Twitch, Youtube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming are still popular gaming platforms, but they’ve been facing an unexpected drop lately.
The broadcast platforms sector, where Twitch sits at the wheelhouse, experienced an increase in the number of users, especially since it was closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. But research reveals a slowdown in the growth of streaming platforms. With Streamlabs’ latest report, it shows which publishers are most watched, top categories and their growth rates compared to last year. According to the report, there are decreases in the watch times of entertainment broadcasting platforms such as Twitch, Youtube Gaming and Facebook Gaming. Only one of them is facing slight growth compared to last quarter.
Given its leadership in the entertainment streaming industry, it’s hardly surprising that Amazon-owned Twitch is the only service to see growth compared to last quarter. However, when compared to this time last year, Twitch again faces a decline. Youtube Gaming, criticized by popular publishers such as Dr Disrespect and Asmangold, lags behind Twitch. Even though Facebook Gaming has gained rapid momentum, it seems like it has a long way to go to catch up with Twitch.
Why are streaming platforms in decline?
If we come to the question of why there is a decrease in viewing rates, it would be logical to give the answer as written in the report. After the reduction of the Covid-19 epidemic measures and the end of the closures, people entered the normalization process. This means that people spend time outside rather than on the computer and their homes, and actively commute to work.
In addition, it can be said that the agreement of five important Twitch publishers with Youtube Gaming balances the situations a little more. Twitch is also working on a new payment system where streamers can earn less from subscribers but more from ads (Twitch’s new payment method). We will see the positive or negative effects of this in the future.