Game streaming has grown at an extraordinary pace in recent years. In fact, industry observers claim that the sector is almost overshadowing the traditional gaming market. Individual streamers and reputable corporations have joined the game-streaming bandwagon, fueling its massive growth. This article looks at the evolution of game streaming, exploring the top-rated platforms and content creators behind the industry’s growth.
The role of streaming platforms
Technological innovations have given birth to a social livestreaming culture. At first, top casino platforms like Magic Red Casino used streaming technology to offer players live casino gaming. However, streaming platforms allowed more people to start creating and consuming different kinds of gaming content.
Content creators use platforms like YouTube to create content and connect with their viewers in real time. This trend has greatly influenced the gaming industry. There is an explosion of video game live streaming, which has helped more gamers and professional players globally to build their brands.
So, what are the popular game streaming platforms?
Kick
A newer player to the market in the streaming world, and not without its controversies at times, Kick is the smaller of the main platforms, and so has a smaller userbase compared to others. So, if your goal is to appeal to a broader and more diverse audience, platforms like Twitch or YouTube could be more suitable choices, even though they come with greater competition.
However, if you’re open to catering to more specific or dedicated communities, then Kick, despite its smaller user base, could prove to be a viable option for your streaming endeavours. It is definitely worth exploring Kick and analyzing the top streamers to gain insights into the audiences they are cultivating.
Twitch
Twitch is undoubtedly the most used game streaming platform globally. According to Statista, 47% of gamers in the US claimed that Twitch is the most preferred platform for watching live streams.
The platform is available to all gamers who want to showcase their gaming prowess on specific games. Moreover, everything you see happening on Twitch is live. On the other hand, Twitch is a social gathering platform where gaming enthusiasts gather and interact with the streamers.
YouTube Gaming
YouTube Gaming is the second most preferred game streaming platform. The platform allows gamers to showcase their skills and share gaming videos with their followers. Content creators only need to create a YouTube account, and they’ll be good to go.
What’s more, YouTube Gaming supports video in 4K at a frame rate of 60 fps. Fans and viewers can interact with one another using the chat feature.
How game livestreaming has transformed the gaming industry
The growth and development of video game live streaming has brought a paradigm shift in the gaming industry. Here are some notable developments:
- New games promotions: Nowadays, whenever a new game is released, developers avail the games to popular gamers and internet personalities on platforms like Twitch. This has proven to be a more powerful marketing tool than traditional marketing approaches.
- Increased exposure of games: Livestreaming platforms provide independent games, old games, and niche games a platform to have a prolonged lifespan. For instance, Among Us was released in 2018 but became very popular two years later after a popular Twitch channel decided to stream it with friends. Reports suggest that after millions watched the stream, the game app’s downloads surged from 10 million to 100 million within eight months.
Top content creators setting the standard for game streaming content
Several content creators have created powerful brands by streaming gaming content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Here are some of the most popular streamers globally:
Ninja – Twitch
Ninja is one of the most-followed gamers globally. He got his breakthrough in 2018 when he broke Twitch’s viewer count record streaming Fortnite together with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Travis Scott, and Drake. He has over 18.5 million followers on Twitch and continues to showcase his Fortnite skills.
iyas elmaliki – YouTube
elmaliki is among the most popular video game streamers on YouTube. Reports suggest that he averages 34.7k viewers during his broadcasts. The Moroccan gamer boasts multiple nominations and proudly bears the title of “the biggest streamer on YouTube is now Moroccan streamer.” He is popular for his GTA V and FIFA streams.
Some of our personal favourites
In addition to the big names though, it’s the small streamers who prop up these platforms and we’d like to shed light on some of our favourite streamers. Although he doesn’t stream often any more, Stubat was always a great guy to follow, especially when we got chances of watching him poop his pants playing horror games like Outlast. Our pal Ninja Refinery also streams occasionally, and if you need tips on how not to play games, he’s one to watch. A master of dying repeatedly and getting his butt kicked, you could learn a lot about what not to do following him.
One last shout out is for SonicFusion2K who we only discovered through RaffledUP. We love watching his streams, the way he engages with the community and some of the prompts you can trigger using your channel points. He’s a very friendly face and often hosts marbles competitions too where you can win prizes. So, if you get a chance, be sure to go and give him a follow.
Final thoughts
Game streaming is a revolutionary development for the gaming sector. Tech and gaming experts claim that the current advances are the tip of the iceberg. Therefore, gamers, content creators, and gaming enthusiasts can expect better days ahead!
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