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Twitch has announced that it intends to start selling games directly through its platform.
The new system will see the streaming site offer games from Ubisoft, Telltale Games, Digital Extremes, Hi-Rez Studios, tinyBuild, Paradox Interactive, Trion Worlds, Vlambeer, and many more on its site.
Anyone that purchases a game through Twitch will also get a free Twitch Crate, which could include things such as exclusive emotes, chat badges, and Bits for Cheering.
Interestingly however streamers can also get in on the action, as they will get a 5% cut of any sales made through their channel. The developers will get a 70% share of all sales with the rest presumably heading into Twitch’s pocket.
The system is expected to launch for US markets in the Spring.
“Many of our streamers want to make a living doing what they love," said Matt McCloskey, VP of Commerce, Twitch. "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."
“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. “This made it an easy decision to work with Twitch to better serve our passionate community with benefits for everyone.”
“The Twitch community is a key part of everything we do, from getting the word out about a game we’re launching to maintaining an ongoing dialog with our fans,” said Steve Allison, SVP of Publishing for Telltale Games. “By allowing viewers to help support their favorite streamer just by buying a game on Twitch, we’re able to help strengthen the community that has done so much for us.”
"Next to the perks for our community, what attracted us to making in-game content from SMITE and Paladins available on Twitch is how the opportunity to buy appears right where a streamer is playing and viewers are engaged in watching and learning about the game," said Todd Harris, Co-Founder and COO of Hi-Rez Studios. "Since the streamer gets a revenue share of purchases made, this is a great way to further support streamers who educate and entertain viewers"
