NFL Pick Plays: Rules, Strategies, and Controversies Explained

What are pick plays in football. How do NFL teams execute legal pick plays. When do pick plays become offensive pass interference. What makes pick plays controversial in the NFL. How do referees judge intent on pick plays.

Understanding Pick Plays in the NFL: A Comprehensive Guide

In the fast-paced world of professional football, teams are constantly seeking innovative ways to gain an advantage on the field. One such tactic that has garnered significant attention and controversy is the “pick play.” This article delves into the intricacies of pick plays in the NFL, exploring their definition, legality, execution, and the debates surrounding their use.

What Exactly Is a Pick Play in Football?

A pick play, also known as a “rub route,” is an offensive strategy used in football to create separation for a receiver and potentially spring them open for a catch. The play involves one offensive player (usually a receiver) running a route that impedes or “picks” a defender who is covering another receiver. This action can create space for the second receiver to get open and make a catch.

Key Elements of a Pick Play:

• Two offensive players working in tandem
• A route designed to interfere with defensive coverage
• The goal of creating separation for a receiver
• Often executed in short-yardage or red zone situations

Why are pick plays controversial? The main issue lies in the fine line between a legal route combination and illegal offensive pass interference. Teams must carefully design and execute these plays to stay within the rules while still gaining a competitive edge.

NFL Rules Governing Pick Plays: A Closer Look

To understand the legality of pick plays, we must examine the NFL rulebook. The 2013 NFL rulebook, specifically Rule 8, Section 5, Article 2, provides crucial insights into what constitutes pass interference:

“Prohibited Acts by both teams while the ball is in the air. Acts that are pass interference include, but are not limited to: (e) cutting off the path of an opponent by making contact with him, without playing the ball.”

This rule forms the basis for determining whether a pick play crosses the line into offensive pass interference. However, the interpretation and enforcement of this rule can be subjective, leading to ongoing debates among players, coaches, and fans.

Key Factors in Determining Legality:

1. Intent of the offensive player
2. Presence and nature of contact
3. Timing of the play
4. Location on the field

The Art of Legal Pick Plays: Strategies and Techniques

NFL teams, particularly offensive coordinators, have developed sophisticated strategies to execute pick plays while staying within the rules. These tactics often involve subtle movements and precise timing to create the desired effect without drawing penalties.

Common Techniques for Legal Pick Plays:

• Slowing down slightly to impede a defender’s progress
• Running routes that naturally converge, creating “traffic”
• Using the one-yard buffer zone near the line of scrimmage
• Avoiding extended arms or obvious blocking motions

How do teams practice legal pick plays? Many NFL teams incorporate specific drills and scenarios into their training camps to perfect these techniques. They often bring in officiating crews to provide guidance on what is and isn’t allowed, helping players understand the nuances of the rules.

The Denver Broncos: Masters of the Pick Play

One team that has gained a reputation for effectively utilizing pick plays is the Denver Broncos. Their success with these plays, particularly during their high-powered offensive years, has made them a case study for both proponents and critics of the tactic.

Broncos’ Pick Play Strategies:

• Clever route combinations in the red zone
• Utilizing players like Wes Welker in short-yardage situations
• Exploiting the one-yard legal blocking zone
• Quick-hitting passes to take advantage of defensive confusion

Why have the Broncos been so successful with pick plays? Their attention to detail in designing and executing these plays, combined with the talent of their receivers and quarterbacks, has allowed them to maximize the effectiveness of this strategy while minimizing penalties.

Controversy and Criticism: The Ongoing Debate

Despite their widespread use, pick plays remain a contentious topic in the NFL. Critics argue that they blur the line between legal route running and illegal interference, while proponents see them as a legitimate offensive tactic when executed properly.

Common Criticisms of Pick Plays:

• They violate the spirit of the rules
• They create an unfair advantage for offenses
• They are difficult for officials to judge consistently
• They potentially increase the risk of injuries due to collisions

How do defenders cope with pick plays? Many defensive coordinators have developed counter-strategies, such as teaching defenders to switch assignments on the fly or using zone coverage to mitigate the impact of picks.

The Referee’s Perspective: Judging Intent and Contact

For NFL officials, calling penalties on pick plays presents a significant challenge. The speed of the game and the subtle nature of many pick plays make it difficult to determine intent and assess whether a penalty should be called.

Factors Referees Consider:

• Visible contact between players
• The offensive player’s path and body positioning
• Whether the receiver is making a genuine attempt to run a route
• The timing of any contact in relation to the pass

How do referees prepare to make these calls? NFL officiating crews undergo extensive training and review game film to improve their ability to spot and judge potential pick plays accurately.

The Future of Pick Plays in the NFL

As the NFL continues to evolve, the use and perception of pick plays are likely to remain topics of discussion. Some speculate that the league may eventually implement rule changes or clarifications to address the ongoing controversy.

Potential Future Developments:

• More specific guidelines for what constitutes a legal pick play
• Increased use of technology to assist officials in making calls
• Changes to defensive rules to balance the playing field
• Enhanced training for players and officials on pick play scenarios

Will the NFL ever completely eliminate pick plays? It’s unlikely, as they have become an integral part of many offensive schemes. However, ongoing refinements to the rules and their enforcement may help address some of the concerns surrounding these controversial plays.

