Google seals $1bn deal for video game streaming service Twitch

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Internet giant Google has reportedly finalised a $1bn deal to purchase San Francisco-based Twitch, with the video game streaming service now expected to form a central part of a revamped YouTube.

According to GamesBeat, sources "familiar with the matter" have confirmed that Google's YouTube division – said to be leading proceedings – has completed the deal, two months after talks were reported.

MORE: Google to acquire video game streaming service Twitch?

The service lets users broadcast their own live gaming sessions from platforms including PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, with the site boasting more than 50 million monthly active users at present.

More than one million people upload content each month, with a number of content distribution partnerships also in place. Microsoft was another corporation reportedly interested in buying Twitch.

With YouTube also preparing a new music streaming subscription service, it will be interesting to see how its acquisition of Twitch strengthens the brand amid fierce competition from rival video services.

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Pete Hayman

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist.