Put a visible holding scene between games, then switch to the next game scene with a deliberate Cut or Fade. In OBS, this gives viewers something to see while a game closes or loads. If the output stays black, check the active scene, source visibility and layer order, and whether the game capture is receiving video—the transition alone cannot fix a missing or obscured source.
Set up a visible scene for game changes
- Create a holding scene. In OBS, add a scene such as “Changing games.” Add a visible image, color, or text source so the scene produces an intentional picture instead of an empty frame. OBS supports scenes assembled from different sources, including image and color sources. OBS Studio Overview · Sources Guide
- Keep each game layout in its own scene. Name scenes clearly—for example, “Game A” and “Game B”—and include the capture source and layout intended for that game. Scenes let you change the live composition by switching between prepared groups of sources. OBS Studio Overview
- Choose a transition. Use Cut for an immediate switch, or Fade for a gradual visual change. OBS lets you choose a transition and configure its duration. Check the duration rather than assuming the default suits your pacing. OBS Studio Overview
Use Studio Mode to check the next scene
Studio Mode separates the preview from the live output. Select the next game scene in preview, confirm that the game image and overlays appear as expected, then send it live with the chosen transition. This gives you a chance to catch a blank or incorrectly arranged scene before viewers see it. OBS Studio Overview
Rehearse the full handoff before streaming: Game A → Changing games → Game B. Check the result in OBS’s preview and, if useful, a local recording. OBS recommends working out issues ahead of a live stream. OBS Studio Overview
Diagnose black output that persists
A holding scene prevents an intentional gap from appearing empty; it does not repair a broken game capture. If the screen is still black, check these in order:
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- Confirm the live scene. Make sure the intended game or holding scene—not an empty or unintended scene—is on the live output.
- Check source visibility and order. Confirm the game capture is visible. In OBS, sources higher in the list appear above lower sources and can cover them; hide or move an obstructing source as needed. OBS Sources Guide
- Check whether capture is receiving the game. Look at the game capture in the scene preview. If it is not showing the game there, the transition is not the cause; the capture source is not currently providing the expected image.
- Test the handoff again. Preview the destination scene and repeat the transition. The exact capture fix depends on your operating system, game, and capture method, so there is no single universal setting to change.
Choose controls that fit your setup
OBS scene buttons or hotkeys let you run the handoff without extra hardware. A Stream Deck is an optional physical control: Elgato documents OBS actions for selecting scenes, using Studio Mode, controlling source visibility, and choosing transitions. It can make a prepared workflow easier to trigger, but it cannot make a missing game capture work or fix a black source. OBS Studio Overview · Elgato OBS Integration
How this relates to YouTube Live
YouTube identifies gaming as a common livestream use and directs creators to YouTube Studio for live-stream setup and management. The scene and transition steps here apply most directly when OBS or comparable encoder software is assembling the broadcast; console-native streaming may offer different controls. Get started with live streaming · Manage your live stream
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