In conclusion, pick plays remain a complex and contentious aspect of NFL strategy. As teams continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible within the rules, the debate over their use is likely to persist. Understanding the nuances of pick plays – from their execution to their regulation – is crucial for players, coaches, officials, and fans alike as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.

The art of the pick play lies in its subtlety and execution. Teams that master this technique gain a significant advantage, particularly in crucial game situations. However, the ongoing challenge for the NFL is to maintain a balance between allowing creative offensive strategies and preserving the integrity of the game. As the league continues to refine its rules and officiating practices, the pick play will undoubtedly remain a topic of intense scrutiny and debate among football enthusiasts.

For players and coaches, the key to successful pick plays lies in meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of the rules. By focusing on legal techniques and emphasizing the importance of running genuine routes, teams can incorporate these plays into their offensive arsenal without crossing the line into penalty territory. Meanwhile, defenses must stay vigilant and adaptable, developing strategies to counteract the impact of well-executed pick plays.

As fans and analysts, our appreciation for the game is enhanced by understanding these intricate strategies. The pick play serves as a prime example of the chess match that unfolds on every NFL snap – a delicate balance of rules, strategy, and athletic execution. Whether you view pick plays as clever offensive tactics or borderline infractions, there’s no denying their impact on the modern game of football.

Ultimately, the conversation surrounding pick plays reflects the broader evolution of football strategy. As the sport continues to advance, we can expect ongoing discussions and potential rule adjustments to address these and other emerging tactics. The challenge for the NFL will be to foster innovation and excitement while maintaining a fair and competitive environment for all teams.

For now, pick plays remain a fascinating and controversial element of NFL offenses, showcasing the ingenuity of coaches and the skill of players who execute them successfully. As we watch future games unfold, keep an eye out for these subtle yet impactful plays – they might just be the difference between a crucial first down and a game-changing touchdown.

NFL Rules Clarification: Pick Plays

From the official 2013 NFL rulebook (page 51)

A “pick-play” is essentially offensive pass interference, the following clarification gets at the heart of the matter.

Rule 8, Section 5, Article 2 (Forward Pass, Backward Pass, Fumble)

Prohibited Acts by both teams while the ball is in the air. Acts that are pass interference include, but are not limited to:

(e) cutting off the path of an opponent by making contact with him, without playing the ball.

Seems simple enough right? The important wording in this portion of the pass interference rule is “making contact with him.” The tricky part is it is still completely a judgement call by the ref. In most cases (even though we know these plays are designed to create the pick effect), the question that arises is intent. If there is contact, was the contact intentional? Did the receiver knowingly cut off a defender to spring someone else open? Was the receiver just running a route and things got congested?

When judging intent, the little things that Broncos receivers do make it near impossible to call the penalty. I have seen these plays run many times and almost every time, the receiver slows down and seems to try and avoid blatant contact with the receiver. They keep their arms to themselves and make no chuck content whatsoever. So they avoid blatant contact which takes away that first part of subsection (e).

A fine line, but a line the Broncos likely addressed in Training Camp. Remember, teams have officiating crews in to go over all the rules and procedures and most importantly provide clear examples of what does and does not constitute an infraction.

Let us use an example. You tell me, is their intent to make contact without playing the ball?

So what do you say it is? I’m going to tell you right now, it’s a beautifully designed stab/crossing route combination meant to pick the Mike LB and spring the crossing route coming against the grain.

Truthfully though, I can argue either side. I can say “hey I’m just running my route, I have every right to that real estate as the defender.”

These route combinations are what muddle intent and make these pick routes judgement calls. It is hard to call in real time when the motion that occurs is not so overt that it draws attention to itself. So unless you see a blocking motion like grabbing outside the shoulder pads or extending the arms after a pushoff, anything short of knocking a defender on his ass is probably not going to get called.

Now here is an example of a legal pick play.

From the same rule, Article 4 “Other Prohibited Acts by the Offense. Blocking more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage by an offensive player prior to a pass being thrown is offensive pass interference.”

The key wording here is “more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage.” Within a yard you may block and knowing this rule is something that has set up one of the best redzone plays the Broncos use.

Man to man, Welker (orange) will be sprung by this legal pick. The Broncos are at the one yard line so a block between the 1 and the goalline is legal. Demaryius is going to shoot across and impede Welker’s man, also in the process bringing his man with him. Here he also avoids running over the DB and once the block is made, springs for the corner.

Notice that the pick or block happens at about the half yardline (completely within the rules). Something opposing DB’s should recognize is this play and the corners should actually switch off in order to neutralize the pick. In that instance, Thomas probably has good leverage on a fade to the corner.

Welker’s man is now chasing a step and a half behind and the play is wide open for the TD.

Great design, and within the rules.

Wrap-up

What did we learn today?

