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Amazon Acquires Twitch TV

by on August 25, 2014
Planned Xbox One Twitch Streaming Is Still A While Off
 

It’s been reported, via Gamesindustry.biz, that Amazon has acquired the online streaming service Twitch for $970 million.

The announcement comes in the wake of much speculation surrounding Twitch’s potential buyout by Google and YouTube.

The report is supported in Twitch CEO Emmett Shear’s letter to the Twitch community, posted on the Twitch blog, in which he thanks fans and streamers alike for their support over the last three years.

Emmett’s letter promises faster growth for the website while retaining its fundamental charm. “We chose Amazon because they believe in our community, they share our values and long-term vision, and they want to help us get there faster. We’re keeping most everything the same: our office, our employees, our brand, and most importantly our independence. But with Amazon’s support we’ll have the resources to bring you an even better Twitch.”

While this purchase isn’t expressly made to enhance Amazon’s own gaming portfolio, it’s worth remembering that Amazon has been attempting to make waves within the gaming world this year, with high profile purchases such as Killer Instinct studio Double Helix, alongside the launch of the Amazon Fire TV.

If Amazon were to push harder in this sector, there’s no denying that owning Twitch would give them some leverage in their support.

For now, however, we congratulate Twitch on a stunning first three years, they’ve created something excellent and today that’s more clear than ever.

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James Bowden

If writing ability was a flavour, I would be the warming embrace of apple and cinnamon - wonderfully familiar and pleasantly spiced. Ever the optimist, I spend most of my game time diligently failing at fighting games (BlazBlue and Persona 4 Arena being the preferred titles), Monster Hunter and Dark Souls. As you can surely ascertain from such preferences I'm a gamer at my most content when a title is punishing me, abusing my feeble abilities and forcing me to improve myself in order to overcome life affirming challenges. Feel free to question my opinions and such on Twitter, @Dalagonash, or find me on every gaming network available as Dalagonash.