twitch-tv
Latest
Twitch 'Communities' help you find specific streams
Despite YouTube and Facebook's best efforts, Twitch is still the king of video game live streaming. The platform's popularity has given rise to a new problem though: discoverability. When so many different people are streaming, how do you find the channels that suit your particular interests? Enter "Communities," a new type of hub page that users can build around specific games or topics. They can be about almost anything -- speedrunning, comedy, or the joys of Jet Grind Radio. Each community is public and listed in a new Community directory. Streamers can then "target" them so their broadcast appears on the page's "stream wall."
Twitch seeks transparency for promotional broadcasts
Twitch will begin instituting new policies that clearly label sponsored broadcasts on its channels, the video streaming platform announced on its blog. "We want complete transparency and unwavering authenticity with all content and promotions that have a sponsor relationship," Twitch wrote. Copy and graphics for future Twitch-driven campaigns will now have labels to indicate that they are promotional in nature. For instance, the front-page video carousel will include a new "sponsored" graphic when applicable, and Twitch will add sponsored labels to its content newsletters as well. Future tweets from the streaming platform's official accounts will also include language that indicates if the broadcast is promotional as well. Twitch isn't the only company opting for more transparency in how sponsored content is listed; Valve introduced new policies for Steam Curators to openly disclose paid recommendations this week as well. [Image: Twitch]
Amazon completes Twitch acquisition
Since Amazon Prime's two-day delivery apparently doesn't apply to business acquisitions, Amazon's acquisition of streaming service Twitch, which was announced on August 25, has only just been finalized. A filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission has confirmed the $970 million deal is now on Amazon's doorstep, poorly hidden under the welcoming mat. As a reminder that paying $970 million for Twitch isn't so crazy, last month's report from The New York Times noted that Twitch draws more viewers than HLN, CNN, E!, MSNBC, TruTV and MTV during peak hours. There's room to grow though – the same report estimates that Netflix is eight times bigger than Twitch, with YouTube standing about 24 times as tall. [Image: Twitch]
PSA: Twitch chat links are phishing for Steam logins
Some Twitch users are experiencing a number of phishing attempts within the video game broadcast service's chat windows. Twitch's support team on Twitter advised that viewers avoid clicking the "csgoprize" link that may appear in stream chats, as it is "a phishing attempt to install malware and compromise your Steam account." Twitch did not disclose how widespread the issue is. The support team said it will "work to block that link," but that variants of the phishing attempt may sprout up in the future. It added that "in general, you should be wary of any links in chat." As for ways broadcasters can prevent further issues, they can enable a "Block Hyperlinks" option within Twitch's Channels and Videos settings to prevent viewers from adding their corrupt links to their stream's chat. [Image: Twitch]
Twitch wants to be the conduit for professional eSports
What do you do after Amazon purchases your start-up for almost $1 billion? If you're Twitch CEO Emmett Shear, you stay the course. "Amazon has a very specific track record of retaining founding teams for a long time," he told The Information in a recent interview. "The idea is that we get to operate in San Francisco independently." Shear has said it again and again since the acquisition: Twitch chose Amazon for autonomy, the freedom to control its own destiny. Shear seems optimistic about the company's future -- it's experimenting with music broadcasting, and sees e-sports as an area ripe for expansion. More than anything, Shear seems to want the company to become the community's go-to provider for streaming content.
Amazon acquires Twitch for $970 million
Today Emmett Shear, the CEO of Twitch.tv, announced that Twitch has been acquired by Amazon. In his letter, Shear explained that they went with Amazon in the end because "they believe in our community, they share our values and long-term vision, and they want to help us get there faster." We'll see what kind of changes this development brings to our favorite streaming service, and hopefully they will all be welcome ones. Amazon's interest in the streaming platform initially came as somewhat of a surprise, considering that initial reports cited Google's Youtube division as potentially interested in purchasing Twitch.