– Pick plays are cleverly designed combination routes

– Pick plays when carried out correctly leave the question of intent wide open for interpretation

– Despite all the complaining Chiefs fans do about the Broncos using them, the Chiefs use them too

– There are legal pick plays so long as the pick occurs within one yard of the line of scrimmage

– The Denver Broncos are really good at executing them, pound sand NFL

Bottom line, this is a huge gray area that will be widely debated and analyzed until the NFL decides to clarify what they will and will not call. The refs have a hard enough time deciding what constitutes PI in the first place so if you are not a fan of pick routes, you probably will be annoyed by them for years to come.

GO BRONCOS!!!

what is a pick play in football?

When you help your teammate get open, be sure to do it legally by slowing down their progress on the court. If you’re caught picking play deliberately, you’ll likely incur a penalty and may even lose possession of the ball.

Helping your teammate is a noble cause, but don’t forget about yourself in the process – stay safe and keep playing cleanly. By playing smart and helping out your teammates without breaking any rules, you can create an advantageous situation for your squad.

What Is A Pick Play In American Football?

Remember to play by the rules. If you help your teammate illegally, they may be able to slow down or block your progress on the court. Always try to help your teammate get open with a pass, instead of taking a shot yourself.

Be careful not to hinder their progress in any way – it’s important that they can continue playing as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Stay aware of what’s going on around you so that you don’t inadvertently help an opponent cheat or break the rules.

Playing fair is key for having fun and staying safe on the court – don’t let illegal pick play stop you from achieving either goal.

Illegal Pick Play

An illegal pick play is when a player in American football tries to make a pick, or interception, against the opposing team without being given permission by the referee.

This type of play can result in penalties for both teams and can often lead to turnovers on the field. Be careful not to participate in an illegal pick play during your next game because it could cost you dearly.

If you’re ever unsure whether or not to take a chance with an illegal pick play, consult with your coach before making any decisions. Keep your head up and know that there are other ways to contribute offensively besides trying to make interceptions – just be sure you use them wisely.

Slowing Defender’s Progress

A pick play is a type of offensive play in American football that involves the quarterback or running back picking up a forward pass and then running with it, often towards the end zone.

The purpose of this strategy is to slow down or stop the progress of the opposing team’s defense, giving their offense more time to score points. Because this call can be dangerous, quarterbacks and running backs must be careful not to get hit by defenders while making this maneuver.

In order for a pick play to work properly, both teams need to be on their same page so that everyone knows what they’re supposed to do next. Pick plays are one way that offenses can try and gain an advantage over their opponents on Sunday mornings across America.

Helping Teammate Get Open

A pick play is a move in American football that allows a teammate to get open. The quarterback usually makes the decision to call a pick play, and will hand the ball off or pass it downfield depending on the situation.

If executed correctly, a pick play can lead to an easy touchdown or big gain for your team. Make sure you know how to execute pick plays properly so that you can help your team win. Are you up for helping your team take home the victory?

What does it mean to get picked in football?

Getting picked in football is when a player gets chosen by their team as one of the players who will take part in the game. This means that they are given a place on the pitch and/or in the dugout, and are expected to do their best during the match.

The Ball Was Intended For Another Player But Intercepted

When a player on the offense intercepts the ball, it is called “picking up theball.” This happens when one of their teammates (usually in coverage) makes an exceptional play and snags the ball before it can be caught by an opposing player. In this situation, possession will automatically shift to the defender who intercepted the ball.

Possession Gained By Defender

If a defender successfully interceptions or recovers a fumble, they are said to have gained possession ofthe football. When this occurs, all other players on either team are considered to be “off-limits” until someone from their team touches or takes control ofthe football again.

Player On Offense Did Not Touch The Ball

In order for somebody to gain possession ofa football through contact with another player, that person must make physical contact withthe football itself – no matter how slight that might seem at first glance. If you’re on offense and somebody picks up your pass but doesn’t bring it down into bounds as they run past you – you didn’t touch it so technically your opponent has now acquired possession and scored a touchdown.

Is a pick and interception the same thing?

Yes, a pick and interception are the same thing. A pick 6 is an interception that gets run into the opponent’s end zone for a touchdown, while a regular interception is when the ball is caught by one of your team mates before it goes out of bounds.

Both terms refer to turnovers through the air – interceptions result in points for your team, while picks lead to touchdowns. To make an interception, you need good timing and quick reflexes – if you can get past your opponents defence.

What is a pick block in football?

A pick block is a piece of equipment used in American football to move the ball. It is a long, thin board with handles at one end and a smooth surface on the other. Two players stand opposite each other, holding the ends of the pick block between their feet so that it hangs down between them like a pendulum. The player behind the offensive team swings it forward as if he was hitting a golf ball, while his teammate tries to catch it in his hands.

Receiver Can’t Block Downfield

When the ball is touched by a defender, the receiver cannot block him downfield. Instead, he must run towards the line of scrimmage and try to catch the pass. This rule is called a pick rule in football and it’s designed to prevent receivers from getting blocked out of bounds or interfering with defenders on defense.

Once the Ball is Touched, Receiver Can Block Defender

Once the ball has been touched by a defender, that player can no longer be blocked by any other player on either team. This allows receivers more room to get open for catches and blocks on defensive players who may attempt to tackle them after catching the ball.

Is a pick play illegal in the NFL?

