YouTube launches gaming channel; challenges Klingons for interstellar domination

YouTube Gaming, the popular Google-owned online video service’s answer to Twitch, officially launched on Wednesday, with live-streaming and archived content currently available for 25,000 different titles and a customized feed for users centered around channels they follow.

According to Mashable, the unveiling of the game-streaming service launch comes after Google initially promised a soft launch following the annual E3 conference, and serves as the company’s answer to Amazon’s acquisition of Twitch last year. Google itself was reportedly interested in an acquisition of Twitch, the website said, but those negotiations ultimately fell through.

So instead, the Mountain View, California tech giant opted to develop its own service – one that features a chat interface and is capable of streaming content from Xbox One’s, PlayStation 4’s and Wii U’s – provided that users have a capture device that can send video from the console to their computers. Content can also be viewed on soon-to-be-released iOS and Android apps.

Breaking down how the gaming channel works

Engadget calls the YouTube Gaming interface “sleek” and notes that live streams of games are the meat-and-potatoes of the new service. When you first visit the website, you will see footage pulled from a live channel or game you follow (which will be muted to begin with).

Other videos are divided into categories such as trending, features and suggested, and channels that you subscribe to can be found on the right side. Live channels are at the top of the list and are marked with a red dot. The left side offers pages to specific games, the website noted.

The goal, YouTube’s head of gaming Ryan Wyatt told BBC News, is “to create a one-stop shop for all gaming content. At the moment there is a fragmented experience. People go to different places for live content, and YouTube for video on demand. We have amazing gamers that don’t live stream yet. Now they have that opportunity.”

YouTube officials also confirmed to the British news agency that, while its gaming app featured a redeveloped streaming function, live broadcasts will still be subject to copyright checks via the company’s Content ID system. They also hinted that the technology behind the gaming site may eventually be used for other purposes, including live-streaming of sports.

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Feature Image: Screen shot, YouTube Gaming