If you are looking for decent programs to record games you have come to the right place!
Over the years I have recorded hundreds of gameplay videos with lots of different screenrecorders and this list is the result of my research.
This list is about screenrecording software for PC but I have also created a list for Mac and for Linux.

In case you are also looking for video editing software to trim, convert and edit your recording consider to check out The Big List Of Video Editors.

Which programs do I prefer?
I personally use Camtasia and Fraps and would say that HyperCam 3 is the best Camtasia alternative while PlayClaw is the best Fraps alternative.
These are all commercial programs and they are unquestionably superior to all available freeware programs. However if you don’t want or can’t spend any money on a screenrecorder I have also listed some decent freeware alternatives for you. Oh and in case you want to record something real quick without downloading anything I recommend to check out the free online screenrecorder Screenr.

What about capture cards?
If you are looking for a product that doesn’t require much CPU power and thus allows you to record and stream games from PC and consoles with high and stable framerates consider to get a decent capture card.
You can find such devices on amazon and the prices seem to vary from 20$-200$. Note that I haven’t used such a card yet but the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD capture card seems to be a pretty good product according to amazon reviews and YouTubers.
For example the Lazy Gamer uses this card for his YouTube videos and did a comprehensive video review and a written review with some additional test videos on his homepage.

Some General Advice to Increase Performance:

• Reduce Resolution (e.g. 640×480 instead of 1024×768)
• Switch to 16-bit instead of 32-bit Color Depth
• Choose the right Codec (less compression = faster recording speed)
• Upgrade PC (faster CPU, more RAM, better graphics card)
• Record with Fraps and use a new unfragmented hard drive to avoid stuttering
• If possible record to a secondary hard drive will make your videos less laggy.
• Reboot your system to free up RAM or close unneccassary processes in the task manager (ctrl+alt+del)

Best Choices For 2D Games

Camtasia Studio

How to record a game with Camtasia (Video)

Download
Size: 184 MB
Price: 300$ (Free 30 Days Trial Version)
Demo Restrictions: None

If you want to record lots of videos this is the best choice in my opinion. It offers lots of options and a complete little editing suite. However the price tag might put you off in the first place. Anyway don’t forget that you can record as much as you want for 30 days without any limitations… for free.

SnagIt

How to record a game with SnagIt (Video)

Download
Size: 30 MB
Price: 50$ (Free 30 Days Trial Version)
Demo Restrictions: None

Originally SnagIt was designed for taking screenshots. However you can also use it as a cheap alternative to Camtasia Studio. It doesn’t offer the editing environment and stuff but for a 1/6 of its price you can still get the same recording results.

HyperCam 3

How to record a game with HyperCam 3 (Video)

Download
Size: 8 MB
Price: 40$ (Free Demo works for unlimited time)
Demo Restrictions: Watermark

The best alternative to Camtasia for a fraction of it’s price.

Best Choices For 3D Games

Fraps

How to record a game with Fraps (Video)

Download
Size: 2 MB
Price: 37$ (Free Demo works for unlimited time)
Demo Restrictions: Watermark and recordings are restricted to 30 seconds

If you want to record DirectX/OpenGL games then Fraps is the way to go. If you don’t have any money you can glue multiple 30 sec segments together after you have recorded them… but you have to live with the watermark then.

PlayClaw

How to record a game with PlayClaw (Video)

Download
Size: 3 MB
Price: 30$ (Free Demo works for unlimited time)
Demo Restrictions: Watermark

The best alternative to Fraps if you want to record demanding DirectX/OpenGL games.

Best Freeware Alternatives For 2D Games

CamStudio

How to record a game with Camstudio (Video)

Download
Size: 2 MB
Price: Free
Restrictions: None

A nice recorder that might need some fiddeling around with the codecs/settings until you get smooth results.

Krut

Download
Size: 5 MB
Price: Free
Restrictions: None

A decent lightweight open source recorder coded in Java.

Expression Encoder 4

Download
Size: 25 MB
Price: Free
Restrictions: Only WMV as Output Format and 10 minute segments

Nice little recorder (needs the NET Framework 4 installed).

BB FlashBack Express

Download
Size: 10 MB
Price: Free
Restrictions: Only AVI as Output Format

Another decent recorder. Note that after 30 days you have to register for free (means: give them an email adress)

Screenr

How to record a game with Screenr (Video)

Start Recording
Price: Free
Restrictions: 5 minutes limit per recording

Great online screen recorder! No need to install anything.

Note: After you have finished your recording you have to login with your Twitter account before you can download the video in MP4 format.
If you shouldn’t have a Twitter account then simply create one in 60 seconds. Here’s an example video that shows how to do that.

Best Freeware Alternatives For 3D Games

Well there aren’t any alternatives to Fraps and PlayClaw… except Taksi but it isn’t very stable and might cost you some nerves because it simply refuses to work for unknown reasons. However maybe it will work for you.