If you play video games in 2019 then there’s a very good chance you watch other people play video games online. And chances are that those people are making coin for doing something they’d be doing for free anyway. You know, like the billions of less fortunate gamers of the world who play only for the sheer enjoyment of playing.
This is the world of live-streaming gamers who earn a living (well, some of them do) on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Live, and DLive, which is blockchain based. They make money from subscribers, brand endorsements, and donations from viewers who are entertained by their antics and/or acumen. It’s a pretty sweet gig if you’re able to do it.
For the most part, there’s money to be made by the streamer, and streamer alone. At least that was the case until now.
Gearbox Software, creator of the upcoming Borderlands 3, is set to give streaming audiences a chance at free in-game loot, a nice change of scenery for the majority of viewers who tend to spend more on gaming than they earn. In collaboration with the Echocast Twitch extension, participating viewers who’ve activated the extension will get a chance to earn a copy of one item that the streamer they’re watching gets when opening a rare chest. They’ll then receive a code that can be redeemed for whatever mod was found in the chest, be it a gun, shield, or grenade.
Mixer, Microsoft’s platform for streamers to live stream their gaming activities, has also announced a way for viewers of streams to capitalize on their hobby. The new system, called Mixer Loot, uses AI-powered technology to scan across the platform to determine if something “cool” has happened, and rewards audiences for having witnessed it. The first instance took place last week with the game Sea of Thieves, where viewers could wind up with an Obsidian Six Item Pack just for watching.
Both of these examples allow viewers of a particular streamer, playing a particular game during a particular time period, to win in-game loot to better their own playing experience. A terrific proposition for any gaming fan.
Where there’s currently so much money and product being tossed around to popular streamers, could we be in line for a streaming revolution wherein viewers have even more opportunities to earn rewards? Aside from in-game loot, some potential areas of growth include free game merchandise, products from sponsors (like soft drinks, clothing, gear, etc.), and maybe even cash.
Given the success of the examples listed, we’re bound to see more and more organizations testing new types of giveaways for fans of games and the popular streamers who play them. It’s a good time to like video games.