A pick play is an illegal offensive tactic in the NFL and can give your opponent an unfair advantage. If a player makes intentional contact with another player before he has had a chance to protect himself, it’s considered an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and can result in a five-yard loss of yardage on the play.

Replays are used to review plays for possible penalties, but they won’t be able to determine if a pick play was legal or not unless there’s clear evidence that it was intentional contact between players prior to the catch being made by the receiver. As long as you don’t intentionally commit any unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, you should be safe from receiving a flag for using this type of strategy on offense in the NFL.

Are there illegal routes in football?

No, there are no illegal routes in football – every player is permitted to be moving toward the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. However, if an eligible receiver who is on the line moves to another position on the line (not forward), he must reset prior to the snap.

This includes moving backward as well as sideways – so even a lateral move can result in a penalty being called against you.

What’s a pick six in football?

In football, a pick six is an interception returned for a touchdown. It’s considered one of the most dramatic and exciting moments in the game. Topping that off is the Ring of Honor Championship Contender Ranking System, which ranks professional athletes based on their performance over a period of time.

This system helps fans make educated decisions when watching sports competitions.

Why is it called pick and roll?

The name pick and roll is derived from the fact that players are screened before they have a chance to create scoring opportunities. To get around this defensive tactic, passing options must be available to the offensive player, and rotating around the defense should be considered when making decisions about who to pass the ball to.

Another term for pick and roll is “misdirection.” When defenders are screened off their original goal, passers can mistakenly think they’ve created an open shot or pass instead of looking for someone else on the court. Sometimes it’s helpful for a player to simply go after one defender instead of trying to hit all three with his passes in order.

This will help isolate him so teammates can finish off the play or get open themselves . Proper screening not only creates control over how much space each team has oncourt but also allows teams time and space (known as “line spacing”)to set up plays elsewhere onthe floor.

To Recap

A pick play is a type of offensive play in American football that involves one team passing the ball to another player who then runs with it. This allows the receiving player to get closer to the opposing goal, which can lead to more points being scored.

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How to choose a game | PriceMedia

For any gamer, choosing a game is an important task. How to choose “exactly that” game and not regret the purchase – read the Price.ua review.

Contents

1. How to choose a game for a beginner
2. How to choose a game for an experienced gamer
3. How to choose a game for a child

How to choose a game for a beginner

9000 2 Choosing a game for a beginner is a very difficult task, because you don’t know all the aspects video game industry, it’s easy to get lost in the endless array of interesting offerings.

The first thing to do is determine which platform you’re looking for a game on so you don’t accidentally buy the wrong disc. If it comes to consoles, then you should find out which games your gadget will “pull”. As a rule, set-top boxes have a minimal designation or logo that will help you understand the name or at least the abbreviation of the device.

If the choice is between games on a PC, then it is necessary to check the technical characteristics of your computer in order to understand whether this or that video game can start and work normally.

If you are not sure about the performance of the game on a PC or you cannot figure out how good your components are, then in this case it is better to contact the store consultant, after knowing the characteristics of your computer.

For example, if you have a GeForce GTX 10XX video card, an i7 processor and at least 8 GB of RAM, then most games, including new ones, will definitely run for you. Also, you can not worry if the PC was purchased recently, and it cost about 20 thousand UAH.

Usually, looking at the back of the game package (or its description on the store page) you can find the minimum and recommended requirements to run. Comparing them with the characteristics of your PC, you can understand how well the game will work.

But keep in mind that the minimum specs will guarantee you play at low graphics settings at low resolutions (720p), while the recommended ones usually show the specs of a PC that will be able to run the game at the highest settings in 1080p or 4K resolution.

Now let’s move on to choosing a game, which can be a real challenge for a beginner. Considering that a person has only recently become acquainted with video games, he will not immediately understand which game is worth buying and what it is.

If you don’t have a favorite genre or series of games yet, then make your choice in the popular section. It shows the games that other players buy most often. These tend to include video games highly acclaimed by both critics and the general public. Their purchase should satisfy any gamer.

However, don’t forget to look at the genre of the selected game. After all, if you are looking for a traditional Shooter, then it is better to take one of the games in the Far Cry series, and not stop at Mortal Kombat (Fighting genre), even if it is more often bought.

If you have a favorite genre, then try to stick to it for a while and not experiment too much, because a beginner who likes Shooter is unlikely to immediately like an RPG.

It may not be worthwhile to immediately buy new items, which on the release date can cost from 1,000 to 1,700 UAH. Indeed, for example, an excellent game Batman Arkham Knight can now be bought for 800 UAH. This way you save money and get a good video game to boot.

Also, if you liked a video game, but you are not sure about its gameplay, then try looking for a demo version. It will give you the opportunity to get to know the possible acquisition and finally decide.

Read: How to choose a computer

How to choose a game for an experienced gamer

If you already have a lot of experience in games, then choosing a game should not be a big problem for you. But, nevertheless, not a single person can follow all the new releases and be aware of all the events.

Therefore, even an experienced gamer has a problem when he sees unfamiliar games on sale or in the list of new products. What to do when the expected novelty is far “beyond the horizon”, but you still want to play something.

