{{short description|Internet broadcasting of video game play}} {{Redirect|Game streaming|video gaming on remote servers|cloud gaming|the level design technique|Level streaming}} {{globalize|date=June 2020}}
The [[live streaming]] of [[video games]] is an activity where people broadcast themselves playing games to a live audience online.<ref>{{cite web |title=Investigation of the effects of acoustics on the game streaming sound quality. |date=24 August 2024 |publisher=www.zoomg.ir |url=https://www.zoomg.ir/pr/370956-acoustic-gaming-advertisment/}}</ref> The practice became popular in the mid-2010s on the [[United States|US]]-based site [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]], before growing to [[YouTube]], [[Facebook]], China-based sites [[Huya Live]], [[DouYu]], and [[Bilibili]], and other services. By 2014, Twitch streams had more traffic than [[HBO]]'s online streaming service, [[HBO Go]]. Professional streamers often combine high-level play and entertaining commentary, and earn income from sponsors, subscriptions, ad revenue, and donations.
Both AAA and indie developers have circumvented rising development costs by utilizing the free advertising live streaming provides. Independent titles such as ''[[Fall Guys]]'', ''[[Rocket League]]'', and ''[[Among Us]]'' are examples of games that have experienced a huge increase in player base as a result of streaming. [[Esports]] have also gained significant traction and attention from the accessibility of live streaming, and streaming has even been used as a method to raise awareness of social issues and money for charity.
Through live streaming, viewers can watch experienced or entertaining video game players while immersing themselves in a virtual audience of like-minded people. Many viewers cannot experience these video games due to time and financial constraints. Video game live streaming can be a remedy to this dilemma, allowing the audience to consume the act of the streamer's consumption.<ref name="php">{{cite journal |last1=Kohls |first1=Harper |last2=Hiler |first2=Jacob L. |last3=Cook |first3=Laurel Aynne |title=Why do we twitch? Vicarious consumption in video-game livestreaming |journal=Journal of Consumer Marketing |date=1 January 2023 |volume=40 |issue=6 |pages=639–650 |doi=10.1108/jcm-03-2020-3727 |s2cid=258118414 }}</ref> Live streamers are seen as community organizers of a video game due to their ability to play said game or the entertainment they've created around it.<ref name="php" />
Twitch is currently the most popular video game live-streaming service for both streamers and viewers. The website averaged 35 million daily users in 2022 and 7 million distinctive streamers go live every month.<ref name="twitch ads">{{cite web |title=Twitch Ads {{!}} Audience |url=https://twitchadvertising.tv/audience/ |website=Twitch.tv |language=en |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-date=2018-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215225106/https://twitchadvertising.tv/audience/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Twitch has a global reach as well, hosting broadcasts in up to 35 different languages.<ref name="twitch ads" />
== Overview ==
=== History === The popularity of livestreaming video games began with WSBN, a shoutcasting station, video streaming a competitive Starsiege Tribes match via Windows Media Encoder to approximately 50 people in 2001. Own3d, an early esport streaming website based in Austria, operated between 2009 and 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Nick |date=30 May 2013 |title=Own3D ceases operations; all content to be deleted within 24 hours, forever. |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/leagueoflegends/own3d-ceases-operations-all-content-be-deleted-within-24-hours-forever |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-GB}}</ref> It later became popular in the mid-2010s on sites such as Twitch.{{r|Death Pushes Risks}} By 2014, Twitch streams had more traffic than HBO Go and eventually hastened the closure of [[Justin.tv]], which Twitch had originally spun out of.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mugen|date=2019-12-15|title=Mit der PS4 auf Twitch streamen - Guide|url=https://mugens-reviews.de/twitch/mit-der-ps4-auf-twitch-streamen/|access-date=2020-11-19|website=Mugens Reviews}}</ref>{{r|CNET complete guide}}
In 2015, YouTube launched YouTube Gaming, a video gaming-oriented sub-site and app that intended to compete with Twitch.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dredge |first=Stuart |date=2015-08-26 |title=Google launches YouTube Gaming to challenge Amazon-owned Twitch |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/26/youtube-gaming-live-website-apps |access-date=2026-05-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Other notable video-game oriented streaming websites include [[Microsoft]]'s [[Mixer (website)|Mixer]], which shut down in July 2020, Smashcast.tv, which was formed after the merging of [[Azubu]] and [[Hitbox.tv]], the South Korea-based [[afreecaTV]], and many China based sites like Huya Live, DouYu and Bilibili.
