Top Tips for Starting a Gaming Podcast

Have you ever felt like your gaming chats deserve a bigger stage?

You’re deep in conversation about the latest game drop, debating whether the new release is a masterpiece of a complete flop, or dissecting the twists of your favourite RPG and laughing over multiplayer fails when it hits you: this could be a podcast.

Gaming podcasts are more than just another form of content. They’re an opportunity to create something immersive, connect with like-minded fans, and share your unique take.

Not sure where to start? From choosing the perfect mic to mapping out episodes, this guide from MinMxD will walk you through every step of starting your very own gaming podcast.

Choosing the Right Equipment for a Professional Podcast

The best podcasting set-up depends on your goals and budget. Whether you’re dipping your toe in the podcasting waters or planning to go all-in with a professional set-up, the equipment you choose will determine the quality of your episodes.

Here’s a breakdown of equipment options:

Microphone and Recorder with SD Card Storage

If you’re recording a podcast with multiple people in the same room, a microphone and audio recorder set up allows you to record multiple audio tracks simultaneously, which helps enormously when it comes to editing.

Consider investing in cardioid mics that pick up sound directly in front of them; this will help improve the quality of your audio by reducing background noise.

By using a portable audio recorder that saves to SD cards, each microphone can record its own track, making post-production much smoother. Popular recorders like the Zoom H4n or Tascam DR-40X are great options.

Pro tip: Label each mic or track before recording, especially when working with multiple voices.

USB Microphone for Direct Computer Recording

Ideal for solo creators or those recording remote interviews, USB microphones make it easy to jump straight into recording on your laptop or desktop. The plug-and-play nature of a USB mic removes the need to transfer files from external devices – your audio is saved directly to your computer for instant access.

USB mics pair perfectly with online interview tools like Zoom. Just remember to check your USB microphone is recognised in your computer’s audio settings to avoid recording issues.

Top picks: The Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica ATR2100x, and Rode NT-USB are excellent choices for USB microphones.

An Advanced Professional Set-up

If you’re ready to invest in more advanced podcasting gear, here’s what you’ll need:

• XLR Microphones: These are often preferred by professional podcasters because of their superior audio quality. Models like the Shure SM7B or Rode Procaster are popular choices.
• Audio Interface: Use an interface like the Focusrite Scarlett series to connect XLR mics to your computer for better sound control and quality.
• Pop Filters and Shock Mounts: These accessories reduce plosive sounds and mic vibrations for cleaner audio.
• Soundproofing: Consider acoustic foam panels or portable sound shields to minimise echo and background noise.
• Monitoring Headphones: Closed-backed headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x allow clear sound monitoring during recording and editing.

Structuring Your Podcast: Episode Ideas and Formats

When planning your gaming podcast, structuring your episodes is key to keeping your audience engaged and coming back for more. Think about when and how your listeners will tune in – whether during their morning commute or while multitasking with daily chores. Becoming a part of their routine means creating content they can count on and look forward to.

Here are a few factors to consider when brainstorming future podcast content:

Creating a Dependable Episode Structure

A clear and consistent format makes your podcast familiar and memorable, keeping your audience engaged. Try this outline:

• Introduction (3-5 minutes) – Start with a hook, whether that’s trending news, a gaming release, or a funny, relatable anecdote to draw listeners in.
• Main Segment (15-30 minutes) – Explore your primary topics, such as an in-depth review, industry insights or a roundtable discussion.
• Secondary Segment (5-10 minutes) – Add a variety with a recurring feature like “Game of the Week” or a quickfire Q&A.
• Closing thoughts (5 minutes) – Recap your key points, shout out fan questions or comments, and tease your next episode.

Plan Your First Season

Starting a podcast is exciting, but all the planning, recording, and editing involved can also make it overwhelming.

When starting out, aim for a manageable 10-12 episodes to help you create a cohesive first season. Plan topics in advance and batch record episodes where possible to avoid last-minute stress.