If you are ready to pay the full price (1000-1700 UAH), then it is advisable to take a closer look at the new products that were not of interest to you initially. Sometimes it’s worth taking a look at the monthly release calendar or watching videos about the most interesting new releases.

If your finances are limited, then you should pay attention to sales and discounts. There will always be games that are discounted for a limited time. Sometimes there are video games that are popular only in narrow circles, but are very well priced.

When choosing a game, always pay attention to its cover. It can immediately print the ratings of the most authoritative gaming publications, which will show its prestige. And also there will be a description of the video game and minimal information about it. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with them. In online stores, this information is duplicated in the description of the game.

But even without ratings on the cover, the game can be quite good. Far Cry 4 became one of the most popular games in the Shooter genre in Ukraine. It was released at the end of 2014 and fell into a period of change in the generation of consoles. Therefore, it does not shine with graphics, which is very important for some players. But the system requirements will not be the highest.

But Far Cry 4 boasts a chic, for its genre, gameplay that draws the player in headlong. Also one of its charms can be called a co-op mode in which two players can go through the campaign together. Its presence is usually indicated in the description of the game.

The Fighting genre, which is becoming more and more popular, today has practically no bad news. When choosing a video game from this genre, you should pay attention to the universe on which it is built and the gameplay.

The same Injustice 2 can suit both beginners, thanks to its simple controls, and veterans who want to fight opponents from all over the world.

These games are also great for those who want to fight with their friends on the same system. But they are quite demanding on computer performance.

Those who want to run around in the virtual world, not really burdening themselves with contacts with other people, or the passage of the campaign, you can look at games in the open world. They take place in a virtual city and give the player more freedom of action.

One of the most popular games in the genre is GTA 5. It looks great and gives players a lot of freedom. You can fly helicopters, just walk down the street, enjoying the views of the virtual city, or you can even get distracted by playing tennis. Or arrange chaos on the streets and try to hide from the police.

Also popular among open world games is Watch Dogs 2. It gives players a little different freedom. Since you have to play as a hacker, you can hack into cars, surveillance cameras, steal personal data of the inhabitants of the game world. Unlike GTA 5, you cannot fly a helicopter or an airplane here. To understand what is emphasized in a particular game, it is better to refer to its description and make a choice based on it.

Any game designed for multiplayer does not even have an approximate number of hours that can be spent on it. The same Injustice 2 (Fighting genre) can bring you hundreds of hours of play if you like to play online. The same can be said about Shooter games. The network component in them is the strongest.

If the amount of time you want to spend playing the game also plays a role, it’s important to remember that each genre has an estimated playthrough time. So a single player game in Shooter takes about 10-15 hours, and an RPG can entertain you from 40 to 100 hours. Time for sports simulators and racing will depend solely on your love for the genre. Modern Action-adventure will take approximately 20-30 hours, and Platformer can end in 8 hours.

Read: How to choose a gamepad

How to choose a game for a child

Choosing a game for a child is not as difficult as it might seem. If you need an educational game, it is better to contact a consultant or go to the appropriate section. Similar games are about the same quality. Here it is already worth choosing, focusing on the characters who will teach the child. If he likes fairy tales more, it is better to take the game where there are similar characters.

If a child needs a regular video game, then it is best to focus on two things: the genre and the age limit.

The most common genres suitable for children are Platformer and sports simulations. There will be nothing in sports games that can harm the psyche of the child. If he is fond of any sport, then it is better to take him a simulator of this sport. Among football simulators, the Fifa series is perfect.

Platformer is usually specially designed to be played by people of different ages. There is nothing cruel or unacceptable in them, and their storytelling differs little from modern cartoons.

Lego video games are also an easy choice. They are based on popular modern films such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and many others. Their unique humor and the very fact that this is Lego will not leave children indifferent.

If you are not into genres, then check the recommended age of the game indicated on its box or cover. The age recommendation for the video game is written in the lower left corner. They are indicated in the form of numbers (3,7,12,16,18), which indicate the desired minimum age to familiarize yourself with the game. On the back of the box (or in the detailed description on the website) it is stated why this age is recommended here. If you think that some battles in fantasy worlds are an acceptable level of violence, then you can purchase the game even with a higher recommended age.

But it is worth remembering that some games may receive a higher age limit due to heavier controls or mechanics. For example, while Legend of Zelda doesn’t have elements that are unsuitable for children, it is built in such a way that it can be difficult for children to understand them. In case you are not sure, it is better to consult a store consultant or video game reviews.

Choose a game and compare prices conveniently at Price.ua.

top best streaming games

If you’re a beginner streamer, you probably want to know which video games are the most popular on the Twitch and YouTube platforms. And in this article we will talk about them!

We’ve put together a list of the best streaming games available right now. They will certainly help expand the audience on your channel and make it more popular.

In addition, the list is quite multifaceted, since it includes both popular games that appeal to a wide audience, as well as more “niche” projects, notable for not having a large but loyal community.

