Now millions (yes,millions) of channels are left without a platform.
So where would they go?
After all, Microsoft seemed to be putting all of its weight behind Mixer.
It left many asking: what the heck happened?
Welcome to the next gen of live game streaming.
The viewer was a more active member of the entertainment, put simply.
Microsoft purchased Beam in August 2016 and relaunched it as Mixer in 2017.
Read:PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: How do they compare?
There was some innovation to the site, Ill give it that.
Well, nothing and that was kind of the problem.
Mixer never really got off the ground to challenge the dominance of Twitch.
It barely maintained its lead over the likes of Facebook.
Not even big streamers likeNinja or Shroudcould inject the necessary oomph into the platform.
Mixer Partners, streamers, and community today, we’ve got some very big news for you.
According toa report from Streamlabs, there was a massive upswing in active channels in the last quarter.
So now that Mixer is no more, where do those millions of streamers go?
There are three big candidates: Twitch, Facebook Gaming, and YouTube Live.
It sucks royally, but I have no doubt many will simply leave the hobby.
As for those who are left, Microsoft is trying to push its new partnership with Facebook Gaming.
No matter where you choose to stream, the world is better with your gaming content in it.
As the operations side of@WatchMixeris closing, we are inviting the Mixer Community to#FacebookGaming.
The Vergequoted one Mixer streameras saying Facebook is archaic.
Their desire for all the data from their users is absolutely absurd…
I really dont get the feeling Facebook cares about their streaming platform at all.
That honestly sums it up better than I ever could.
(This particular streamer, DM21Constellation,now streams on Twitch.)
But the YouTube Live format has seen some decent growth in the last year.
Theres one huge advantage that YouTube has: everyones already there.
By that, I mean that everyone already watches vids on YouTube.
Hes already done at least one livestream there.
An injection of starpower from a streamer like Ninja would help boost the platform considerably.
It lacks a certain interfacesomethingthat Twitch has, and that Mixer had.
I wouldnt be surprised if former Mixer streamers find YouTube Live streaming too different from their old home.
According tothe aforementioned Streamlabs report, Twitch had over 5 billion hours watched in the last quarter alone.
Granted, some of that traffic might be due to the global pandemic and ensuing lockdown, but still.
Mixer streamers moving to Twitch might find it a much-changed platform.
More players make every game better.
@WatchMixerbuilt an incredible platform and grew a passionate community of talented creators.
To the Mixer community, we understand this is a difficult time.
We encourage you to take the time you need, and know that Twitch is here to help.
The community at its best is warm and welcoming, but at its worst its incredibly hostile and destructive.
Mixers refugees have options, albeit not the most varied ones.
Well see how many streamers make the transition to the other sites.
Story byRachel Kaser
Rachel is a writer and former game critic from Central Texas.
She enjoys gaming, writing mystery stories, streaming on Twitch, and horseback riding.
Check her Twitter for curmudgeonly criticisms.
