Video game streaming has surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as people look for new forms of entertainment while staying at home. Twitch and YouTube Gaming have reported record-breaking viewership numbers, with Twitch’s concurrent viewer count reaching 6 million in November 2020. Factors contributing to the boom include an increase in free time due to working from home, the cancellation of live sporting events, and the release of highly anticipated games. Though the pandemic has played a role in the growth of video game streaming, it is unlikely that its popularity will decline significantly in the future, with new platforms like Facebook Gaming entering the market.
Video Game Streaming Booms During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Rise of Video Game Streaming
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant shift in how people consume media, with many turning to video game streaming as a way to stay entertained while staying at home. Video game streaming has seen a dramatic increase in popularity over the past year, with platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming reporting record-breaking numbers.
Twitch Sees an Increase in Viewership
Twitch, one of the largest video game streaming platforms, has seen a significant increase in viewership since the pandemic started. In the first quarter of 2020, Twitch had 3.8 million concurrent viewers, up from 2.7 million in the previous quarter. This trend continued throughout the year, with Twitch reporting a peak of 6 million concurrent viewers in November 2020.
YouTube Gaming Gains Popularity
YouTube Gaming has also seen a surge in popularity during the pandemic. YouTube reported that in 2020, viewers watched over 100 billion hours of gaming content on the platform, up from 81 billion hours in 2019. The platform also saw a 65% increase in new gaming channels being created in the first half of 2020.
Factors Contributing to the Boom
Several factors have contributed to the increase in video game streaming during the pandemic. With many people working from home, they have more free time to watch their favorite streamers play games. The cancellation of live sporting events has also led to an increase in viewership, as fans look for other forms of entertainment. Additionally, the release of highly anticipated games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Among Us have drawn large audiences to streaming platforms.
The Future of Video Game Streaming
While the pandemic has certainly played a role in the boom of video game streaming, it’s unlikely that the popularity of the medium will decline significantly in the future. With new streaming platforms like Facebook Gaming on the rise, the competition is set to intensify, which will only lead to more innovation and better content for viewers. As video game streaming continues to grow, it’s clear that it has become a significant part of the entertainment industry.