Google's $1 Billion Acquisition of Twitch Reportedly a Go

As previously rumored, Google is reportedly going to acquire Twitch for $1 billion.

The newest report comes from Dean Takahashi at GamesBeat, citing "sources familiar with the matter." Although the terms of the deal — and the timing of the announcement aren't known, Takahashi says the deal is a lock.

YouTube will reportedly take control of the acquisition and Twitch will be used to expand YouTube's global video dominance into the growing segment of users who broadcast — or watch broadcasts — played other users playing video games.

Variety was the first to report the Google/Twitch deal back in May. At the time, the deal was said to be an all-cash offer.
ESPN for the next generation

Twitch got its start in 2011 as part of the early livestreaming community, Justin.tv. It's appeal at the time was that it was one of the few places gamers could stream real-time game sessions.

The site quickly took off and now boasts more than 50 million monthly active users with 1.1 million broadcasters. Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One let players easily broadcast directly to Twitch, which has increased the output of content and reduced the friction of sharing gameplay.

When asked about the appeal of watching other people play video games, the easiest comparison to make is sports. How many millions of viewers tune into Monday Night Football, Nascar or Formula 1; should digital are digital competitions really that different?

Mashable reached out to Google for comment but had not heard back as of press time. Twitch representatives declined to comment on this story.

Posted by : Gizmeon