IP 7 Playing Online: Twitch Broadcasting 

As a non-gamer, it is my first time hear of, try and watch online game streaming live on Twitch. At the first sight when I logged in, the portal looks a bit like Youtube with Live streaming on top of the web. Left hand column shows recommended channels based on popularity, no. of audience watching live and algorithm. 

I watched three different streamers play the first game first.

I randomly clicked into the first live streaming game popped out called Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. It is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. The multiplayer experience is classic. Players test their skills across 16 new maps at launch and aim to shoot down enemies with guns in different scenarios. The setting is vivid, with live comment and narrative by the streamer whose fast-paced talk and high pitch escalated the tension.

Fascinated by the transfer of excitement, as first-time audience, I was immediately attracted to the high intense environment by watching streamer to play. Twitch does not only stream the particular game but also monitors the player and his/her live commentaries, allowing the spectator to interact with him/her and other watchers via chat. This multifaceted video transmission platform successfully generates the feelings of pleasure, helps people escape into virtual world and new community, and stimulates arousal from excitement. The audience somehow develop a special bonding with the streamer by watching him play and live discussion of gaming strategy.

The first streamer didn’t show streamer’s face nor the streamer commented live. This creates a 100% authentic immersive playing environment and the feeling as audience resembles more as movie watching without storyline or knowing what the ending could be. The uncertainty exacerbates the attraction to stay online and perfect experience for non-gamer like me.

The second player showed his camera when broadcasting live and made comments. This posts higher requirement for the streamer who has to be multi-tasking, excellent collaboration of eye-hand coordination, quick response, talk…The “think-out loud” style narrative helps increase the level of intense. As can see from screencap, blood, violent elements are common in this type of thriller setting. This arrangement works better for audience who has personal experience playing the game and easier for streamer to create a personal IP/image to establish a long term bonding with audience.

 

The 3^rd streamer who not only provided live narrative, but also shared his gaming strategies and interacting with community of users/audience live who comment in the chatbox or address users’ questions which made the whole experience a real interaction.

 

Wulf et al (2020) observation has limitations as only male experienced users as sample. As a first time East Asian female Twitch user, I shared the same excitement, multilayer communication channel enjoyment.

 The second game I watched is FIFA. FIFA offers fast-paced and competitive gameplay that keeps viewers entertained and engaged. The excitement of matches, skill moves, and goal celebrations attracts a large audience around the globe. The FIFA community is vibrant, with fans and players sharing content, tips, and challenges. This sense of community fosters engagement and encourages viewers to tune in to watch their favorite streamers. Streamers create a variety of content, from gameplay and tutorials to pack openings and challenges. This diversity appeals to different types of viewers, whether they are hardcore fans or casual players. FIFA has a growing esports presence, with tournaments and competitions that attract large audiences. Watching skilled players compete at high levels adds to the excitement. FIFA releases annual updates, meaning there's always new content to explore, keeping the game fresh and relevant in the streaming landscape. 

 

Besides the functions and enjoyment from Twitch discussed, I noticed from setting function bar there are many more functions available from the platform which makes it truly a multi-layer streaming platform and not covered by Taylor (2018). Streamers on Twitch can benefit from various opportunities and features. Viewers can subscribe to a streamer’s channel for a monthly fee, giving them access to exclusive content and benefits. Viewers can purchase Bits and use them to cheer in chat, providing direct financial support to streamers. Streamers can receive direct donations from viewers through third-party services. Streamers can earn money from ads shown during their streams. Streamers can create a personal blog to share gaming strategies to increase bonding with the viewers. Twitch provides tools for streamers to promote their channels and gain visibility, helping them grow their audience. Successful streamers can attract sponsorship deals with brands looking to reach their audience and can be accessible to game developers for new pilot game trial.…These add-on functions make it easier for the platform and streamer to monetize their IP value. 

References:

1. Wulf, T., Schneider, F. M., & Beckert, S. (2018;2020). Watching players: An exploration of media enjoyment on twitch. Games and Culture, 15(3), 155541201878816-346. doi:10.1177/1555412018788161
2. Taylor, T. L. (2018). Twitch and the work of play. American Journal of Play, 11(1), 65-84.