Since the arrival of the internet, online gaming has been growing in popularity into a vast industry that spans all genres. However, recent years have seen the rise in a new trend in streaming games to watch others play. In Q1 2021, Amazon’s streaming giant Twitch saw a rise of 97% to 6.3 billion hours, while YouTube Gaming also increased from 1.1 billion to 1.4 billion. These “big two” are not alone in seeing their figures skyrocket, however. The third-largest site, Facebook Gaming, increased from 0.6 billion to 1.1 billion, making it a serious contender for the second spot in future years. This raises the question of why this phenomenon is taking place.
A sense of community
When many people log onto streaming services such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming, they return time and time again to watch the same players. This builds up an online community of fans of these players, who enjoy chatting about the games and the players’ performances. During the Covid-19 pandemic, this online interaction has proven to be a valuable substitution for the in-person interaction that was so often restricted.
One of the genres that has increased in popularity is esports. Just as fans flock to real-life matches, they are also logging in to virtual events in droves. The atmosphere of camaraderie and rivalry at many big online events is proving to rival anything real-life leagues can offer.
Boost performance
Gaming is competitive, and the presence of real-life rewards in many cases means gamers are becoming increasingly driven to succeed. While some viewers of Twitch and YouTube Gaming are spectators only, many also love to play the games themselves. By watching the expert streamers, they can pick up tips to enhance their own gaming performance.
It is also a good way to see if a game is one you are likely to enjoy before investing time or money in it. A good example of this can be seen in casino games. Innovative technology allows them to replicate the sights and sounds of a real-life casino, making them exciting to watch. With a vast array of games, gamers can also learn from streaming sites how they can play these games themselves. At Best Casino Bonuses, you can find a wealth of information on bonuses and features as a good entry into the immersive and challenging world of casino games.
Entertainment
To the uninitiated, the thought of watching others play video games may seem like the most boring activity on earth. In reality, however, nothing can be further from the truth. Many live streamers are skilled entertainers whose commentary and rants will make you laugh out loud as they express many of the same observations and frustrations as you.
Additionally, watching live streams of games is relaxing, making it an ideal way to unwind after a busy day when you may be too tired to play yourself.
Regardless of the reasons people have for watching Twitch, YouTube Gaming or other game streaming sites, it certainly appears that this is a trend that will continue to grow, which means there will be plenty of opportunities for the streamers of the future as they rise to meet the demand.
