How to Stream Local Tournaments with Multiple OBS

Streaming a local network multiplayer tournament using multiple OBS Studio instances requires a reliable way to aggregate multiple video feeds into a single, cohesive broadcast. This guide covers the most efficient method for achieving this: utilizing a local Gigabit network, sending player feeds via NDI (Network Device Interface) or SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) protocols, and managing the final broadcast from a dedicated master production PC.

The Network Foundation

Before configuring OBS, you must establish a robust local area network (LAN). Because high-quality video feeds consume massive amounts of bandwidth, do not use Wi-Fi. Connect all player PCs and the master production PC to a high-quality, unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet switch using Cat6 cables. This ensures low latency and prevents packet loss during the broadcast.

The easiest and most common way to send video between OBS instances over a local network is NewTek’s NDI protocol.

  1. Install the Tools: Download and install the NDI Tools launcher and the obs-ndi plugin on every player PC and the master production PC.
  2. Configure Player OBS Instances: On each player’s PC, open OBS Studio. Go to Tools > NDI Output Settings. Check the box for “Main Output” and give the source a recognizable name (e.g., “Player_01”). This outputs the player’s gameplay and webcam over the local network with virtually zero latency.
  3. Receive Feeds on the Master PC: On the master production PC, open OBS. Add a new source to your scene and select NDI Source. Choose the player’s feed from the dropdown menu. Repeat this process for all players to bring their screens and cameras into your production layout.

Method 2: Using SRT (Alternative for Lower Bandwidth)

If your network switch is congested or you need to compress the video feeds further to save bandwidth, use SRT. OBS Studio supports SRT natively.

  1. Set Up the Master PC as a Listener: On the master production PC, create a Media Source in OBS. Uncheck “Local File” and input the SRT URL format: srt://[Master_PC_IP]:[Port]?mode=listener (e.g., srt://192.168.1.50:5001?mode=listener). Use a unique port number for each player feed.
  2. Set Up Player PCs as Callers: On each player’s OBS, go to Settings > Stream. Set the Service to Custom. In the Server box, enter srt://[Master_PC_IP]:[Port]?mode=caller, matching the specific port assigned to them on the master PC. Use a high bitrate (e.g., 6000–10000 Kbps) for crisp quality.

Managing Audio and Production

To prevent audio clutter, mute the gameplay audio on the player PCs’ NDI/SRT outputs if you plan to only use the audio of the player currently being spectated. Keep the commentators’ microphones plugged directly into the master production PC or an external audio mixer.

From the master OBS instance, the director can seamlessly switch between player perspectives, add tournament overlays, and stream the final output to platforms like Twitch or YouTube without putting any rendering or streaming strain on the players’ gaming rigs.