RaceLab Support – Chat Race Game Overlay (Streaming – Twitch only)

Chat Race Game Overlay (Streaming – Twitch only)

The Chat Race Game overlay is a fun mini-game where viewers join a race using Twitch chat and watch their names compete on screen. It is perfect for warm-up periods, be-right-back scenes, or short breaks between races. This overlay is designed for Twitch chat only.

Important: the chat race game is built around Twitch chat. Your Twitch account must be connected to RaceLab so the app can read chat messages and update the game. Other platforms are not currently supported for this overlay.

How the chat race game works

  • Viewers type a specific word or command in Twitch chat to join the race (according to the current RaceLab instructions).
  • The overlay shows a mini-race where each viewer is represented in the game.
  • RaceLab tracks positions and results and can show them in the Chat Race Standing overlay.
  • You can start, stop and reset the race from the RaceLab controls.

Think of it as a small “party game” that lives inside your stream layout. You control when it appears on screen and how big it is.

1. Requirements

  • RaceLab app installed and running.
  • Twitch account connected to RaceLab.
  • Streaming software such as OBS Studio or Streamlabs.
  • A layout in RaceLab for your stream overlays (not used on your main driving monitor).
  • Optional but recommended: the Chat Race Standing overlay on the same or another scene to show the leaderboard.

2. Connect Twitch to RaceLab (quick check)

If you already use the Chat or Chat Highlight overlays, this is probably done, but here is the short version:

  1. Open the RaceLab App.
  2. Go to the Settings / Streaming area.
  3. Check that your Twitch account is shown as connected.
  4. If not, click the Twitch connect / login button, sign in, and allow RaceLab to read your chat.

3. Create a chat race layout

  1. In RaceLab, open the Layouts section.
  2. Create a new layout, for example: “Stream – Chat Race Game”, or edit an existing “fun” scene layout.
  3. Click Add widget.
  4. Select the Chat Race Game overlay from the list.
  5. Resize and place the race area so it is clearly visible:
    • Full width for a main “mini-game” scene, or
    • Smaller, in a corner, if you want it to run alongside your main view.
  6. Optionally, add the Chat Race Standing overlay on the same layout so standings appear beside the game.
  7. Adjust any style options in RaceLab (colours, speed, background) to match your stream branding.
  8. Save the layout.
Tip – dedicated mini-game scene Many streamers create a separate OBS scene just for the chat race: big race overlay, standings panel on the side, webcam and microphone. They switch to this scene only when running a race.

4. Add the game overlay to OBS / Streamlabs

  1. In RaceLab, open your chat race layout and copy the overlay URL / browser link.
  2. Open OBS Studio or your streaming software.
  3. Select the scene where you want the mini-game to appear.
  4. Click Add > Browser Source.
  5. Name it something like “RaceLab – Chat Race Game”.
  6. Paste the overlay URL into the URL field.
  7. Set a starting size, for example:
    • Width: 900–1280 pixels
    • Height: 500–720 pixels
  8. Press OK and drag the overlay into position.
  9. Adjust the size so all important race elements are visible and easy to read.

5. Running a chat race on stream

  1. Go live on Twitch as normal.
  2. Switch to your scene that includes the Chat Race Game overlay (and optionally the standings overlay).
  3. Explain to viewers how to join the race: what command/word to type in chat and when to do it (follow the wording used by the current RaceLab version).
  4. Use the RaceLab controls to start the race.
  5. Watch the overlay as the race runs and enjoy the chaos in chat.
  6. When the race ends, leave the result visible for a short time so everyone can see who won.
  7. Optionally, switch to a separate “results” scene where the Chat Race Standing overlay takes centre stage.
Tip – make it part of your routine Run a chat race:
  • At the start of the stream to warm up chat.
  • During long sessions as a stretch break.
  • At the end of big events as a fun “afterparty”.
Viewers quickly learn to look forward to these moments.

6. Common problems and quick fixes

  • No one appears in the race:
    Check that you clearly explained the join command and timing. Confirm that the game is actually started in RaceLab and that Twitch is connected.
  • Overlay appears but the animation is frozen:
    Refresh the Browser Source in OBS or restart the RaceLab app. Also check your internet connection.
  • Names or cars go off the edge of the overlay:
    Increase the Browser Source size or adjust the game’s zoom / scale options inside RaceLab if available.
  • Game covers the main content too much:
    Move the overlay to a separate scene, or run a smaller version in a corner and zoom in only when you want to focus on it.
  • Audio too loud / too quiet (if the game has sounds):
    Adjust the Browser Source volume in OBS’s audio mixer or change sound settings in RaceLab if options are provided.

This page was created by a RaceLab community member Scottozy, based on personal experience using RaceLab overlays together with publicly available documentation and community feedback. It is an unofficial help page and is not an official RaceLab publication.

Sources & references

  • RaceLab – official information about chat race overlays and mini-games.
  • RaceLab community discussions and examples of using chat race games on Twitch streams.
  • Practical testing by sim-racers combining RaceLab chat race overlays with OBS / Streamlabs on Twitch.