Encoding Optimizations for Video Game Live Streaming

Abstract

In recent years, live video-game-centric streaming platforms have experienced dramatic growth, driven by the explosion of the esports market. Besides, live-event rightsholders and broadcasters are successfully “gamifying” their video offerings. Given the rise of video game live streaming, we address, in this article, the questions of how to optimize and adapt the encoding strategies for efficient game content coding. We first characterize game content, focusing on how its signal characteristics differ from “natural” content. We then share insights on selected encoding strategies targeting improvements in both compression efficiency and density/encoder run time for signals with such characteristics. Additionally, we examine the relevance of screen content coding (SCC) tools, as adopted in HEVC SCC and VVC standards, in a video game coding context. Finally, we conclude the article by highlighting the benefits of using game-content-aware technology with better compression efficiency under realtime constraints.