Live Aware is a powerful tool for game developers to record and analyze gameplay, and this extends to the realm of extended reality (XR). Capturing XR content can provide invaluable insights into player behavior, game design effectiveness, and overall user experience within immersive environments. This article outlines the various methods for capturing XR gameplay using Live Aware, ensuring you can effectively record, upload, and analyze your VR content.
The Live Aware Desktop Recorder offers flexible options for capturing XR content from a variety of devices. Whether you're using a Meta Quest, HTC Vive, or other VR headset, this guide will walk you through the recommended capture workflows.
Meta Devices (Quest 2, 3, 3S)
For Meta devices like the Quest 2, 3, and 3S, there are two primary methods for capturing VR content, each with its own advantages:
Livestreaming with Oculus Mirroring
This method leverages the Oculus mirroring feature to display the VR gameplay on your computer screen, which can then be captured and livestreamed by the Live Aware Desktop Recorder. This is the best method for enabling livestreaming your XR content.
For the most up-to-date information, please consult the official Meta Quest Help Center: Cast to a screen with Meta Quest
On your computer, open your browser, go to oculus.com/casting and log in.
In your headset, press the Meta button to pull up the universal menu.
Select the clock on the left-hand side of the universal menu to open Quick settings.
Select Cast.
Select Web, then select Next.
Select Computer, then select Next to connect.
On your computer, launch the Live Aware Desktop Recorder and select the browser window you will be casting to. Ensure your microphone is selected, and optionally, enable your camera.
Click Go Live to begin streaming. When you are done streaming, you can click End Stream.
Built-in Recording and Upload
Meta devices have a built-in recording feature that allows you to capture gameplay directly within the headset. This is useful for capturing raw footage without relying on external software during the play session.
For the most up-to-date information, please consult the official Meta Quest Help Center: Record video with Meta Quest
To start recording, press Meta button to pull up your universal menu.
Select Camera then select Record Video. A red dot will appear in your headset to indicate that recording has started. This video capture indicator can be controlled from Settings.
To end recording, open the universal menu, select Camera and select Recording.
To upload your recordings:
Connect your Meta Quest headset to your computer using the provided USB cable.
Put on your headset and select Allow to confirm you want to allow your computer to access files on the headset.
Open Live Aware, and the Event you would like to upload your video to.
Under the Uploads tab in your Video Library, Click Upload.
Navigate to the "Oculus/VideoShots" folder in File Explorer, and select the videos to upload.
Click Open.
Other VR Devices
For VR devices beyond the Meta ecosystem, or for maximum flexibility of capture parameters, you can use OBS to capture with the OpenVR plugin.
OBS with OpenVR Plugin
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is a versatile, free, and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. Combined with the OpenVR plugin, it can capture output from PC-based VR systems.
Download and install OBS Studio on your computer. Obtain the latest version from the official OBS Project website (obsproject.com) to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features.
Install the OpenVR plugin for OBS Studio. This plugin enables OBS to interface with the OpenVR API, which is used by many PC VR systems. You'll likely need to search online for the most current version of the plugin and follow specific installation instructions, as plugin availability and installation methods can vary.
Launch OBS Studio on your computer.
Configure OBS to capture your VR gameplay using the OpenVR plugin. This typically involves adding a "Game Capture" source within OBS and then selecting the "Capture specific window" or "OpenVR" mode. You might need to specify the VR application or window to capture. Precise configuration details vary, so refer to the OpenVR plugin's documentation or consult online tutorials for step-by-step guidance.
After you've completed your capture, open Live Aware, and the Event you would like to upload your video to.
Under the Uploads tab in your Video Library, Click Upload.
Select the videos to upload.
Click Open.
If you experience any compatibility issues with your XR device, please reach out directly for support at any time.