Twitch – a social video platform and hub for online gamers, including eSports – will be enabling the sale of game content directly from the platform.
Users have been able to view and stream content, but starting in the spring, creators of games will be able to reap the benefits of their content. With every purchase, fans receive a Twitch Crate, which provides randomized drops of items tailored to Twitch users, such as exclusive emotes, chat badges, and Bits for Cheering.
“Many of our streamers want to make a living doing what they love,” Twitch VP of commerce Matt McCloskey said in a statement. “To help them, we’re enabling game developers to sell game content at the exact time and place their communities are gathered to watch, which in turn lets streamers earn money from games sold on their channels. To ensure everyone benefits, we’re also rewarding fans that purchase with Twitch Crates.”
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There will be several games available when Twitch does its launch in the spring. All users will have the option to try the game out before making their purchases. When an offer to purchase appears on the screen, it signals that the game is available through Twitch.
Gamers can buy games and in-game items on the channel page directly under the stream and also on the game detail pages. Partnered streamers who opt in receive five percent revenue share for sales originating from their channel pages. Developers will earn 70 percent of the revenue.
“Since the streamer gets a revenue share of purchases made, this is a great way to further support streamers who educate and entertain viewers,” Hi-Rez Studios co-founder and COO Todd Harris said in a statement.
“For years we have appreciated how supportive Twitch streamers and viewers have been of our games,” Ubisoft VP of digital publishing Chris Early said in a statement. “This made it an easy decision to work with Twitch to better serve our passionate community with benefits for everyone.”