I’ll be straight with you; I thought Google had already bought Twitch. The deal seemed done and dusted last month, with various sources suggesting hands had been shaken, money had been transferred and rich folk got richer. That all still happened, although it wasn’t at Google’s head offices.
Instead, the deal took place under Amazon’s roof. Rumoured last night and confirmed a few moments later, the world’s largest online retailer purchased the world’s largest game streaming website for a cool $970 million. That’s just a touch shy of the rumoured amount Google was reportedly collecting for the purchase, although the company never confirmed these reports.
Earlier this month a few Twitch policy changes angered users, with the website automatically flagging copyrighted content and muting videos. This type of abrupt and harsh censorship is something YouTube is famous for, leading many to believe that the rumoured Google deal was all but confirmed.
Twitch CEO Emmet Shear confirmed the acquisition last night, with the deal expected to be completed before the end of the year. Shear posted a thank you message on the website, explaining why Amazon was ultimately chosen.
“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.”
And maybe that big fat cheque has something to do with it as well. Now all we need is Twitch plays Amazon.com
Last Updated: August 26, 2014
Lord Chaos
August 26, 2014 at 08:00
That’s a lot of moolah. *twitch*
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 26, 2014 at 08:05
So much for those raging about Google ruining twitch with copyright stuff. I’m guessing every gaming stream will have an Amazon link to purchase the game soon too.
ToshZA
August 26, 2014 at 11:02
Still better than having your video deleted for “copyright” infringement.
WarframedSquirrel
August 26, 2014 at 08:23
Holy crap, didn’t think Twitch was worth that much.
Can I stream my books to Twitch from my Kindle now?
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 26, 2014 at 08:41
To make instant movies? I don’t think it works that way. *run*
WarframedSquirrel
August 26, 2014 at 08:57
LOL!
Rinceable
August 26, 2014 at 08:42
0_O For something that allows you to watch fish playing Street Fighter? Man, I am old.
Rock789
August 26, 2014 at 08:51
Damn! That is a flipping ton of money… Can I have a few grams? But seriously though, that is a ridiculous amount of money… Surely it can’t be worth that much?!