Back in May we told you about possible plans for Google to buy out popular streaming service Twitch. The reported figure was $1 billion, but was never confirmed by both Twitch or Google. Almost three months later, we are hearing that it is a done deal and that PS4 and Xbox One owners could see a likelihood where their current streaming activities turn into something known via social media as ‘Twitch Tube’.
That’s what gamers are already starting to call it and now it seems that we are just waiting for the final confirmation from Google. An article by VentureBeat published this week is reporting this as fact though and that Google has paid $1 billion in cash to turn Twitch streaming into their next big monopoly.
Even more interesting is further rumors suggesting that Microsoft were also interested in purchasing Twitch but were outdone by Google in the end. The question that gamers will be asking themselves now though is “What will happen to my Twitch experience?” with Google in charge?
The experience shouldn’t change dramatically, but with giants such as Google pumping income into the service, we could see a huge increase in the amounts of Twitch tournaments that PS4 and Xbox One users will be able to sign up for, direct from their console and with the chance to win cash prizes.
TwitchTube… Let it sink in…
— Evan (@Evan_XBL) July 24, 2014
Twitch Tube on consoles could also be the definitive ‘Go-to’ method of watching every single gaming event live, whether that be E3, GamesCom, Spike VGX, Tokyo Game Show and more.
For now Twitch has their intimate communities on PS4 and Xbox One, but this could be a game changer as soon as Google announces what direction they plan to take Twitch moving forward.
Assuming the deal is now complete, what is your reaction to Google being in charge of your Twitch activities. Do you see this as a huge positive or not?
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