PC gaming platform Steam just launched its new live streaming feature, Steam Broadcasting, which industry observers say looks to directly compete with streaming website Twitch, reports GameSpot.
At the moment, Steam Broadcasting is in beta form. The feature, however, currently allows players to configure specific rules on who they want to watch their live games, according to The Verge. Players can set limitations on their live broadcasts to only let those with invites watch, if they choose to, or open up their broadcast for all to view.
Additionally, live games that are open for public viewing can be watched via the Chrome or Safari browsers, not necessarily from the Steam client alone.
Steam Broadcasting lets users pick among these specific permission settings:
- Only friends that I invite
- Friends can request to watch my games
- Friends can watch my games
- Anyone can watch my games
Rory Young of Neoseeker says these permission settings are set up so that Steam users "feel comfortable that no one will watch their games unless they're expressly comfortable with how they accessed the broadcast," but adds that Steam could be "testing the waters" to see if a full-blown streaming service (one that could compete with Twitch) is feasible.
"While I'm unsure at this point how someone could watch a stream from someone not on their friend list, that fourth privacy option definitely makes it clear that that's an option. Will Steam eventually enable followers, subscribers, and even partnership programs? Today, Twitch may feel a shiver go up their spine," he adds.
Steam says more than 100 million gamers have already registered, with around eight million signing up within the past 48 hours, reports ReCode. On the other hand, more than 60 million viewers visit Twitch every month.
Tech Crunch writer Kyle Russell says that even though Twitch and YouTube lead the way when it comes to game streaming videos, Valve's chances of becoming a dominant player in the niche could be boosted due to its place as the leading online marketplace for PC games.
"Steam Broadcasting is simply a new option within the Steam experience, with no new accounts to sign up for or third-party apps to download," he adds.