How to choose a game to stream

There are many factors to consider when starting a streaming career. In addition, there are a few tips to focus on when deciding which game to pick. Here are our recommendations:

• Choose a game that you really enjoy, that you are passionate about and love to play. If you are not having fun, then the audience will easily notice it, and are unlikely to continue watching the broadcast and ever return to the channel.
• Pay attention to chat . If the game you’ve chosen is preventing you from interacting with viewers, it might be time to switch to something else, at least until you’ve amassed a sizable audience.
• Use gaming communities to expand your audience . There is a good chance that the game you have chosen already has a large fan base that discusses the project and actively plays it. Take advantage of this by joining the community on Twitch and platforms like Reddit and Discord.
• Choose the right time to broadcast . Different video games target different audiences, so knowing exactly when to stream is as important as the game itself. Sites like Twitch Strike and Twitch Tracker can help determine the best time to go live, and ultimately increase viewership.

MMO

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is an iconic MMORPG developed by Blizzard. After its epic start in 2004, it has quickly become one of the most popular and influential video games in history and still boasts a huge, dedicated active player base. Deep lore of the universe, combined with addictive gameplay and engaging storylines, will help you and your viewers stay involved in the process.

Despite the lack of radical changes, outdated graphics and some game mechanics, World of Warcraft has consistently remained one of the most viewed games on Twitch and YouTube year after year.

Buy now

Lost Ark

Diablo-like isometric MMORPG debuted in 2019 – and in February 2022 it bursts onto Steam and takes second place in peak online (1. 3 million players at a time), second only to PUBG. The popularity of the game is only growing, and this is a great option for a beginner streamer.

Lost Ark is a rather beautiful MMORPG that boasts as many as 21 character classes, a detailed editor, an abundance of activities, no plot, marine content and a host of other features that will last for months of streaming.

Download

World of Tanks

If you don’t mind sometimes taking a ride in Tanki, don’t be shy about it. Moreover, you will be surprised how popular World of Tanks is in the Russian-speaking segment of Twitch and YouTube, and it’s not just about non-stop action.

This MMO tank battle simulator is great for both fun with subscribers and as a background game for conversational streams. The main thing in the latter case is not to go into ranked battles, so as not to cause righteous anger among your comrades in arms due to the lack of complete dedication on your part. Don’t forget that World of Tanks is first and foremost a serious competitive game.

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World of Ships

For the most part, the same can be said about the World of Ships. The battles here, albeit less dynamic, but more intense and dramatic than in the World of Tanks.

On the vast expanses of the sea, you cannot be sure that at the moment an insidious torpedo fired from a submarine is not rushing towards your battleship, or that a whole squadron of bombers has not yet flown for your soul. In any case, the audience will be interested in watching the fate of your heroic ship.

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Old School Runescape

Launched in 2001, Runescape has become one of the most recognizable MMORPGs and once held the title of most popular free-to-play game. Even though there have been a few more iterations over the years, the original Old School Runescape still exists and is surprisingly quite popular.

If you love the game or have always wanted to immerse yourself in a classic RPG, then your Twitch channel could be the perfect platform for that! Given the cult status that OSRS has achieved, as well as the diversity of fans and age range, you are likely to attract a significant audience while streaming.

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Shooters

Fortnite

Fortnite is one of the most popular games on Twitch today, which makes it a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can be sure that at least one person will come in and watch your videos. However, due to the sheer number of channels associated with Fortnite, it can be difficult to impose competition, especially if you are a beginner.

However, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider streaming Fortnite. The project offers various modes that go far beyond the popular “royal battle”, including custom games that allow you to add unique mechanics and goals. Because the game is popular and free, viewers are more likely to want to join.

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Valorant

Riot Games gets its second mention on this list, this time thanks to one of the biggest releases of 2020, Valorant. The 5v5 tactical shooter takes inspiration from the best shooters of the past decade, yet offers its own take on tactical team-based gameplay.

This is an impressive game with low PC requirements. The action is enjoyable, which is why Valorant is attractive to fans and viewers who are on the lookout for new games. And given that the project is quite new, it has room for growth, which you can take advantage of by building a name for yourself among the community at an early stage.

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Apex Legends

You probably noticed that our list turned out to be rich in representatives of the battle royale genre, and this is not in vain. With their custom design and shrinking map mechanics, these games are some of the best for streaming, especially when a group of experienced players compete in the same match. What sets Apex Legends apart from the rest is the shorter match times, averaging around 10-20 minutes.

Although the developers from Respawn Entertainment intended to surpass Epic Games’ Fortnite, they did not succeed, but the Apex Legends gaming community is very active. In addition, the game is slowly making its way up the Twitch charts, making it a great choice for aspiring streamers.

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Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0

The forever popular and legendary Call of Duty is a reliable assistant for any streamer, especially if you are naturally good at first-person shooters. Warzone 2.0 is the franchise’s second attempt at catching on to the popularity of the battle royale genre, and this time it’s even more successful.

Not only is the game free-to-play, but it has many different systems and challenges, making Warzone 2.0 perfect for streaming. One-on-one fights to the death for a chance to revive will help create great content, and the ability to heal teammates is a welcome addition that will help the team in the battle for victory.

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Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

If history has taught us anything, it’s that there’s never too much Counter-Strike! CS:GO, so far the last installment of the legendary franchise, released back in 2012, is still incredibly successful.

