Video platforms like YouTube and Instagram have taken steps to make their videos “shoppable,” and now, Twitch is following suit — in its own way. The live streaming platform has announced a new feature called Twitch Games Commerce through which creators can sell select games to their viewers, with purchasers receiving Twitch perks as rewards.
Featured games will be available on the channel pages of individual creators as well as on the “game detail pages” that highlight specific titles. Most of the money generated by the sales will go to developers, though creators who successfully sell to their fans will earn 5% cuts. To sweeten the deal, purchases will come with complimentary “Twitch Crates,” which include exclusive emotes and other goodies.
The developers who have agreed to participate in Twitch Games Commerce include top-of-the-line game makers such as Ubisoft as well as indie shops like Hi-Rez Studios. Twitch shared additional information about its forthcoming offer in a blog post as well as an introductory video.
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“Many of our streamers want to make a living doing what they love,” said Twitch VP of Commerce Matt McCloskey in a press release. “To help them, we’re enabling game developers to sell game content at the exact time and place their communities are gathered to watch, which in turn lets streamers earn money from games sold on their channels. To ensure everyone benefits, we’re also rewarding fans that purchase with Twitch Crates.”
The Twitch Games Commerce program is expected to roll out in the spring.