In August 2020, China based [[video sharing]] website and live streaming service Bilibili paid [[Riot Games]] $113 million for the exclusive rights to broadcast [[League of Legends World Championship|''League of Legends'' World Championship]], [[Mid-Season Invitational]] and [[League of Legends All Star|''League of Legends'' All Star]] for three years in China. It was the biggest deal in the video game live streaming market, and made China's video game live streaming market bigger than Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming combined, according to journalist Rod Breslau.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-03|title=Riot signs 3-year deal granting Bilibili exclusive broadcasting rights in China for international events|url=https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/riot-signs-3-year-deal-granting-bilibili-exclusive-broadcasting-rights-in-china-for-international-events|access-date=2020-08-03|website=Dot Esports|language=en-US|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rod Breslau on Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/slasher/status/1290364975744274432|access-date=2020-08-03|website=Twitter|language=en|quote=at this point between Huya, Douyu (who were both outbid for the Riot deal), and Bilibili alone, China's live streaming market feels like it's bigger than Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming combined}}</ref>
=== Impact on the video game industry === Live streaming has brought attention to previously obscure video games such as ''[[Rocket League]]'', ''[[Fall Guys]]'', and ''[[Among Us]]''. ''Rocket League'', a vehicular soccer game developed by [[Psyonix]], sold over 5 million copies after becoming one of the top 5 most-watched games on Twitch when it released in July 2015. The game eventually accumulated over 12 million players and earned itself a Twitch [[Rocket League Championship Series]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Johnson|first1=Mark R|last2=Woodcock|first2=Jamie|date=2019-07-01|title=The impacts of live streaming and Twitch.tv on the video game industry|url=https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443718818363|journal=Media, Culture & Society|language=en|volume=41|issue=5|pages=670–688|doi=10.1177/0163443718818363|s2cid=150186565|issn=0163-4437|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In September 2020, ''Rocket League'' abandoned its traditional pricing scheme and became [[free-to-play]].
This form of live streaming has become a popular form of advertising for video game developers, surpassing traditional mediums such as online magazines and traditional [[Demo (video games)|demos]].<ref name=":0" /> Potential consumers can experience newly released video games without having to purchase them, which helps them understand which titles they would like to purchase. In fact, recent research suggests that live streams bring additional players into broadcast games and even increase online sales of these games.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Morozov |first1=Ilya |last2=Huang |first2=Yufeng |date=6 October 2023 |title=The Promotional Effects of Live Streams by Twitch Influencers |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4065064 |journal=SSRN Working Papers|ssrn=4065064 }}</ref>
Video game live streaming has increased the popularity of many [[free-to-play]] games like [[Fortnite]], [[Call of Duty: Warzone (2020 video game)|Call of Duty: Warzone]], and [[Valorant]]. Free-to-play games cost no money to buy and play but offer purchasable items in-game in order to turn a profit. Items can range from clothes, weapon accessories, [[Emote|emotes]], and more. Due to its popularity among live streamers and easy accessibility for viewers to play, free-to-play games blew up in popularity in the video game community.
Video game livestreaming has also increasingly become a significant method of promoting video games. Research indicates that livestreaming can effectively stimulate both gaming and spending among viewers. A study has shown that watching esports events provides viewers with a sense of escapism, social interaction, and enjoyment, which can lead to increased gaming activity and higher expenditure on in-game purchases.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Huda |first1=Irfan Nabil |last2=Salehudin |first2=Imam |title=Escapism, family and friends, and social interactions: How watching esports increases gaming and in-game purchase intentions |journal=Jurnal Manajemen Dan Pemasaran Jasa |date=26 March 2024 |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=1–22 |doi=10.25105/jmpj.v17i1.18463 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
Another reason for the increased popularity of free-to-play games was the frequent updates and [[Patch (computing)|patches]] provided for the player base. Major issues users found in games were getting fixed much more frequently than in [[AAA (video game industry)|AAA games]]. Due to the popularity of these games, live-streaming platforms have become places of discussion and suggestions on how to improve these games.<ref name="VPFTP">{{cite journal |last1=van der Molen |first1=Kas |title=Valorant and the Platformization of Free-To-Play Games - Library Search |journal=Press Start |date=2022-08-18 |volume=8 |issue=2 |url=https://press-start.gla.ac.uk}}</ref>
Older titles, such as ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]'', have seen renewed popularity due to [[speedrun]]s, or rapid completions, facilitated by live streaming.<ref name=":0" /> This has been a key component in diversifying livestreaming audiences.
=== Impact on esports === With the ability for anyone to watch from home on their devices, esports viewership reached 213 million in 2016 and continues to grow every year.<ref name=":1" /> Popular eSports titles include ''[[Call of Duty]]'', ''[[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive|Counter Strike: Global Offensive]]'', ''[[Dota 2]]'', ''[[Fortnite]]'', ''[[League of Legends]]'', and ''[[Overwatch (2016 video game)|Overwatch]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ford |first=James |date=2020-02-04 |title=Top esports games 2020: Which titles are the biggest in competitive gaming? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/top-esports-games/ |access-date=2026-05-14 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}</ref> One of the biggest prize pools in esports was for the ''Dota 2'' tournament, [[The International (Dota 2)|The International]], which totaled a pool of US$25 million in 2017.<ref name=":1" />