Twitch CEO: In-game music muting 'a mistake,' appeals feature added
Video game streaming service Twitch has modified many of its recent controversial policy changes in response to user feedback, announcing that streamers will now be able to appeal muted content-matched audio in archived videos. Earlier this week, Twitch introduced a Content ID-like auto-muting feature in an attempt to weed out the broadcasting of "unauthorized third-party audio," including copyrighted music from popular artists. The feature's current implementation yielded multiple false positives, however, muting large chunks of archived streams that only featured original in-game music and author commentary.
Twitch deleting past broadcasts, muting third-party audio
In-line with the reported Google acquisition, game streaming service Twitch is changing its rules to be more... YouTubey. The change that many shirtless, death-metal Hearthstone streamers will run afoul of is the newly implemented tech that'll mute archived videos that contain "unauthorized third-party audio." Also, past broadcasts will only be saved for a limited time (14-60 days), with highlights running under two hours "saved indefinitely" (for now). "In order to create a system that supports live and [video on demand] across the globe and on multiple platforms, we need to make significant changes to the way we're currently storing video," said Twitch CEO Emmet Shear.
Justin.tv shuts down as Twitch goes all-in on video game broadcasting
Twitch shut down Justin.tv this week, putting an end to the streaming platform's seven-year run, as the company is now focusing its resources on Twitch. Videos on Justin.tv are no longer available to view, and those with active premium pro accounts should receive an email about getting refunded. The shift in focus has been in the works for months, as the company formerly known as Justin.tv changed its corporate name to Twitch in February, the same time Twitch achieved one million active monthly broadcasters. Those with Justin.tv accounts that would like to move over to Twitch need to fill out a form on Twitch's site, though all requests must be received by September 5. However, Justin.tv broadcasters' videos are lost forever; VOD and video archiving support were removed on June 15.
Choose My Adventure: Hunting for trouble (and riches) in ArcheAge
Bouncing between alpha and beta has hindered progress in ArcheAge for Massively's MJ, but it hasn't diminished the fun. As per last week's vote, she spent the past weekend in beta, checking out life on the other continent as an Elf. Now, with the next beta a whole week away, it's back to alpha life as a Firran. But that doesn't mean it's a lonely life! MJ found a spot for her little farm and has been raising some goslings as she continues her crafting and trade exploits. And there's also this thing about joining a guild... we're sure she could find some more trouble to get into with friends. Perhaps she'll even finally make it to prison! Join us live at 7:00 p.m. for MJ's final two-hour CMA Live adventure. Game: ArcheAge Host: MJ Guthrie Date: Friday, July 55th, 2014 Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT Enjoy our Stream Team video below.
Report: Google deal to acquire Twitch for $1 billion is so on
Google has acquired Twitch for $1 billion, Venture Beat reports, citing people "familiar with the matter." This follows a report in May that Google (via YouTube) was in talks to acquire Twitch. Twitch offered no comment on the new claim. Venture Beat notes that details are scarce on the deal and the precise purchase price is still unknown, but early Twitch investors "are pleased that they will be getting significant returns that are multiple times the amount they originally invested." Reports from May place YouTube at the head of the acquisition. Twitch, after all, is a live game streaming site, and YouTube handles all things in online video. [Image: Twitch]
Choose My Adventure: The crafty side of life in ArcheAge
After last week's exciting dungeon and boating adventure, Massvely's MJ was ready to settle into the quiet life of crafting in ArcheAge. And crafting can definitely be a whole way of life, taking all your time, attention, and funds. If you want to specialize in multiple crafts, it can gobble up that much more! Since you voted for MJ to try all the crafting, she's been trying to dabble in everything. However, getting all the various materials necessary for all the different professions turned out to be quite the undertaking, so she's been paying special attention to armor (which tied for first in votes) and housing items (which came in second). Join us live at 7:00 p.m. to see the crafty side of life in ArcheAge and help direct MJ's two-hour adventures during this CMA Live. Then don't forget to vote and direct next week's (and this weekend's) adventures! Game: ArcheAge Host: MJ Guthrie Date: Wednesday, July 16th, 2014 Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT Enjoy our Stream Team video below.
