Team Interview: Link293

Quick Facts

Name: Link293/ Adam

Age: 31

Favorite Game Genre: RPG / Shooter

Favorite Game: Ocarina of Time

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Color: Orange

Favorite Streamer: A_Seagull

Random Fact About You: I'm a dog person, far more than a people person. I grew up with dogs, my first job was at a doggy daycare and I volunteer my Friday nights to walk dogs for a local animal shelter. I currently have a Pug named Violet and an Irish Wolfhound named Fred.

In-Depth Questions

When did you start streaming and who or what influenced you?

• I started streaming to YouTube about 5 years ago. The original intent was to capture my game play to recount any cool moments and share them with friends. This year I decided to try and make it more about entertaining and switched to Twitch. Venalis got me into Twitch with his Altas RP streaming.

What do you like to stream and when do you typically stream?

• I enjoy variety streaming, whatever friends are into whether that be new modern PC games or old school console stuff. I work 9-5 eastern time so streaming is limited to work nights and weekends.

What platform do you stream from? Where do you publish your content?

• I stream from everything, I have PC/Xbox/PS4/Switch and VR. My basement is a LAN center with 10 Xbox 360s so occasionally I throw parties and stream from there, typically Halo or other System Link games. I mostly only stream to Twitch these days but I have a YouTube channel I'll post content to as well.

What is the very first game you ever remember playing?

• I grew up on the original Nintendo Entertainment System, I believe the first game I remember is Super Mario Bros/Duck Hunt. That said, some of my fondest early memories are playing The Legend of Zelda with my Mom for days and days.

What about you and your stream do you feel sets you apart from other streamers?

• Oh, I don't think I'm established enough yet to have found that special sauce yet. I'm still in that mindset of just uploading my gaming for myself, but now am actively interacting with the community to try and build new friendships. As I grow and find my voice I'm sure I'll figure that part out.

What are your goals for your streaming community?

• Ideally I'd gather a bunch of like-minded people with similar schedules to group up and game with/provide entertainment for. I'm not really looking to "make it big", just looking to expand my sphere of friends and enjoy life.

How do you personally balance your streaming with work and your personal life?

• I have a full time job, girlfriend and two dogs, so work and life take priority, but I really enjoy spending my down time playing games with friends on Twitch.

Have you encountered any hardships with streaming? How have you worked through them and what advice do you have for your fellow streamers?

• Nothing serious, just realizing the cost of getting proper streaming equipment. I also have modified my office pretty extensively, installing track studio lights and painting a green screen for transparency.

What are some of your long term goals outside of your streaming career?

• I'd like to visit Japan soon and do some other traveling. Maybe I'll vlog about it. I bought my first house 6 years ago and we renovated the thing entirely before moving in. If I get enough money I'd love to buy and flip houses. Something about the idea of giving people a great home is really appealing to me.

Do you have any streaming tips or suggestions for your fellow True members, or anyone looking to start streaming?

• I feel like a lot of emphasis is placed on video quality, but what I've noticed is very important is actually audio quality. Invest in a good mic and never stop talking. I use Twitter as background noise and the most entertaining streamers are the ones talking about the game they're playing and witty banter.

Is there anything else you'd like us or the community to know?

• When starting there will always be ups and downs, maybe you'll stream for 5 hours and never hear a peep from chat. Don't get discouraged, just keep talking like people are watching because it's often possible people will filter in and out without making their presence known. You can grab some of those guys by being entertaining and sharing your story. Develop a schedule and stay consistent, they'll show up eventually!