Learn more about how to avoid burnout as a content creator >

Episode Ideas to Inspire You

Here are some potential content ideas to get your creative gears turning:

• Deep Dives: Analyse a loved franchise or controversial game mechanics.
• Trending Topics: Discuss the latest news or updates in the gaming industry.
• Reviews: Offer detailed, spoiler-free takes on new releases.
• Interviews: Bring on developers, voice actors or streamers.
• Gaming Challenges: Share stories from attempting notoriously difficult games.
• Listener Submissions: Answer fan questions or react to community takes on trending topics.

Build a Connection

Include segments or features that make your audience feel like part of the show.

• Run polls or Q&A sessions on social media and share the results on your podcast.
• Give frequent listeners shoutouts or ask them to suggest future episode topics.
• Create running jokes or recurring bits that add to your podcast’s personality.

With the right planning, your podcast can become part of your audience’s day-to-day life instead of just background noise.

How to Record and Edit Your Gaming Podcast

Think you’re ready to start recording? For a great podcast, you need great audio. Here’s how to get it done through preparation and editing.

Recording

• Pick the Right Location: Choose a quiet room with plenty of soft furnishings like carpets, rugs, and curtains. These soak up echoes and give your audio that clean, professional sound.
• Adjust Mic Placement: Keep the mic just off to the side of your face, angled slightly towards your mouth, at around 2-6 inches away for natural, clear audio.
• Check Your Levels: Plug your mic into the USB port and test audio levels – clear but not too loud to avoid distortion. Remember, volume can always be altered in editing.
• Save High-Quality Files: Record in WAV or AIFF for best results, then convert to MP3 or M4A for easy uploading later.
• Do A Test Run: Record a sample and compare it to your favourite podcasts. Listen on a range of devices like your headphones, phone, or laptop to fine-tune for all platforms.

Editing

• Keep it Sharp: Trim down to the best bits to keep your listeners hooked.
• Add Music: Choose royalty-free tracks (or make sure you’ve got permission) and layer them at just the right volume.
• Polish the Audio: Use noise reduction tools, stabilise volume levels, and cut out mistakes or dead air.
• Work in Layers: Edit content first, then clean up the audio for a professional finish.

With the right set-up and some clever editing, you’ll have listeners eagerly waiting for your next episode.

Platforms to Host and Distribute Your Podcast

Once your podcast is recorded and ready to go, you’ll need a reliable hosting platform. Platforms like Buzzsprout, Anchor and Podbean provide great hosting options with user-friendly features and built-in analytics.

Get Your Podcast Out There

Your hosting platform generates an RSS feed, which is key to submitting your podcast to directories. You can distribute your episodes far and wide with platforms such as:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music
• Podchaser
• Tunein with Alex Integration
• YouTube

Each directory helps to expand your reach, attracting listeners across multiple platforms.

Marketing Tips to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Growing your podcast audience has never been easier with short-form social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are perfect for sharing bite-sized clips of your show:

Tease Highlights: Share snippets of your best moments – think engaging soundbites, funny moments, or standout interview clips. Keep it short and snappy to spark curiosity.

Build Intrigue: Give just enough to make listeners wonder, “What happens next?”.

Show Consistency: Regularly post clips to keep your podcast top of mind for your audience.

However, ensure you don’t flood your follower’s feeds – focus on quality over quantity to hook listeners and turn them into fans.

Find out how to better engage with your gaming community >

Launch Your Gaming Podcast with MinMxD

From getting your recording set-up just right to crafting engaging content and distributing it to your followers, there’s a lot to consider when creating a podcast.

That’s where MinMxD comes in.

We work with gaming content creators to build custom podcast strategies, from choosing the right hosting platforms to marketing your episodes on social media. Get in touch today for more information on creating a polished, professional podcast that connects with your audience and grows your brand.

Discover how to create quality gaming content >

Read our guide on how to create engaging short-form content >