Retro gaming on Twitch is on the rise. Even in this age of hyper-real advanced games, Twitch streamers and viewers keep heading back to more familiar terrain.
Streaming Retro games can provide your viewers a sense of familiarity, nostalgia, and even invoke memories from their childhood. No doubt, retro popularity is on the rise with 1.2 Million followers on Twitch by Dec 2021.
I have curated a list of the 12 best retro games to stream (or even watch) in 2022. The platform considered here is Twitch since that’s the biggest live streaming platform.
The list of best retro games to stream on Twitch has been arranged based on the game’s history, popularity, and following. These games are legendary and will continue to have a strong fanbase. Have a look!
12 best retro games to stream on Twitch in 2022
Let us not wait anymore and dive deeper into the games. Below are the 12 best retro games to stream on Twitch, that I found still holding their fort and gathering views.
1. Chess
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) |
Game release date – 15th Century
About Chess- One of the oldest known games in human history, still intriguing to many and speaking to multi-generations all at once. This game is so revered that countries consider them a game of reputation.
Recently, it got a massive boost in its popularity post the release of “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix.
???? Did you know? The estimated number of possible games in Chess is 10^(120) more than the actual number of atoms in the known universe!!
Chess Twitch retro following – Chess has got around 1.8M followers on Twitch but gaining popularity and fanbase. Chess is far more accessible now and as seen more for the masses than elites. Popular streamers who have introduced chess to the mainstream include GMHikaru, Gotham Chess, Botezlive, akaNemso to name a few.
This makes Chess one of the best retro games to stream on Twitch!
2. Super Mario 64
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) |
Game release date – June 23, 1996
About Super Mario 64 – Super Mario 64 was the first game to have a 3d gameplay, before that we were only used to having 2d characters with simple gameplay.
???? Did you know? Super Mario 64 development took nearly over 3 years, no wonder why people still love it!!
It redefined how video games were thought and gave birth to today’s hyper-realistic 3d games.
Even today the game has not lost its taste and people still want to take a bite.
Super Mario 64 Twitch retro following – Super Mario 64 has a whopping 2.1M followers on Twitch with a great viewership of around 9k viewers per week during 2021.
The trend for Super Mario 64 viewership also seems to be positive and trending upwards.
3. Dungeons and Dragons
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) |
Game release date – 1974
About Dungeons and Dragons – Dungeons and Dragons is not your typical video game. It is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game now played in a video game format.
???? Did you know that the rules of the Dungeons and Dragons game were derived from a 1971 miniature wargame called Chainmail
Dungeons and Dragons Twitch retro following – Dungeons and Dragons has over 600k followers on Twitch. It has seen some consistent growth in both viewership and the number of streamers throughout the years.
It is a solid game that can bring in results.
4. Super Mario World
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) |
Game release date – November 21, 1990
About Super Mario World – Super Mario World was the first Mario game for the SNES consoles. It is cited as one of the best games ever made.
???? Did you know? Super Mario World is the first game where “Yoshi” the enemy-eating dinosaur was introduced.
Super Mario World Twitch retro following – It has 1.2M followers on Twitch and a healthy viewership throughout the years.
5. Resident Evil
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) |
Game release date – 1996
About Resident Evil – This Japanese horror video game was created by Capcom and it didn’t just stay a mere video game it took many forms like Live-action film series, animated films, television series, comic books, novels, audio dramas, and other merchandise.
???? Did you know that Resident Evil is the highest-grossing franchise in the Horror and Zombie related genres.
Resident Evil Twitch retro following – Resident Evil has close to 270k followers on Twitch and has seen a rise in stream popularity in recent times.
The game’s zombie-killing isn’t going to stop any soon!
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6. Tetris
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) |
Game release date – 1984
About Tetris – This timeless classic of fitting pieces together requires intelligence, responsiveness, and a little bit of luck making it the perfect recipe for an engaging game.
???? Did you know? Tetris was created by Soviet software engineer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984. His main ambition was to make people happy.
Tetris Twitch retro following – Tetris has more than 112k followers on Twitch. If you are planning to stream this game, it sure has the potential to grow your channel.
You can see a potential spike during the pandemic and post that there is consistent limelight.