Smaller video game communities, such as the ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee|Super Smash Bros Melee]]'' community, have benefited from the visibility they have gained from video game live streaming.<ref name ="impact">{{Cite journal|last1=Johnson|first1=Mark R|last2=Woodcock|first2=Jamie|date=July 2019|title=The impacts of live streaming and Twitch.tv on the video game industry|journal=Media, Culture & Society|language=en|volume=41|issue=5|pages=670–688|doi=10.1177/0163443718818363|s2cid=150186565|issn=0163-4437|url=https://oro.open.ac.uk/68726/3/Woodcock%20The%20impacts%20of%20live%20streaming%20and%20Twitch.tv%20on%20the%20video%20game%20industry.pdf}}</ref> In 2013, several members of the ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee|Super Smash Bros Melee]]'' community live streamed in order to raise money to become the eighth game featured at the prestigious tournament [[Evolution Championship Series]] and overturn a decision by Nintendo to ban the game from the event.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Evo: An oral history of Super Smash Bros. Melee|url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/19973997/evolution-championship-series-melee-oral-history-evo|date=2017-07-12|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-07|last=Jacob|first=Wolf}}</ref>
=== Streamer-viewer relationship === {{Cleanup|section|reason=Needs more neutral wording|date=December 2024}} Livestreaming video games has become a phenomenon offering a range of entertainment and engagement. It's not just about broadcasting gameplay it's about the unique dynamics that streamers bring to their live shows. Live chat logs are at the heart of this culture serving as a hub where viewers and streamers form a special bond.<ref name="memetic">{{cite journal |last1=Jackson |first1=Nathan J. |title=Understanding Memetic Media and Collective Identity Through Streamer Persona on Twitch.tv |journal=Persona Studies |date=2020 |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=69–87 |doi=10.21153/psj2020vol6no2art966 |s2cid=233700032 |doi-access=free }}</ref> People are not only interested in the gameplay itself but in the personalities and entertainment provided by the streamer. This connection goes beyond watching viewers often try to emulate the streamer's overall persona creating an environment where the streamer sets the tone and vibe of the livestream.<ref name="memetic" />
Live chat logs enable this interactivity through features like subscriber emotes – emoticons that viewers can use if they pay a subscription fee to support their favorite streamer.<ref name="memetic" /> These emotes are often designed specifically for each streamer reflecting their personality or unique language style allowing dedicated fans to communicate in their own way and making video game live-streaming even more immersive.<ref name="memetic" />
=== Social activism === In December 2019, famous streamer, [[DrLupo|Dr. Lupo]], hosted a 24-hour charity live stream to have all donations and earnings earned during the stream donated to [[St. Jude Children's Research Hospital]]. The stream managed to raise $2.3 million, with Twitch itself donating $1 million of the total.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Favis |first=Elise |date=2019-12-24 |title=Livestreams are the new telethons, and they’re raising millions for charities |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2019/12/24/livestreams-are-new-telethons-theyre-raising-millions-charities/ |access-date=2026-05-14 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
In 2020, American politician [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]] live streamed herself playing the popular game Among Us with other streamers who have large followings in an effort to encourage people to vote in the [[2020 United States presidential election]].<ref name=":3" />
== Profession == Video game livestreaming is an emerging industry, the rise of the industry has allowed many Internet companies to rise while also allowing many grassroots gamers to leap to become big anchors, bringing more employment opportunities for young people.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Smith |first1=Thomas |last2=Obrist |first2=Marianna |last3=Wright |first3=Peter |title=Proceedings of the 11th European Conference on Interactive TV and Video |chapter=Live-streaming changes the (Video) game |date=2013-06-24 |chapter-url=https://doi.org/10.1145/2465958.2465971 |series=EuroITV '13 |location=New York, NY, USA |publisher=Association for Computing Machinery |pages=131–138 |doi=10.1145/2465958.2465971 |isbn=978-1-4503-1951-5|s2cid=16003393 }}</ref> Professional streamers often combine gameplay with highly knowledgeable or [[Twitch gameplay (reaction time)|dexterous play]] and entertaining commentary. They can generate sufficient revenue from viewer [[subscription]]s and donations, as well as platform advertisements and sponsorships from eSports organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/esports/hearthstone-2014-prize-totals/|work=[[The Daily Dot]]|title=Hearthstone players won more than $1 million in the game's first year|last=Leslie|first=Callum|date=2014-12-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509164056/http://www.dailydot.com/esports/hearthstone-2014-prize-totals/|archive-date=9 May 2016}}</ref>
An October 2017 report from SuperData Research estimated that more people subscribed to video game streams and [[Let's Play]] videos on YouTube and Twitch than for all of [[HBO]], [[Netflix]], [[ESPN]], and [[Hulu]], combined.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/twitch-youtube-netflix-subscribers | title = Gaming videos are bigger than HBO, Netflix, and Hulu combined | first = Dustin | last= Bailey | date = October 19, 2017 | access-date = October 19, 2017 | work = [[PCGamesN]] }}</ref>
=== Benefits === As a profession, video game live streaming allows people to play the games they love while supporting their livelihood. As they gain bigger followings by streaming consistently and marketing, streamers are able to take advantage of the tools within most streaming platforms, such as subscriptions, donations, or advertisements, to support themselves.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=View of The imperative to be seen: The moral economy of celebrity video game streaming on Twitch.tv {{!}} First Monday|url=https://journals.uic.edu/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/8279/8058|access-date=2021-04-09|journal=First Monday|date=August 2019|doi=10.5210/fm.v24i8.8279|last1=Johnson|first1=Mark R.|s2cid=199571895 |doi-access=free |url-access=subscription}}</ref> On some live streaming platforms, such as [[DouYu|Douyu]] and [[Huya Live]], viewers can tip the streamers in the form of virtual gifting.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zhang |first1=Xiaoxing |last2=Xiang |first2=Yu |last3=Hao |first3=Lei |date=2019-07-03 |title=Virtual gifting on China's live streaming platforms: hijacking the online gift economy |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17544750.2019.1583260 |journal=Chinese Journal of Communication |language=en |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=340–355 |doi=10.1080/17544750.2019.1583260 |s2cid=151095283 |issn=1754-4750|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Streamers can also become sponsored, or offer rewards in the form of competitions or games to the viewers in order to promote their channel and increase viewership and monetization.