While the game’s appeal lies primarily in its tight controls and great gunplay, the variety of modes and the ability to make crazy comebacks in a match make it the perfect shooter for streaming. Like many other games on this list, CS:GO has a very active community, which is why there is always at least one viewer who wants to join. Your task is to show real skill!

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Escape from Tarkov

Another game that has stood the test of time – since the launch of the project in 2017 and to this day, it has been gathering both streamers and curious viewers at the screens.

The latter watch as the players make perilous forays into the fictional city of Tarkov, trying to find as many valuable resources as possible and rushing with their supplies to the extraction point, shooting back at fellow adventurers. The game will delight you with realistic shooter mechanics, an economy dependent on gamers, and high replay value.

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Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is a new iteration of the popular team shooter that brings heroes with a variety of unique abilities to engage in fast-paced 6v6 PvP matches across a variety of modes.

You might also be interested in Overwatch in terms of its impact on the esports gaming scene. There are even separate official tournaments where teams from all over the world compete for cash prizes in the millions of dollars. These tournaments have been streaming annually on Twitch for the past few years and have been a regular staple of esports, so it might make sense to try and break into this active community and who knows, you might be in the next tournament.

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Grant Theft Auto V / GTA Online

Grand Theft Auto’s fan base is incredibly large and diverse, especially considering the legacy of the franchise spans multiple generations of players. It is because of this that the latest installment of GTA at the moment, and especially its online version, is a good choice for anyone who is a longtime fan of the series or wants to stream the game, which will certainly attract a lot of viewers, especially if you compete with other people in online mode.

The open world of Los Santos has it all: countless action and fun, mini-games, role-playing servers and much, much more. If you manage to attract viewers, then you can start holding special competitions for prizes or just having fun by completing various tasks, etc.

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Survival & Sandbox Simulations

Minecraft

Since its launch in 2009, Minecraft has become one of the best-selling video games in the history of the industry. Considering how broad and far-reaching it is, any channel is likely to benefit from streaming Minecraft in almost any way.

Just like the Jackbox games, you can set up Minecraft so that viewers can join the game and go on fun adventures together. Plus, it’s a relatively relaxing game, and you’ll be able to focus most of your brain power on interacting with the audience.

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Roblox

If you’ve managed to capture the attention of the audience with Minecraft, the next logical step is Roblox, as this game is designed for a similar audience. In addition to the ability to build whatever you want, Roblox allows you to create your own games and share them with the whole world. Thus, for the price of one game, you get access to thousands of other players’ creations, many of which will amaze you with their depth and replayability. Roblox will give you an inexhaustible amount of diverse content, so that you no longer have to think about it yourself.

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Rust

Despite a certain oversaturation with games of this genre, Rust is one of the few survival simulators that will quickly attract the attention of the audience.

As in Minecraft, the map is randomly generated here, and players start their journey from scratch, which is why the primary need is to extract valuable resources and build a shelter. However, if in most of these projects, essentially the entire gameplay is limited to this, over the years of its existence, Rust has gone far beyond this concept.

Now this game is completely devoted to PvPvE, and in addition to the hostile fauna, other players are the most terrible threat to you and your comrades. At the moment, most Rust servers are endless faction wars, so the number of epic and comical random events per minute of game time can sometimes go off scale.

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Simulators

Euro / American Truck Simulator

Truck games and various driving simulators have been popular with domestic players for a long time, but their demand on streaming platforms may be a discovery for many. It might be interesting to play them, but who wants to watch someone just drive down the road for hours on end, following all the rules of the road? It turns out that there are plenty of fans of such content. Many people just want to relax after a hard day and spend time in pleasant company with the soothing growl of a truck engine, and games in the Euro Truck Simulator series are best suited for this.

In addition to the two parts of the European trucker simulator, you will have the opportunity to change the situation and go to conquer the desert highways of the southwestern United States in American Truck Simulator, and if you have a game steering wheel, then this is a great opportunity to demonstrate your driving skills to the audience in the most realistic conditions.

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If you’re a big Nintendo fan or prefer a more relaxed game where you don’t have to rush, then this installment of the Animal Crossing franchise is perfect for streaming. New Horizons is the most popular game in the series and has a huge following.

Much of New Horizons’ success is due to how comprehensive the project is – the game is suitable for almost every gamer! In addition, there is an online multiplayer mode that allows you to invite viewers to your island in order to chat, or go to another player’s city. Like Minecraft, this is a rather relaxing game that does not require much concentration on the part of the user.

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MOBA

League of Legends

League of Legends from Riot Games has not lost popularity on Twitch since its release: in January 2022, viewers managed to watch more than 2 billion (!) Hours of streams, ahead of all their colleagues by workshop. LoL is in any case a good option for streamers who want to quickly increase the popularity of their channel, since the increase in views is almost guaranteed, however, provided that you meet certain requirements.

First of all, this is the desire to compete with other players, since the PvP mode is the most attractive for the community. Given the competitive nature of the game, viewers tend to be less tolerant of rookie mistakes.

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Dota 2

Of course, it’s hard to argue with the fact that League of Legends is the most popular MOBA in the world, but Dota 2 firmly holds its positions in the domestic space. In addition, this is one of the most important esports disciplines, and many future esports stars were able to attract attention thanks to streams. So, if your MMR is high enough, start Dota and show your skill to the whole world.

