Google buys Twitch for $1B

[satysin]

 

Google has signed a deal to buy game-livestreaming firm Twitch for $1 billion, confirmed sources familiar with the matter.

 

We don?t know everything about this deal, such as when it will be announced and the exact purchase price. We do know that Twitch investors who participated in past rounds are pleased that they will be getting significant returns that are multiple times the amount they originally invested. The deal underscores the value of live Internet streaming and the rise of competitive gaming as a spectator sport ? something that draws millions of viewers, can offer prize pools that surpass pro golf?s marquee events, and provides a multibillion dollar opportunity for advertisers.

 

Source: http://venturebeat.com/2014/07/24/googles-1b-purchase-of-twitch-confirmed-joins-youtube-for-new-video-empire/

[techbeck]

Damn.  The Verge has a good take on this.  Says Twitch choose Google because of YouTube and what it has to offer.  Competition needs to happen in this area soon.  Gives to much control to one entity and that isnt always a good or welcomed thing.

[perochan]

wow. any other good live gaming stream site out there?

[Grinch]

I am honestly surprised that Microsoft hasn't put up their own direct competitor to YouTube yet.

[+Warwagon MVC]

I thought it was reported back on May 18th that they were buying Twitch for 1 billion ...

[Hurmoth]

I thought it was reported back on May 18th that they were buying Twitch for 1 billion ...

I think those were just acquisition talks/negotiations, but nothing definitive until now.

[astropheed Veteran]

If any of you were thinking of making a video game streaming website, now is the time. I'll join it.

[Woelfel]

And it...begins...

[123456789A]

I am honestly surprised that Microsoft hasn't put up their own direct competitor to YouTube yet.

 

Because Microsoft can't do everything and you do realize how difficult that would be? I'd like to see another upstart company dethrone Youtube but chances are Google will just buy them out and extinguish them.

[fintechfooty]

No! Even more power to Google now :s

[Woelfel]

I am honestly surprised that Microsoft hasn't put up their own direct competitor to YouTube yet.

 

It was called Soapbox...remember that? No? Nobody else did either...Vimeo is the closest to Youtube.