Google's YouTube is reportedly going to acquire popular video game streaming service, Twitch for more than $1 billion. Twitch lets Xbox and Playstation gamers share and watch live gameplay footage, and they claim more than 45 million visitors a month. According to Variety:
The deal, in an all-cash offer, is expected to be announced imminently, sources said. If completed the acquisition would be the most significant in the history of YouTube, which Google acquired in 2006 for $1.65 billion. The impending acquisition comes after longtime Google ad exec Susan Wojcicki was named CEO of YouTube earlier this year.
Depending if and how the deal ultimately shakes out, the price of Twitch could be almost two-thirds of what Google paid for YouTube itself. It would also give YouTube even greater reach in the online video space, something that will no doubt be looked at closely by federal regulators.
If you use Twitch, how would you feel about Google and YouTube taking over the service? Love the idea or hate it enough to consider switching over to Major League Gaming?
Reader comments
Google's YouTube rumored to be buying video game streamer Twitch for over $1 billion
I still cannot understand why people enjoy watching other people play video games.
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I'm not sure why, either. But, whenever my friends play either the One or the PS4, I have no issue with pouring a drink and watching them play. To this day, I still can't understand why I find that entertaining.
Lol just think we as people have a fascination with watching others whether it's gaming, reality TV like big brother. I mean lol I watch this TV show called gogglebox which is basically a TV reality show watching other people watching TV. I know in my head it's a stupid premise and If I never watched it I would say anyone that watches is just stupid but for whatever reasons I just find it great to watch and it's funny too.
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And many of those people cannot understand why people enjoy watching other people try to push a prolate spheroid across a line, toss a big ball through a hoop, or hit a small ball with a stick.
It's entertainment - different strokes for different folks.
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I like it when they provide funny commentary. For example, dashiegames (absolutely hilarious). If they don't then it is boring.
Granted, it can be a little slow, but, there are often games that I want to check out before purchasing or subscribing to and watching real game play over days or weeks lets me know if I might possibly enjoy it. Otherwise, I do enjoy it anyway. It's not for everyone but if my friends are playing when I can't, I would love to watch them raid, or do some group content and feel part of it.
NERDS!!!!!!
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gZEdDMQZaCU
I use Twitch to watch live streaming Street Fighter IV tournaments from around the globe. They're like sporting events and create a sense of community. Also, some broadcasters stream old NES/SNES etc games that are no longer available and it's fun/ny to watch. I'm actually really pissed off that Google has to have its grubby hands in everything cool and new, not to mention something specifically designed as an alternative to their garbage laggy ad-laden excuse for a video service.