Some competitions offer large money prizes for the winner. A professional Fortine player, Bugha, won 3 million dollars at the [[Fortnite World Cup]] in July 2019.<ref>{{cite news|id={{ProQuest|2265730428}} |title=Newsfile Corp.: Fortnite World Cup Dominated by UMG Series Competitors: 16-year old, Kyle 'BUGHA' Geirsdorf wins UMG's Friday Fortnite and the Fortnite World Cup |work=Newstex Finance & Accounting Blogs |date=29 July 2019 }}{{self-published inline|date=November 2022}}</ref> In addition, streams can control their work schedule and their success on their platform can give a strong sense of personal accomplishment.<ref name="goldrush" /> Video game live streaming appeals to many for the ability to transform a hobby of playing video games into a profitable career of streaming them, in addition to the social benefits of being in a position of renown with a large viewership and semi-celebrity status.<ref name="goldrush" />
=== Risks === Streamers run the risk of being victims of [[stalking]], as is common with other public figures. For example, a teenage viewer showed up uninvited to a streamer's house and requested to stream with him after having saved up for a one-way transcontinental flight.<ref name=Kotaku1>{{Cite web |last1=D'Anastasio |first1=Cecilia |title=When Fans Take Their Love For Twitch Streamers Too Far |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2017-05-02 |url=https://kotaku.com/when-fans-take-their-love-for-twitch-streamers-too-far-1794815112 |df=mdy-all|access-date=2017-08-27}}</ref> Another risk to streamers is [[swatting]], where someone makes a false report to police of serious criminal activity taking place at the streamer's residence, resulting in a raid by police, which is often captured live by the streaming service.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hern|first=Alex|date=2015-02-05|title=Gamer raided by Swat team in front of thousands of viewers|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/05/gaming-streamer-gets-swatted-as-online-griefing-enters-real-world|access-date=2020-11-19|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Such activity can create serious risk to the streamer, and has even resulted in deaths.
In the [[2017 Wichita swatting]], police officers killed a man named Andrew Finch at his [[Kansas]] home. Finch was the unintended victim of the swatting after two ''[[Call of Duty]]'' players on the same team got into a heated argument about a {{USD}}1.50 bet. [[LAPD]] arrested 25-year-old serial-swatter Tyler Raj Barriss, known online as "SWAuTistic" and "GoredTutor36", in connection with the incident, who was later sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the offense.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article192111974.html|title=Call of Duty gaming community points to 'swatting' in deadly Wichita police shooting|last=Manna|first=Nicole|date=2017-12-29|work=The Wichita Eagle|access-date=2017-12-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/kansas-police-investigate-whether-fatal-shooting-was-result-of-prank-called-swatting/|title=Kansas police investigate whether fatal shooting was result of prank called 'swatting'|last=Darrah|first=Nicole|date=2017-12-29|work=Fox News|access-date=2017-12-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/kan-man-killed-cops-victim-swatting-prank-article-1.3726171|title=Kansas man shot to death by police was reportedly unintended victim of 'Call of Duty' 'swatting' prank|last=Sommerfeldt|first=Chris|date=2017-12-29|work=New York Daily News|access-date=2017-12-29|language=en-US}}{{cite web|last1=Sommerfeldt|first1=Chris|title=Kan. man killed by cops was victim of 'swatting' prank|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/kan-man-killed-cops-victim-swatting-prank-article-1.3726171|website=NY Daily News|language=en|date=29 December 2017|access-date=2026-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://krebsonsecurity.com/2017/12/kansas-man-killed-in-swatting-attack/|title=Kansas Man Killed In 'SWATting' Attack — Krebs on Security|website=krebsonsecurity.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> In another instance, a streamer by the name Jamie Lynn Greenwood was swatted while playing [[Minecraft]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fagone |first=Jason |date=2015-11-24 |title=The Serial Swatter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/magazine/the-serial-swatter.html |access-date=2026-05-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
====Stream sniping==== {{anchor|Stream sniping}}
Stream sniping is a common tactic to gain an advantage in a video game by watching the live stream of an enemy player while playing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Livingston |first1=Christopher |title=Streamers vs. stream-snipers: why cheaters will always prosper on Twitch |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/stream-sniping/ |website=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=21 December 2018 |date=9 August 2017}}</ref> Several video game developers have taken measures against stream sniping, and video games such as ''[[Rust (video game)|Rust]]'' and ''Fortnite'' now hide the names of popular streamers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grayson |first1=Nathan |title=Rust's Anti-Stream Sniping Mode Exists Because of Cheaters |url=https://kotaku.com/cheaters-convinced-rust-creator-to-add-anti-stream-snip-1732164331 |website=Kotaku |access-date=21 December 2018 |date=21 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Christopher |first=Livingston |date=2017-08-09 |title=QQlive |url=https://www.qqlive.ai/ |access-date=2026-05-14 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Grayson |first1=Nathan |title=Fortnite Players Blame Stream Snipers For Update That Hides Streamers' Names |url=https://kotaku.com/fortnite-players-blame-stream-snipers-for-update-that-h-1826495074 |website=Kotaku |access-date=21 December 2018 |date=1 June 2018}}</ref>
