Action! is a game recorder and live streaming software designed for recording high-quality gameplay videos with minimal performance impact.
What is Action!?
Action! is a professional game recording and live streaming software developed by Mirillis. It captures gameplay from PC games and desktop activity, outputting high-definition videos in MP4 format (H.264/AVC) at up to 120 frames per second. The software runs on Windows and offers a 30-day free trial with paid licenses available after.
Key Features
- High-quality HD recording — record gameplay at up to 120fps with low CPU and GPU usage, ensuring smooth performance even during intensive gaming.
- Small file sizes — videos are compressed up to 20 times smaller than raw footage from competitors like Bandicam and Fraps, saving disk space.
- Direct MP4 recording — output directly to H.264/AVC encoded MP4 files, ready for editing or uploading.
- Microphone and webcam overlay — add voice commentary and facecam recordings during gameplay.
- Live streaming — broadcast gameplay directly to Twitch, YouTube, Ustream, and more with integrated support.
- Smartphone control — start, stop, and manage recordings remotely using a smartphone app.
- Fast export — upload videos directly to YouTube and Facebook with a single click.
- Benchmark-proven performance — in tests with a Windows 8 system (Intel Core i7-3770, AMD Radeon R9270), Action! recorded at 120 FPS real frame rate while using less CPU and producing smaller file sizes per frame compared to Bandicam and Fraps.
Who is it for?
- YouTubers and content creators — record high-quality gameplay videos with commentary and webcam, then export directly to YouTube without additional editing software.
- Live streamers — broadcast gameplay in real time to Twitch, YouTube, or Ustream with low latency and minimal CPU overhead.
- Gamers who want to save disk space — use up to 20x smaller file sizes than alternative recorders while maintaining visual quality.
- Benchmark enthusiasts — compare recording performance with built-in benchmarking tools that show file size, CPU usage, and FPS.
What can you do with Action!?
- Record gameplay at ultra high FPS — capture smooth slow-motion footage at 120fps without stuttering.
- Stream live gameplay — go live on Twitch or YouTube with built-in streaming settings adjusted for different bitrates.
- Create tutorial or walkthrough videos — add microphone commentary and webcam overlay to explain game mechanics.
- Record desktop activity — capture software demonstrations or video calls with the same recording engine.
Alternatives
- Bandicam — another popular game recorder with similar features but larger file sizes and higher CPU usage according to benchmarks.
- Fraps — a lightweight recorder known for raw uncompressed captures, but produces very large files and lower FPS compared to Action!.
- OBS Studio — a free open-source alternative for screen recording and streaming, offering more customization but requiring more setup.
FAQ
Is Action! free?
Action! offers a fully functional 30-day free trial. After the trial period, a paid license is required to continue using the software.
What are the system requirements?
The official website does not list specific minimum requirements, but benchmarks were performed on Windows 8 with an Intel Core i7-3770, AMD Radeon R9270, and 1920x1080 display. The software is designed to work on most modern Windows PCs.
Can I record at 120fps?
Yes, Action! supports recording at up to 120 frames per second, producing smooth high-frame-rate videos when paired with a capable system.
Does Action! support webcam recording?
Yes, you can overlay webcam footage during recordings, making it easy to add facecam reactions alongside gameplay.
Action! supports live streaming to Twitch, YouTube, Ustream, and other platforms via custom RTMP settings.