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Adventure

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

And this game can be a good reason to buy a Nintendo Switch or Wii U console – in 2018 it won the honorary BAFTA award and a bunch of other awards, becoming one of the best in the adventure genre.

The feature of Breath of the Wild is a rich open world without signs – players explore its surroundings, find interesting places and get involved in various events. Moreover, you never know what the horizon hides behind it, and the game encourages you to solve puzzles creatively. Along with Animal Crossing, this is a great streaming game.

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Well, if your viewers liked the passage of Breath of the Wild, it’s time to go to the newest part of The Legend of Zelda called Tears of the Kingdom.

If the world of Breath of the Wild seemed bottomless to you, then the sequel could be your main game for the coming months, there is so much interesting content here, including new Link abilities, as well as a more advanced crafting and even building system.

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Dark Souls (soulsborne games)

It’s no secret that most people enjoy watching power players master all the challenges the game throws at them. However, among viewers of streamer platforms, another type of content associated with pain and overwhelm is no less popular. The main promoter of this stream format is certainly the Dark Souls series, which gave rise to a whole separate genre called soulsborne and soulslike games.

Whether you like rooting for a streamer who’s been trying to defeat the same boss for hours on end, or you just enjoy watching him suffer and mock in chat, playing any soulsborne game will involve the audience as much as possible in the process. Especially if you decide to organize a marathon of FromsSoftware games, where, in addition to the Dark Souls trilogy, you will find even more hardcore Sekiro and the vast Elden Ring, not to mention Bloodborne and Demon Souls, which are on the PlayStation. In general, this marathon can drag on for months, but the streams will be truly legendary.

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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The third installment in the grey-haired monster hunter action-RPG series has become a real phenomenon in the gaming industry, collecting a lot of awards and becoming one of the best games of the decade. In the streamer community, she also gained a special status, as everyone has long known: “Don’t know what to stream? Start the Witcher. ”

Of course, the majority of viewers have already gone through the game several times up and down, and know by heart all the plot twists and endings, but this does not make a return to cozy Novigrad, picturesque Toussaint or Skellige blown by northern winds no less desirable. It is simply pleasant to be in the world of The Witcher, enjoying the unique atmosphere of Slavic folklore close to us and meeting various outlandish characters, and dozens of hours of story content, excluding sidequests and DLC, will close the issue with the main game for streams for a long time.

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Spelunky 2

Spelunky’s procedurally generated system is great for streaming. The original game has made it to the top several times over the years, but if you want to attract other fans of adventure games or indie titles in general, your best bet is to start with a new installment released in 2020.

Spelunky 2 inherits many of the mechanics from the first game, but boasts updated graphics and new characters, enemies, obstacles, traps and treasures. There’s a lot of room for experimentation here, and it’s worth trying different approaches on every run. That is, the idea is that the streamer directly asks the viewers for advice, allowing them to influence what you do in the game.

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Horror

Dead By Daylight

Dead by Daylight is a so-called “niche game” but has one of the most dedicated fan bases. The multiplayer mode is great for streaming, as viewers will certainly be interested in how this or that round of confrontation will end.

You can also set up Dead by Daylight to play with the audience (preferably the streamer playing the role of the killer). If you’ve always wanted to try Dead By Daylight or already have some experience under your belt, make some friends in the community and tell us about your channel.

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Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia is a co-op ghost hunting horror game perfect for streaming as it guarantees fun moments when playing with friends or spectators!

Given that this is a new game, the community is not very developed, so this is a great opportunity to try to advertise your channel to other players. Phasmophobia may not have a lot of content, but you can and should use it to your advantage by starting a stream on the days when, for example, there is a big update from the developers.

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Sports & Cards

Rocket League

Psyonix’s reactive mix of football and racing, free to download, is showing up on the stream more and more often. This is largely due to seasonal updates and Rocket League’s close relationship with the esports scene, which is why the popularity of the project continues to grow year after year.

The game offers cross-platform support, thanks to which it has amassed a large user base, many of whom would like to watch anything related to Rocket League.

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HearthStone

Probably the most popular TCG, which has been in Twitch TOP since 2014. The game is great for streaming as its leisurely gameplay makes it easy to get distracted by chatting and consulting with viewers on tactics.

HearthStone is based on the Warcraft universe and invites gamers to build a deck of cards and then play them in online duels. The cards represent units and magic, and, despite the simple rules, the game will make you think carefully on the battlefield, correctly allocating resources and calculating actions.

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FIFA

Despite the undisguised negativity from gamers towards the series due to the lack of innovations from part to part, every year you will still see another FIFA in the TOP on Twitch, and there will never be problems with online .

People are attracted to the Ultimate Team mode, where players create a dream team from scratch by collecting player cards. They drop out of paid sets, and out of 1000 athletes, both unfamiliar personalities and world stars can get caught.

If you like sports games, in particular football, you can try to start your streaming career with FIFA. Moreover, on YouTube you can find bloggers who specialize only in this game.

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Party Games

Jackbox Party

Jackbox games are great for entertaining audiences because they allow you to play with a large group of people online.