow on-screen directions for uploading video to Youtube for all desire recorded Elements videos


D4.  Click “Upload” dropdown menu icon (triangle) > Click “Video Manager” option > Click “Edit” dropdown menu icon (triangle) for video to link > Click “Info and Settings” option > Highlight and Copy “Video URL” link for adding to forum post(s) or linking to the video

Spoiler for current:

Use OBS - Open Broadcaster Software. You can use it to stream (like to twitch.tv), record (like to a movie file), or BOTH stream and record (triple threat!). The newer/est version(s) are very simple to setup. Download and get help HERE.

[rob77dp]

Edit 1:  In step B1a "Options" menu "Do not record audio", addressing Shantu's comment, audio can be left on so that those among the possible reviewing audience can "get more into the match".  My reasoning for removing audio was file size (is minimal size savings) and to possibly help make it easier later to add a specific audio track into the video.  However, after doing a few match videos in Phase 2, I'm not sure if I'll ever get to adding audio.

tl;dr - The no audio step in B1a is not required and is user preference only.

[Chapuz]

Does anyone actually record matches?

[ddevans96]

lol. Some people do, or would like to, or this wouldn't be here.

[Dm]

Specially with trials finals around, recording matches gets fun.

[Shantu]

I don't quite agree with audio off. I find watching a game with sound better, makes me feel more involved.

Good stuff nonetheless, I spent quite a few hours trying to get it working last trials. This should definitely help.

[andretimpa]

Relevant for people that use mac/linux

Using Quick Time in Snow Leopard
Other mac programs
ffmpeg + alsa in Linux
Other Linux programs

[rob77dp]

Necro-bump.  I think this could be useful for some folks during War times (which are NOW). 

[rob77dp]

Necro!

Edit:
The old link for where to get or download CamStudio is not a good one. Use THIS LINK instead. It is also now edited into OP.

[rob77dp]

OVERHAUL complete of the instructional. These steps are tested and current as of the typing of this post.

If you have trouble with the process, feel free to post here or PM me for help (whatever help I can provide, that is).


--Rob

[gogs2]

Thanks for the tut

[Jackanory]

Apparently CamStudio now downloads with a lot of Adware/Malware attached to it. A Google search highlights the potential problems with this that may not to have existed within the download when this tutorial was first published but do now.