In November 2018, live streamer [[Ninja (streamer)|Ninja]] controversially threatened to report a player who he thought had killed him in ''Fortnite'' by stream sniping.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Asarch |first1=Steven |title=Streamer Ninja is in hot water for calling player IcyFive a stream sniper |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ninja-icyfive-fortnite-reddit-twitch-drlupo-apology-twitter-1211125 |website=Newsweek |access-date=21 December 2018 |language=en |date=11 November 2018}}</ref> While stream sniping happens somewhat rarely for most streamers due to the countermeasures set by the games, as well as tactics set up by the streamers themselves like covering up the in-game map or setting a delay for the stream, there are cases, like for the popular Twitch streamer [[Forsen]], where stream sniping plays a part in a streamer's entertainment and therefore the streamer allows it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/battlegrounds-streamers-audience-loves-his-loud-obnoxi-1802105213|title=Battlegrounds Streamer's Audience Loves His Loud, Obnoxious Stream Snipers|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|website=Kotaku|date=7 September 2017 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-06}}</ref>
=== Entry === Players involved in eSports can get into streaming by using their popularity or by using their honed skills and in-depth game knowledge during their livestream.<ref name="goldrush">{{Cite journal|last1=Johnson|first1=Mark R.|last2=Woodcock|first2=Jamie|date=2019-02-23|title='It's like the gold rush': the lives and careers of professional video game streamers on Twitch.tv|journal=Information, Communication & Society|language=en|volume=22|issue=3|pages=336–351|doi=10.1080/1369118X.2017.1386229|s2cid=149025429|issn=1369-118X|url=https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/86374/}}</ref> People on YouTube or other social media platforms often become streamers as well to interact more with viewers. Other types of people that enter streaming include video game creators and people who write articles or blogs about video games.<ref name="goldrush" />
To build an audience, experienced streamers recommend that newer streamers stream a popular game because it is more likely to interest viewers.{{r|CNET complete guide}}
Popular titles in the mid-2010s include ''League of Legends'', ''Dota 2'', first-person shooters such as ''Counter Strike: Global Offensive'', and card games such as ''[[Hearthstone (video game)|Hearthstone]]''. Viewers are more interested in players who play and entertain well, offering jokes, pop culture, and current event commentary instead of repetitive gameplay. Streamers also recommend keeping a schedule so viewers know when to watch, self-promoting on social media, and holding giveaway contests to increase followers.{{r|CNET complete guide}}
=== Streaming equipment === Microphones are critical to live streaming because they allow streamers to vocally communicate with their audience.<ref name="se">{{Cite news|last= Andronico |first= Michael|date=2021-01-22|title=How to get started on Twitch, according to the experts|language=en|work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/22/cnn-underscored/twitch-tv/index.html|access-date=2021-04-06}}</ref> Webcams are also useful because they allow the audience to see streamers and recognize them.<ref name="se" /> If using a webcam, many streamers have additional lighting to brighten up their faces when streaming to allow viewers to see them clearly.<ref name="se" /> An [[Ethernet cable]] (as opposed to [[WiFi]]) is highly recommended for streamers because it minimizes stuttering while streaming.<ref name="se" /> [[XLR connector|XLR]] or [[USB]] [[Cardioid microphone|cardiod microphones]] are a popular choice among streamers and can be spotted in most streams.
Home video game consoles, such as the [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X]] and [[Xbox One]], contain built-in streaming and optional camera integration for streamers to use. Streamers using computers use software such as [[Open Broadcaster Software]] or [[XSplit]] to upload a livestream to the Twitch servers.{{r|CNET complete guide}} For streamers using laptops, many gaming laptops are coming with new graphics cards and better connectivity to help streamers to stream their gaming experiences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatlaptops.com/best-gaming-laptops/|title=Best Gaming Laptops 2019 Reviews by What Laptops|date=2018-11-30|website=What Laptops Reviews|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-16}}</ref>
== List of video game live streaming websites == ===Active=== The following is a list of sites that primarily focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of eSports competitions, in addition to other types of content.
