Gaming has always been a popular pastime, but it didn’t become a mainstream phenomenon until the rise of streaming. These days people consume almost all modern entertainment media through various streaming platforms, from rewatching old favorite movies and binge-watching good series to viewing live events, like online poker tournaments. Options for streaming are plentiful, especially when it comes to an online casino.
The Impact of Streaming Games
Gaming streaming platforms have positively influenced the industry and have improved how people watch, play and share games.
Watching a Stream
Whether it’s a story game like The Last of Us, or a simulation game like The Sims, watching streamers play games is a fun and entertaining experience. Most streamers like to use streaming platforms for gaming, like Twitch or YouTube — both are accessible and available on all devices. Watching someone play a video game has the same stress relief benefit as playing them yourself. If you are watching a live broadcast, most channels have chat functions where you can interact with the streamer and other viewers in real-time.
Playing on a Stream
Streaming games has opened up a world of content creation and the ability to make a living off it. Streamers can play for long periods while having enjoyable interactions with their chat if they choose to do a live broadcast. Game sites also provide the streamer with a large variety to choose from.
Sharing a Stream
Streams are also easily shared among peers, allowing the viewers to watch with friends. Streamers will also benefit from the viewership and improve their streaming platform growth.
The Rise of Streaming Platforms
The internet boom in the 1990s introduced live streaming, but only in the 2010s did live-streaming playthroughs become popular. Almost everything can now be streamed online, from game playthroughs to chatting with friends.
The Rise of Live Streaming
Live streaming is the ability to watch a live broadcast. These broadcasts can be anything and can happen on any platform. Live streaming is available almost everywhere, providing opportunities to connect with people worldwide. Streaming is also a way for streamers to generate revenue, and they can utilize the streams to help market their brands.
You don’t need fancy or expensive equipment to live stream, and it is effortlessly done from your phone. Software is becoming more advanced, making it easier for game streamers to share their screen for playthroughs.
The Rise of Esports
Electronic sports (esports) are another result of the rise of streaming. They are competitive video games played with multiple players. Esports are huge in the gaming industry. There are plenty of tournaments and events that gamers can participate in. Any multiplayer game can count in esports, but League of Legends, Rocket League, and Call of Duty are some of the most popular games.
Professional sports players can now also compete in online sports against anyone worldwide. Esports is becoming incredibly popular among investors, and the phenomenon is still continuously rising. Esports has provided many job opportunities by allowing players to stream professionally. The phenomenon has also brought the popularity of sports betting, where viewers can bet on their favorite players.
The Rise of Influencer Culture
The evolution of social media introduced the rise of influencer culture. Influencers are social media personalities who have a large following. Famous gamers on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube are considered influencers due to their large groups of followers. Some of the most popular gaming influencers include Markiplier, Jacksepticeye, and SSSniperwolf.
Influencers make money by partnering with brands to create paid sponsorship advertisements on their platforms. For indie developers, having an influencer play your game will help boost your downloads and marketing.
The Rise of Casino Game Streaming
Casino games have been around for centuries, but thanks to the internet, they are available to play from the comfort of your home. Online casino games offer a large variety of options to choose from. These games come with colorful visuals and unique sound effects that make these games entertaining to play.
The accessibility of streaming platforms provides opportunities for players to participate in the tournaments. Some games have multiplayer options, a fun way to play and bond with family and friends. These platforms also have sports betting, and you can easily track and stream the sport online.
How Streaming Impacts Game Development
As mentioned before, indie game developers greatly benefit from influencer culture. Having a gamer play your game on stream is the best marketing tool for the industry. Developers can also get great feedback from the gamer for any improvements the game may need. They will also see what is doing best on streams and other gaming industry trends.
How Streaming Impacts Community Engagement
As humans, it is natural to be social, and human beings need frequent interactions to help boost mood and empathy. Game streaming platforms like Twitch and Youtube allow users to bond and interact with each other on the stream.
Game streamers can create a fun and engaging connection with their viewers, boosting their social presence online. Chats can also come in handy when the streamer gets stuck in a tricky situation in the game and can turn to the viewers to ask for advice.
The Future of Game Streaming at BetMGM
Technology is evolving at a rapid pace. The growth of artificial intelligence can only cause changes in the gaming industry to improve with every stream. Gamers are already seeing a rise in virtual reality (VR,) where, with the right equipment, players are immersed in a whole new world. Mobile phones are also being utilized more in the gaming industry as game developers make their games more accessible and mobile-friendly.
Streaming platforms positively impact the gaming industry and will continue for years to come. You can get in on the action by honing your skills with a full range of online slots, live dealer table games, as well as games like poker, baccarat, and blackjack. Register with BetMGM now to explore a wide range of online gambling games.
