Record Gameplay on Android & iOS - A Complete Guide

Mobile Gameplay Recording: A Growing Trend

Previously limited to consoles and PCs, integrated gameplay recording is now becoming increasingly available on mobile platforms.

Windows 10, the PlayStation 4, and Xbox One all feature built-in functionality for recording gameplay and sharing clips online.

Expanding to Mobile Devices

Currently, Android devices, iPhones, and iPads are being equipped with similar integrated capabilities.

These new features enable users to capture videos of their mobile gaming sessions and easily share them on platforms like YouTube.

Enhanced Recording Options

The functionality extends beyond simply recording the game screen.

Users can also record their voice using the device’s microphone, adding commentary to their gameplay footage.

Furthermore, Android devices offer the option to incorporate footage from the front-facing camera, displaying the player’s reaction during gameplay.

This allows for a more engaging and personalized viewing experience, moving beyond a basic recording of the game itself.

Android Gameplay Recording

Information regarding how to capture PC gameplay using Windows 10’s Game DVR and Game Bar is related to this topic.

Recording gameplay on Android devices is now a straightforward process, facilitated by a recent update to the Google Play Games application. Currently, this functionality is being rolled out initially to users located in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Using the Google Play Games App

To begin, open the "Google Play Games" app that is installed on your Android device. If the application is not already present, it can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

Within the app, navigate to the "My Games" section via the menu. Then, select the "Installed" tab to view a list of games currently installed on your device.

Choose the game you wish to record and tap the red record icon positioned next to the green play button. If this button is not visible, the feature may not yet be available in your geographical location.

Resolution and Storage

Users are presented with a choice between recording gameplay in 720p HD or 480p SD resolutions.

The completed video file will be saved within the "Screencasts" folder on your device and will also be accessible through your photo gallery.

Recording Interface and Controls

Upon launching the game, a live feed from your device’s front-facing camera will appear in the bottom-left corner of the screen, accompanied by three interactive buttons.

The position of your face within the video can be adjusted by touching and dragging the image. The buttons provide control over the microphone and front-facing camera, allowing you to enable or disable them as desired. The red record button initiates and terminates the recording process.

During recording, all on-screen activity, including incoming notifications, will be captured.

Managing the Recording Overlay

A single tap on your face image will hide the control buttons.

To completely close the recording feature, a long press on your face image is required. Drag the image to the "X" located in the center of the screen and release it.

Sharing and Future Integration

Recorded videos can be uploaded and shared in the same manner as any other video file on your device.

Google plans to enable game developers to integrate this recording functionality directly into their games. This will eliminate the need to access the Google Play Games app to initiate recording.

Alternative Recording Methods

For devices running Android 4.4 and later, screen recording is also possible by connecting the phone to a computer via a USB cable. However, the Google Play Games solution offers a more convenient approach.

Further information on Android screen recording is available.

iPhone and iPad Gameplay Recording

Apple implemented a unique system for capturing gameplay footage. Within iOS 9, a new framework called "ReplayKit" was introduced, enabling game developers to incorporate recording functionalities directly into their applications.

However, it's important to note that this feature isn't universally available. Developers must actively integrate ReplayKit into their games for it to function.

Using ReplayKit

When a game supports ReplayKit, a "Record" button will be present. The appearance and location of this button will vary depending on the specific game.

Upon tapping the button, users are given the option to record either just the screen visuals or to also include audio captured from the device’s microphone.

Related: How to Record a Video of Your iPhone or iPad’s Screen

For games lacking native ReplayKit support, recording is still possible with a Mac computer.

Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using the USB cable provided, and you can then record the device’s screen, including gameplay, while it remains connected.

This method requires QuickTime Player on a Mac running OS X 10.10 Yosemite or later.

While more involved, this remains the sole option for games that haven't integrated the ReplayKit framework.

Live Streaming Limitations

Currently, neither of these methods facilitates live streaming gameplay to platforms like Twitch.tv or YouTube Gaming.

However, given the recent emergence of these features on mobile platforms, the possibility of future live-streaming capabilities remains open.

Image Credit: Karlis Dambrans on Flickr