Choose My Adventure: Adventuring in ArcheAge
Although ArcheAge has many different things to do, you decided that Massively's MJ should continue her adventures with quests, so that's what she's been doing. After showing off her favorite spot in game and brilliantly demonstrating death by jellyfish, she's been running to and fro delivering notes, assembling statues, and killing whatever vermin are bothering the locals. And there's certainly no lack of vermin! During those questing adventures MJ has come across a dungeon, and she's looking forward to taking you inside. Hopefully she'll find other in-game companions to enter with her as well, else she'll surely experience death in a new and spectacular way! If she's alone, will you still have her enter? Join us live at 7:00 p.m. to decide her fate live! And don't forget to participate in the next vote to decide which crafting profession MJ should pursue next week. Game: ArcheAge Host: MJ Guthrie Date: Wednesday, July 9th, 2014 Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT Enjoy our Stream Team video below.
Choose My Adventure: Forever Firran in ArcheAge's alpha
Welcome to the first official all-stream version of Choose My Adventure, where Massively's MJ will delve deeper into ArcheAge on two-hour adventures that you help direct. She's continuing to explore the world as the feline Firran as directed by the last round of voting. But now the adventures are ramping up and she's picking up the pace, so what direction shall she go? There's no need to only quest if you want XP; you can also gather, craft, and farm. You can focus on land adventures or brave the high seas. There's plenty of choice involved, and the choice is yours. Join us live at 4:00 p.m. EDT and help decide what MJ does, then vote in the poll to determine next week's leveling path! The polls closes at 11:59 P.M. Monday, June 8th. Game: ArcheAge Host: MJ Guthrie Date: Friday, July 4th, 2014 Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT Enjoy our Stream Team video below.
Guild Wars 2 to host its first player tourney at Gamescom
Top Guild Wars 2 players will have the opportunity to duke it out in the game's first International All-Stars Tournament during Gamescom 2014, which runs from August 13th through the 17th. ArenaNet will fly players from Europe, China, and North America to the convention in order to compete against one another. Even if you aren't participating in the tourney itself, you'll be able to visit the Twitch.TV booth to play some GW2, chat with the developers, and partake in other activities. Want to get in on the tournament or any of the other community events during Gamescom? Keep an eye out: We'll bring you more information as soon as the details are released.
Twitch tuned in 12 million viewers during E3 week
Twitch enjoyed some outstanding viewership numbers during last week's E3, setting sitewide viewership records thanks to the press conference streams by Microsoft, PlayStation, EA and Ubisoft. According to the company, it had 12 million unique viewers during the four days of E3, with 5.9 million unique viewers on Monday's press conference day. "By helping our partners get the most value out of their E3 presence with our centralized platform and our partnership with the ESA, the numbers illustrated it was a resounding success," said Twitch VP of Marketing Matthew DiPietro. "As a result, we were able to offer our global community a front row seat to all of the best content from the show." Not to be outdone by Twitch, we can confirm at least 50 people, maybe even a few dozen of you, showed up for our liveblogs of the show. Like, we think that's super swell and totally appreciate it. You're the best, y'all. [Image: Twitch]
Nintendo doesn't view pure gameplay livestreams as fun