[[File:YouTube Gaming live studio at Google Play booth 20190127a.jpg|thumb|right|YouTube Gaming booth at Google event in 2019]]
{| class="wikitable" !Website !Domain !Launch !Owner !Note |- |[[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] |twitch.tv |June 6, 2011 |[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] | |- |[[YouTube]] |youtube.com/gaming | |[[Google]] | |- |[[Facebook]] |fb.gg | |[[Meta Platforms]] | |- |[[Steam (service)|Steam]] Broadcast |steamcommunity.com |2015 |[[Valve Corporation|Valve]] | |- |[[DLive]] |dlive.tv |September 2018 |[[Rainberry, Inc.]] | |- |[[Kick (service)|Kick]] |kick.com |December 1, 2022 | |- |[[Trovo Live]] |trovo.live |March, 2020 |[[Tencent]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holt|first=Kris|title=With Mixer Dead In The Water, Twitch's Next Big Threat Could Be Tencent|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/krisholt/2020/06/26/twitch-mixer-tencent-livestreaming-trovo/|access-date=2020-06-29|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> | |- |[[Huya Live]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Agar|first=Ian|date=2019-11-19|title=3 Chinese Live-Streaming Stocks to Watch|url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/11/19/3-chinese-live-streaming-stocks-to-watch.aspx|access-date=2020-06-30|website=The Motley Fool|language=en}}</ref> |huya.com |November 24, 2014 | rowspan="2" |[[Tencent]] (50.1%), [[YY.com|JOYY]] (43%)<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|date=2020-10-21|title=Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Among Us game watched by 400,000|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-54630330|access-date=2021-04-09}}</ref> | |- |[[Huya Live|Nimo TV]] |nimo.tv |May 3, 2018 |[[Huya Live]] 's global site |- |[[DouYu]]<ref name=":2" /> |douyu.com |2014 |[[Tencent]] (37%)<ref>{{cite web|last=Haak|first=Alex|date=2 April 2020|title=Tencent's Option To Become Huya's Controlling Shareholder|url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/4335659-tencents-option-to-become-huyas-controlling-shareholder|access-date=25 April 2020|website=[[Seeking Alpha]]}}</ref> | |- |[[Bilibili]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=jen|title=China Games Streaming Tracker|url=https://nikopartners.com/china-games-streaming-tracker/|access-date=2020-07-10|website=Niko|language=en-US}}</ref> |live.bilibili.com | |[[Tencent]] (Minority ownership)<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Drenth|first=A. R. van|date=2018|title=eSports from the Virtual Stands|url=http://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/368808|access-date=2021-04-09|website=Utrecht University Repository|hdl=1874/368808|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525192018/http://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/368808|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |- |[[Kuaishou]] |live.kuaishou.com | |[[Tencent]] (Minority ownership)<ref name=":1" /> | |- |[[YY.com|YY]]<ref name=":2" /> |yy.com |2012 |[[YY.com|JOYY]]<ref name=":3" /> | |- |[[SOOP]] |sooplive.com |May 11, 2005 | |Rebranded from AfreecaTV on October 15, 2024 |- |- |Loco<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mandavia |first=Megha |title=Facebook eyes a big spot in Indian game streaming space |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/facebook-eyes-a-big-spot-in-indian-game-streaming-space/articleshow/87096245.cms |access-date=2022-07-13}}</ref> |loco.gg |November 2017<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sportstar |first=Team |date=2022-04-06 |title=Loco: Shaking up the gaming status quo |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/brandhub/loco-app-shaking-up-the-e-gaming-status-quo/article38469438.ece |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=sportstar.thehindu.com |language=en}}</ref> |Anirudh Pandita, Ashwin Suresh<ref>{{Cite web |title=Loco raises $42 million in Series A funding round led by Hashed |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/loco-raises-42-million-in-series-a-funding-round-led-by-hashed/2457438/ |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=Financialexpress |date=11 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref> | |- |[[Owncast]] |owncast.online |August 8, 2020 | |Owncast is part of the [[Fediverse]] and can be self-hosted |- |[[Mildom]] |mildom.com |August 2019 | | |- |}
===Defunct=== {| class="wikitable" !Website !Domain !Launch !Owner !Note |- |[[Mixer (service)|Mixer]] |mixer.com |January 5, 2016 |[[Microsoft]] |Mixer has shut down on July 22, 2020. (Microsoft currently partners with Facebook)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=2020-06-22|title=Microsoft is shutting down Mixer and partnering with Facebook Gaming|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/22/21299032/microsoft-mixer-closing-facebook-gaming-partnership-xcloud-features|access-date=2020-06-29|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref> |- |Smashcast |smashcast.tv |May, 2017 | | Defunct as of 2020 |- |[[Azubu]] |azubu.tv |2012 | |Shut down and was succeeded by Smashcast |- |[[Hitbox (service)|Hitbox]] |hitbox.tv |October 2013 | |Acquired by [[Azubu]] and then succeeded by Smashcast |- |[[Caffeine (service)|Caffeine]] |caffeine.tv |January 31, 2018 | |Caffeine has shut down on June 26, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dillon |first1=Dak |title=Sports-focused streaming platform Caffeine abruptly shuts down |url=https://www.newscaststudio.com/2024/06/26/sports-focused-streaming-platform-caffeine-abruptly-shuts-down/ |website=NewscastStudio |accessdate=26 June 2024 |language=en |date=26 June 2024}}</ref> |}
==Legal issues== {{main|Let's Play#Legal issues|l1=Legal issues with Let's Play videos}}
Live streaming of video games has many of the same legal issues that [[Let's Play]] videos may have. First and foremost, such videos can be considered a copyright violation, though is argued to be protected by [[fair use]] defenses. Streamers with larger audiences can also promote the game before its release by receiving a copy of the game from the developer to play on their platform, which runs the risk of violating ethical business practices if they stand to make a substantial amount of income from this promotion.<ref>{{Cite web|last=GeraldKerr-Wilson|first=Fasken-|title=Video Game Streamers: Free promotion, copyright infringement, or both? {{!}} Lexology|url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8bfa10c8-b3b2-4d8e-bd2e-95481c65e6e2|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.lexology.com|date=16 March 2021|language=en}}</ref>
