Twitch: Introducing more to its platform

Twitch is an Amazon owned video game streaming site. Today, it announced that it will be selling games directly on its platform. This expansion move is not entirely surprising looking at how the site is used by developers for engaging social community about getting the word out for their games and engage fans. There is not launch date given but the games will go on sale this spring, says the company.

The company claims that it has several publishers lined up for the debut. They range from bigger names of the industry to smaller indie publishers. Ubisoft, Telltale Games, Digital Extremes, Hi-Rez Studios, tinyBuild, Paradox Interactive, Trion Worlds, Vlambeer and others are in the launch list.

Twitch Launcher will facilitate the download and playing of games. The software makes available for Twitch Prime Customers to redeem their games and loot codes. Twitch’s own version of Amazon Prime called Twitch Prime is the only to have likely pushed the inevitable move to sell games. It offers various benefits to users that include discounts on new release titles and free release-day delivery on games.  Making the audience purchase games on it seemed the only feasible and reasonable move to enhance the Twitch experience.

Users have the option to use Twitch Launcher or use any other publisher service to download and play games which includes Uplay. This allows users to play through existing developers. Now, Twitch will be competing against other game market places like Valve.

Talking about the promotion aspects of this, the games are to be promoted on the site under the live streams. A bright purple colored Twitch sign of “Buy Now” will appear along with the price of the game. Channel pages might also include promotion of pages. 70 percent of the revenue will go to the developers. Partners in this streaming venture will earn 5 percent commission on sales from channel pages.

News about the Twitch Crate is also buzzing. The buyers in this scheme will be given a “crate” that includes a random selection of items like emotes, chat badges and bits for cheering.  A lot of typical things that cost gamers money on the platform.

Users can experience Twitch Prime similar to Amazon Prime

“For years we have appreciated how supportive Twitch streamers and viewers have been of our games,” said Chris Early, VP of Digital Publishing at Ubisoft, in a statement. “This made it an easy decision to work with Twitch to better serve our passionate community with benefits for everyone.”

One thing to be notes is how this makes the platform an e-commerce place in the gaming market.  However, the integration of sales in the site makes it a more enhancing experience for the gaming community. This move allows streamers to generate income and also encourages a great level of developer participation in the overall market place of gaming titles.

Read: See what Amazon Games Studio did with Twitch

The pricing will be in U.S dollar and will launch initially worldwide in English this spring. Localized experience will come to consumers later this year.

Image via Geek Wire