Live streaming enables anyone with a webcam and an internet connection to record and broadcast over the internet for people around the world to watch live. It’s become one of the Internet's biggest innovations and has had a huge effect on almost every aspect of internet use. One of the places where live streaming has had a revolutionizing impact is the online gaming industry. Here’s a look at some of the biggest ways in which live streaming has changed the online gaming world.
Professional Gaming
In the past few years, a growing number of gamers have embraced live streaming and have begun using it to broadcast themselves playing the most popular games in the world. As a result, leading gamers have become mega celebs and are able to earn six and even seven figure sums a year. They earn these huge amounts of money from attracting large numbers of viewers to their live broadcasts, as well as from sponsors, donations and subscriptions.
The biggest online platform for live streaming gaming content is Twitch. Launched in 2011, it has around 2.2 million broadcasters uploading content at least once a month and upwards of 15 million daily users. For many gaming enthusiasts, watching fellow players’ live streams is a fun and enjoyable part of the overall gaming experience.
New Games Opportunities
Live Streaming has not only enabled us to watch our favorite gamers play. It has also opened the door for more interactive, real time, innovative games. One of the most interesting examples of these games is online live casino games. These are real-life casino games that are managed by a real person - the dealer and are played out in traditional, land-based casinos or special gaming halls. The players watch and take part in the game as it’s broadcast to their device in real time - they can watch it at home on their desktop computer, or even watch it while out and about on their mobile device. They can place their bets online and even interact with the dealers using live chat. Live casino games have become hugely popular because they’re much more immersive, engaging and interactive than animated online casino games.
Games Development Process
While Twitch is the top place online to watch people play games, it’s also the place to go to watch games being made. Twitch’s Game Development channel is full of keen game developers sharing the early stages of their games with viewers, i.e. potential players. They do this so they can test their games, find out what’s working and not working, and gain feedback so they can tweak various aspects of the game before its proper release. Thanks to live streaming, the development of games can be a lot more interactive and community-driven.
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