7. Counter-Strike 1.6
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ (2/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) |
Game release date – 1999
About Counterstrike 1.6 – Counterstrike 1.6 needs no introduction and is just as good as it can be, the classic 5v5 first-person shooter which officially came out in 2000 is still the love of many including me.
This game is the daddy of all FPS games and has contributed massively to the popularity of the genre itself.
???? Did you know? Counter-Strike 1.6 was initially developed and released in 1999 as a modification to the popular game Half-Life
Counter-Strike 1.6 Twitch retro following – Counterstrike 1.6 has about 360k followers on Twitch. This game is immortal and will always have a hardcore fan following who prefer the original to other mods.
This game continues to hold its own and also grow at the same time.
8. Half-Life
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ (2/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ (2/5) |
Game release date – 1998
About Half-Life – Half-life is one of the most influential FPS games and has won over 50 PC “Game of the Year Award”. The aim of the game is to fight aliens and solve puzzles to survive.
???? Did you know? Half-life was one of the first games to use scripted sequences rather than cut scene intermission to detail the plot line
Half-Life Twitch retro following – Half-Life has over 140k followers on Twitch. This game consistent fan following without seeing much rise or drop in viewership. It will always have some viewers watching the game.
9. Sonic the Hedgehog
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ (2/5) |
Game Release date – 1991
About Sonic the Hedgehog – Sonic the Hedgehog, known for its fast gameplay and quirky characters was inspired by games like Super Mario.
In this game, Sonic uses a cool move that allows his sprite to roll through the curved scenery. It became popular quickly and had multiple spin-offs by other games.
???? Did you know? Sega asked its developers to create a game with a mascot for the company. After consideration, they fixated on a blue hedgehog and named it Sonic!!
Sonic the Hedgehog Twitch retro following – Sonic the Hedgehog has 128k followers on Twitch and a decent fan following throughout the years. It’s a game that will never die and continue to grab eyeballs with its quirky characters.
Recently, Sonic the Hedgehog got made into a live-action movie with Jim Carrey and was a success. Be sure to wait for its sequel and the hype to pick up again for you to capitalize.
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10. Super Mario Bros.
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ ⭐ (2/5) |
Game release date – 1985
About Super Mario Bros. – Super Mario Bros need no introduction, every person has heard and played them. The classic background music still rings in your ears when you think about Mario bros.
???? Did you know? Super Mario Bros. was developed on the engine used for Excitebike, another classic from our childhood!!
The fast side-scrolling, creative backgrounds, and iconic music made it one of the best-selling games of all time.
Super Mario Bros. Twitch retro following – Super Mario Bros. has 88k followers on Twitch, this classic retro game is still strong and generates a healthy viewership for its streamer.
Do plan to play this if you are planning to stream retro games.
11. Donkey Kong 64
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ (2/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ (1/5) |
Game release date – 1999
About Donkey Kong 64 – You will be playing as Donkey Kong the gorilla trying to save his kidnapped friends from King R. Cool by collecting items, playing mini-games and puzzles on an island.
???? Did you know? Donkey Kong 64 was the first Donkey Kong game with 3d gameplay!!
Donkey Kong 64 Twitch retro following – Donkey Kong 64 has a decent 97k followers on Twitch. The number of viewers is small but consistent, you may look at other games to the club with Donkey Kong 64 if you want a bigger audience pool.
12. Final Fantasy
| Retro Level – | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) |
| Popularity on Twitch – | ⭐ (1/5) |
Game release date – December 18, 1987
About Final Fantasy – Final Fantasy is a role-playing video game revolving around 4 friends part of the light warriors on a quest against evil forces to restore light in the elemental crystal they carry.
???? Did you know? Final Fantasy was going to be registered as “Fighting Fantasy”!! but later changed it to “Final Fantasy” due to copyright issues
Final Fantasy Twitch retro following – Final Fantasy has got 91k followers on Twitch. This game has so many variations that it is difficult to keep track of which is being popular at the time.
In conclusion
This is definitely not a complete list of the best retro games to stream on Twitch but is a great starting point. No matter which game you choose, it will be a great trip down memory lane.
Happy retro streaming!