Introduction
Online Multiplayer gaming has been around since the early days of broadband internet access. The feature that made playing multiplayer games even more enjoyable was the advent of streaming services such as Twitch and Mixer. These services used to be the domain of mostly amateur gamers but in recent years, streaming on these platforms has evolved into a profession. Streaming services have gone from simply being a way to stream yourself playing games to a way to play games with other people as well. Through the use of innovative features, streaming services have made playing multiplayer games more enjoyable for everyone involved.
What are streaming services?
Streaming services are online platforms that enable users to live stream themselves playing a video game or watch other people playing it. The beauty of these services is that they enable almost anyone to become a part-time streamer, regardless of their level of experience or skill. They are also useful for those who want to play games but don’t have access to the latest consoles or gaming computers. It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends and play together no matter the location.
Innovative features of streaming services
Streaming services have come a long way in the past few years, introducing a wide variety of new features to make playing multiplayer games more enjoyable. Let’s take a look at some of the innovative features that make streaming services the perfect place for playing multiplayer games.
Cross-Platform Play
One of the most sought after features of streaming services is the ability to play with people across different platforms. Cross-platform play refers to the ability of players from different platforms to compete against each other in the same game, regardless of the platform being used. This feature has enabled PC gamers to play with console gamers, PlayStation and Xbox owners to play on the same game, and even mobile and VR gamers to join in the fun. This feature has opened up the world of gaming and brought people from all walks of life together in a digital battlefield.
Squad Streams
Another innovative feature of streaming services is the ability to group stream with up to four streamers at once. This feature, seen mostly on Twitch, is known as Squad Streams. Squad Streams allow you to team up with your friends and share the same broadcast while playing together. This is a great way to enjoy multiplayer gaming as it allows your friends and subscribers to interact with everyone on the stream as if they were all in the same place.
Live Challenges
Live challenges are one of the newer features of streaming services that have added a new level of competitiveness and fun to playing games. The feature enables streamers to challenge their viewers in a wide range of mini-games, similar to the mini-games found in popular titles such as Mario Party. Challenges can range from trivia to racing and even gun games. This feature allows the streamer to interact with their viewers through the game while also having fun playing with their viewers.
Loot Drops
Loot drops are a great way to incentivize viewers to watch and engage with your stream. A loot drop is a unique reward system wherein viewers who watch your stream can receive rewards such as in-game items and currency. This is a great way to give back to your viewers and keep them engaged with your stream. Some streaming services, such as Twitch, have even gone so far as to allow streamers to give away rare in-game items to their viewers.
Leaderboards
Leaderboards are a staple in many modern games and are used to measure player performance. Streaming services have taken this feature a step further, introducing leaderboards that show the performance of each individual on the stream. This allows streamers and their viewers to compete against each other in a race for the top spot on the leaderboards.
Conclusion
Streaming services have become an integral part of multiplayer gaming and the introduction of innovative features has made playing the games even more enjoyable. From features such as cross-platform play and squad streams, to live challenges and loot drops, streaming services have brought a renewed level of fun to the world of gaming. Whether you’re an amateur or professional gamer, these features make playing multiplayer games an even more enjoyable experience.
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