I am seeing this as a trend quite a bit recently and just wanted to put up a place for discussion so everyone can voice opinions and flesh it out a bit. People are constantly arguing about whether a face-cam is more interactive for the stream or that is gets more viewers, or is "better."

However, I would like to make this point first. It completely depends on the streamer. There really isn't a right or wrong answer on how you do your setup as long as you are entertaining.

Are face-cams necessary? Not by a long shot. Many HUGE streamers are doing swimmingly without them, and almost excel much more because of that fact. Why? Because they themselves are interactive (not just huge streamers but a lot of people). They are constantly reacting to the game, speaking to viewers, sharing their thoughts. And that is GREAT. It gives more focus on the game, shows this person's skills and personality, and really can give the stream a cleaner look (without overlays, window boxes, etc.). Sometimes you can tell more about a person just listening to their voice and seeing their reaction in the gameplay itself.

Now, lets talk about cameras for a second. I feel on average (Note: average!!), I would say that face-cams do make the stream more interactive. For the average streamer, who has limited practice entertaining, who doesn't always have something to say, who maybe is a little shy, who has some really funny reactions to simple situations, who fails often and miserably cries on stream, face-cam might be a good way for people to get more insight to that streamers experience and improve their response to it. It is a portal into that streamer's world and allows viewers to get a better feeling for who their streamer is and what they are doing.

However, I would like reiterate, that is completely depends on the streamer. Non-face cam streams can deliver simplicity, and demand excellent chat interaction. Face cam streams allow for more visual reactions and insight into the streamers world. Different streamers with different audiences can achieve the same goal of an entertaining stream and great community with many different setups. Please feel free to voice your opinions, but I don't want this to be about which side "wins" or is "better." I would like to reiterate our rule #1: Respect everyone!