Nintendo has generally taken a strong stance compared to other publishers for allowing their games to be streamed or recorded. Initially, they have used [[YouTube#Content ID|YouTube's Content ID]] system to register their games such that they can generate ad revenue from streaming videos and Let's Play videos.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2013/5/16/4336114/nintendo-claims-ad-revenue-on-user-generated-youtube-videos | title = Nintendo claims ad revenue on user-generated YouTube videos | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | date = 2013-05-16 | access-date = 2013-05-16 | first = Emily | last = Gera }}</ref> By about 2014, Nintendo crafted its Nintendo Creators Program, which would allow players providing live streams and Let's Plays of Nintendo games that sign onto the program to receive some monetization of these videos through YouTube.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/nintendos-lets-play-drama-might-have-a-happy-ending-513818999 | title = Nintendo's Turn For a 180? 'Let's Play' Drama Might Have Happy Ending | first = Stephan | last= Tolito | date= 2013-06-24 | access-date = 2014-04-25 | publisher = Kotaku }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/28/nintendo-announces-affiliate-program-for-youtube-lets-play-creators | title = Nintendo Announces Affiliate Program for YouTube Let's Play Creators | first = Katie | last = Williams | date = 2014-05-27 | access-date = 2014-05-27 | publisher = IGN }}</ref> However, in September 2017, Nintendo changed the program specifically preventing affiliates from streaming video of Nintendo games, monetized or not, though non-affiliated accounts, and Let's Plays with commentary, remain unaffected.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16384236/youtube-nintendo-livestream-monetization | title = Nintendo restricts livestreaming games for YouTubers in Nintendo's partners program | first = Julia | last = Alexander | date = September 29, 2017 | access-date = September 29, 2017 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> However, on November 28, 2018, Nintendo announced that the program was shutting down.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/11/29/nintendo-to-end-its-creators-program-in-december | title = Nintendo to End Its Creators Program in December | first = Adam | last = Bankhurst | date = November 28, 2018 | access-date = November 30, 2018 | work = [[IGN]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/28/18117166/nintendo-creator-program-ends-streaming-content-monetization-guidelines | title = The Nintendo Creators Program draws to a close this December | first = Cass | last = Marshall | date = November 28, 2018 | access-date = November 30, 2018 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>
The playing of copyrighted music without proper permission may cause archived streams to be removed or muted. Streamers can also be suspended, due to complaints under laws such as the U.S. [[Online Copyright Infringement Liability Limitation Act]], or automated content matching. More than 10 popular Twitch streamers, including [[Félix "xQc" Lengyel]] and [[Sneaky (League of Legends player)|Zachary "Sneaky" Scuderi]], were banned for 24 hours for allegedly playing a song by [[Juice WRLD]] in June 2018. Some of the bans were lifted, with the artist's record label [[Interscope]] claiming that the ban was accidental.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Popular Twitch Streamers Temporarily Banned For Playing Copyrighted Music|url=https://kotaku.com/popular-twitch-streamers-temporarily-banned-for-streami-1827066551|access-date=2021-04-09|website=Kotaku|date=23 June 2018 |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=2018-06-22|title=Popular Twitch streamers temporarily banned thanks to DMCA takedowns|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/22/17494198/twitch-bans-dmca-copyright-keemstar-friday-fortnite-league-overwatch|access-date=2021-04-09|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> Even backlash from small streamers is on the rise.
English live streamer [[PhatUnicorn420]] uses music from his real life brother, music producer [[SampleTheChef]]. Even after rejecting and disputing over 200 video mutes to his channel, Twitch are still unable to identify Phat's claims and to stop them reoccurring. Twitch sent a letter to users in October 2020 stating that it would remove videos or channels that had copyrighted music on them, and that it could not stop streamers from facing punishments due to Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) violations.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Twitch's DMCA Takedowns Threaten to Drive Musicians Away|language=en-us|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/twitch-coronavirus-musicians-dmca-takedowns/|access-date=2021-04-09|issn=1059-1028}}</ref>
== See also == * [[Gamecaster]] * [[Online streamer]]
== References == <references> <ref name="CNET complete guide">{{Cite web |last1=Graziano |first1=Dan |title=The complete guide to streaming games on Twitch |work=[[CNET]] |date=2014-09-04 |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-complete-guide-to-streaming-games-on-twitch/ |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="Death Pushes Risks">{{Cite news |last1=Slotnik |first1=Daniel E. |title=Gamer's Death Pushes Risks of Live Streaming Into View |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2017-03-15 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/15/technology/personaltech/live-streaming-gaming-death.html |issn=0362-4331 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> </references>
== Further reading == {{refbegin}} {{external links|date=November 2021}} * {{Cite web |last1=Andronico |first1=Michael |title=The Ultimate Guide to Twitch Streaming |work=[[Tom's Guide]] |date=2017-08-11 |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/twitch-streaming-guide,review-3009.html |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Bowman |first1=Ben |title=How Twitch is turning 'always be streaming' into a career with zero balance |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2017-01-16 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/1/16/14240224/twitch-irl-risks-dangers |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Brant |first1=Tom |title=Here's What Twitch Thinks of Games, Streamers, and Viewers |work=[[PC Magazine]] |date=2017-03-02 |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/352150/heres-what-twitch-thinks-of-games-streamers-and-viewers |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Colin |title=Racism, Hearthstone and Twitch |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2016-05-12 |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2016/5/12/11658440/twitch-abuse-hearthstone |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Colin |title=Twitch chat research shows how women streamers face objectification |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2016-11-24 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/24/13742288/twitch-women-sexism |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Corriea |first1=Alexa Ray |title=Someone is donating thousands of dollars to Twitch streamers |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2014-07-04 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/7/4/5871009/someone-is-donating-thousands-of-dollars-to-twitch-streamers |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=D'Anastasio |first1=Cecilia |title=It's Time For YouTubers And Twitch Streamers To Organize |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2017-04-12 |url=https://kotaku.com/its-time-for-youtubers-and-twitch-streamers-to-organize-1794261637 |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=D'Anastasio |first1=Cecilia |title=For Twitch Streamers Who Spend Their Lives On Camera, It's Hard To Know When To Stop |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2017-02-15 |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/02/for-twitch-streamers-who-spend-their-lives-on-camera-its-hard-to-know-when-to-stop/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215122233/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/02/for-twitch-streamers-who-spend-their-lives-on-camera-its-hard-to-know-when-to-stop/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=D'Anastasio |first1=Cecilia |title=YouTuber Reminds Fans How Much Fake Donations Can Hurt |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2017-06-22 |url=https://kotaku.com/youtuber-reminds-fans-how-much-fake-donations-can-hurt-1796342324 |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=D'Anastasio |first1=Cecilia |title=The Mom Who Moderates Her Daughter's Rowdy Twitch Chat |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2016-07-28 |url=https://kotaku.com/the-mom-who-moderates-her-daughter-s-rowdy-twitch-chat-1784396972 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=D'Anastasio |first1=Cecilia |title=Study Shows Twitch Chat Is Very Different When Women Are Streaming |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2016-11-23 |url=https://kotaku.com/study-shows-twitch-chat-is-very-different-when-women-a-1789302281 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=PUBG players won't stop honking at streamers |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2017-08-03 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/3/16090450/pubg-car-horns-stream |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Playerunknown's Battlegrounds 'stream sniping' ban divides community |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2017-07-30 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/30/16059138/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-stream-sniping-ban |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Goslin |first1=Austen |title=The mass Twitch exodus: Why streamers are leaving |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2020-01-28 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/27/21043450/twitch-streamers-leaving-mixer-facebook-youtube-ninja-shroud-disguisedtoast |access-date=2020-03-24 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Grayson |first1=Nathan |title=Why People Are Arguing About Women Streamers Showing Skin |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2015-03-20 |url=https://kotaku.com/why-people-are-arguing-about-women-streamers-showing-sk-1692645162 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Charlie |title=Why are streamers and players flocking to survival shooter Battlegrounds? |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2017-03-24 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/24/15053488/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-twitch-streamer-sacriel42-interview |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Patricia |title=They're Attractive, They're Women, And They Play Games Live On The Internet. But They're Not 'Camwhores.' |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2013-02-06 |url=https://kotaku.com/theyre-attractive-theyre-women-and-they-play-games-li-5982137 |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Patricia |title=Twitch Player: I'm Done Being a 'Boobie Streamer' |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2016-03-11 |url=https://kotaku.com/twitch-boobie-streamer-says-she-s-done-showing-cleavag-1764285119 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Patricia |title=Banned From Twitch, 'Bikini Streamer' Finds Success (And Haters) On YouTube |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2016-09-26 |url=https://kotaku.com/banned-from-twitch-bikini-streamer-finds-success-and-1787072228 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Patricia |title=The people who watch video games, but never play them |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2019-08-16 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/16/20807731/youtube-twitch-fandom-video-games-cosplay-fan-art |language=en-US |access-date=2019-08-18 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Khalid |first1=Amrita |title=YouTube is now the biggest threat to Twitch |work=[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]] |date=2020-01-28 |url=https://qz.com/1792011/twitch-is-losing-users-to-youtube-and-other-live-stream-platforms/ |access-date=2020-03-24 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Kollar |first1=Philip |title=Popular Twitch streamer comes clean about drug use on stream |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2015-12-08 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/12/8/9871816/twitch-stream-manvsgame-man-vs-game-drug-use |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Marino |first1=Joe |title=Trying To 'Make It' As A Twitch Streamer Could Have Killed Me |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2017-02-24 |url=https://kotaku.com/trying-to-make-it-as-a-twitch-streamer-almost-killed-me-1792711102 |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Marks |first1=Tom |title=The beginner's guide to Twitch streaming |work=[[PC Gamer]] |date=2015-01-29 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-stream-on-twitch/ |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Sarkar |first1=Samit |title=GTA Online's biggest role-playing streamers make for must-see Twitch viewing |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2017-05-15 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/15/15644306/gta-online-sheriff-eli-role-playing-twitch |access-date=2017-08-12 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Savov |first1=Vlad |title=YouTube is now better at live streaming than Twitch |work=[[The Verge]] |date=2015-08-10 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/10/9126091/youtube-twitch-the-international-5-live-streaming-timeshifting |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Sawyer |first1=Michael |title=Three reasons streaming is replacing the Let's Play industry |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2017-03-29 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/29/15087012/streaming-vs-lets-play-twitch-youtube |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Seppala |first1=Timothy J. |title=Twitch opens up a way for more people to make money broadcasting |work=[[Engadget]] |date=2017-04-21 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/04/21/twitch-affiliate-program-cheering-bits/ |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |last1=Tenbarge |first1=Kat |title=Gamers say they're earning more money on Facebook's streaming platform than on Twitch and YouTube |work=[[Business Insider]] |date=2019-10-12 |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/gamers-earn-more-money-facebook-gaming-twitch-youtube-mixer-streaming-2019-10 |access-date=2020-03-24 |df=mdy-all }} * {{Cite web |title=Start your own livestream on Twitch with our full guide |work=[[GamesRadar]] |date=2016-12-01 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/how-to-livestream-pc-beginners-guide/ |access-date=2017-08-11 |df=mdy-all }}
{{refend}}
{{Internet streaming services}} {{Portal bar|Video games}}
[[Category:Video game streaming services| ]]