The gaming-dominated Twitch.tv might be the most popular livestreaming site in the world, but the Wii U remains without support for the service that helps PS4, PC and Xbox One players broadcast their games. Rather than the absence stemming from a shoddy relationship or tech-related issues, Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime told Polygon during E3 that Nintendo doesn't think streaming "30 minutes of gameplay by itself is a lot of fun." Fils-Aime argues that features like Mario Kart 8's support for sharing highlight reels from races differs from sitting through livestreams that might not even have anything interesting to watch. In contrast, Nintendo used Twitch to broadcast its Nintendo Treehouse Live at E3 demonstrations and the Super Smash Bros. Invitational, and Fils-Aime says we can expect Nintendo to do "more of that type of activity, highlighting our games and providing a forum for players to learn how to play better." While we understand that Nintendo is aiming for its games to be featured in a different style than what Twitch viewers are used to, it sounds an awful lot like the kid that used to tell us how to play with our toys. [Image: Twitch]
Twitch schedules its E3 broadcasts
Video game streaming platform Twitch signed a three-year deal in March to be the official streaming partner of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). While we'll have wall-to-wall coverage of next week's avalanche of announcements and other gaming goodies, those looking to watch live broadcasts of gaming's biggest annual event should check out Twitch's now-available broadcast schedule, found after the break. Twitch will kick off its coverage on the morning of Monday, June 9 with Microsoft's media briefing at 9:30 am PT (12:30 pm ET), later showing EA's press conference at 1:00 pm PT (4:00 pm ET). Following EA's "post show" is the reveal of a new game from Bethesda at 2:30 pm PT (5:30 pm ET). "Conference day" continues Monday with Ubisoft at 3:00 pm PT (6:00 pm ET) and Sony at 6:00 p.m. PT (9:00 pm ET). Nintendo's livestream-only E3 event leads the way on Tuesday, June 10 at 9:00 am PT (12:00 pm ET), followed by a handful of as-yet-unannounced game streams throughout the day from publishers like Deep Silver, Ubisoft, Microsoft Studios and Nintendo. Tuesday concludes with Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. invitational tournament at 4:00 pm PT (7:00 pm ET). Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12 include other unannounced games from Microsoft Studios, Square Enix, EA, Warner Bros., Crytek, Nintendo, Sony, Tecmo Koei and Ubisoft, with Twitch's final E3 stream, 2K's Evolve tournament, set for Thursday at 4:00 pm PT (7:00 pm ET).
Twitch funds chat-driven game Choice Chamber
Twitch matched funds pledged to Studio Bean's chat-driven Kickstarter project, Choice Chamber. The developer's crowdfunding campaign ends Sunday evening and raised nearly half of its $30,000 goal, and Twitch's contributions put it near the finish line. According to the project's reward tiers, the game is expected to launch in December. Following up the success of Twitch Plays Pokemon, Choice Chamber is a PC and Mac game that is designed to be played while streaming live on Twitch. Described as a "real-time, crowdsourced, procedurally generated game," it allows stream viewers to use Twitch's chat functionality to either aid or hinder the progress of the game's primary player by voting on game-changing polls. The player, who can choose to go the single-player-only route with offline mode, navigates an "endless series of dangerous chambers" while wielding a variety of weaponry with which to defeat enemies. In the prototype version of Choice Chamber, viewers vote on said weapons in addition to powerups, abilities and special maneuvers, though Studio Bean plans to add many more modifiable elements. [Image: Studio Bean]
Access Twitch servers from Paris, with love
Gameplay broadcasting platform Twitch announced the addition of servers in Paris, France, bolstering the service's stability in Europe. The Paris addition is just the latest in a string of Twitch overhauls; Twitch also upgraded its infrastructure this month in Dallas and London while Los Angeles got a facelift back in January. December saw an upgrade for Amsterdam, as well as a new a "point-of-presence" in Prague. Of course, this good news will particularly surface when Joystiq Streams eventually tours the globe, streaming games like Dark Souls 2 and Infamous: Second Son from exotic locales (hey, one can hope). Twitch's improvements in the past few months go beyond its infrastructure, as the company launched support for iOS and Android game streaming, as well as its app for Xbox One. Twitch also inked a deal to become E3's official streaming partner for three years following its corporate umbrella name change in February. [Image: Twitch]
