Earlier today, Amazon confirmed that they are in the final stages buying streaming service Twitch for approximately $970 million. This is a business decision that gamers do not take lightly, with many expressing their concerns and fears over Twitch and its future in the hands of another company. That being said, the majority would rather Amazon purchase it than Google.
In what is arguably one of the more surprising business moves of recent times (along with Facebook buying the Oculus Rift), Twitch CEO Emmet Shear confirmed their deal with Amazon in a press release, clarifying reports and rumours that the deal was going ahead.
Since then, gamers have taken to forums, comments sections, Facebook, and Twitter to express their love or loathing for the deal. While there are a vast number who are blatantly for or against the deal, the majority of gamers are expressing cautious optimism for Twitch’s future. Some say that targeted ads and ‘Prime’ subscription services are in the cards, while others maintain that it’s in the best interest for Twitch.
One thing’s for sure – a lot of people sure are happy Google didn’t close the deal.
Take a look at the comments below, and let us know what you think of Twitch and Amazon striking a deal – for $970 million, no less.
J4MESOX4D: “Thank the lord it’s not Google!”
Maquegyver: “Great so we will need useless amazon prime probably to have full rights… Thanks Amazon.”
Shane7218: “So happy that Google aren’t going to get twitch.”
Xenus13: “One thing I hated about Google buying youtube were the annoying as hell ads. I still hate them and it is one of the reasons I no longer use youtube as much. I hope amazon buying out twitch isn’t just going to turn into an advertisement wet dream.”
lj2387: “Twitch with Google made much more sense to me than Amazon. I’m actually a little disappointed in this acquisition,”
MuteMason: “As long as they don’t pull some shit like reserving certain features for their devices, then everything will be alright in the end.”
GangstaRayhard: “Option 1: Spend years of blood, sweat, tears to become super rich
Option 2: Sell out and become (a little bit less) super rich”
A Bottle of Sunny D: “Great, now I’m going to be thinking, “Amazon Twitch”, which sounds like a jungle infection.”
Monochrome: “That’s great! I can’t wait for Amazon to block Twitch content all over Latinamerica.”
Seething Hatred: “So instead of donating cash to a streamer, you can now gift them a toaster straight from Amazon?”
Sammonoske: “Good. Google doesn’t need to have a monopoly over everything.”
Pikathulu: “Good for them. Given Google’s shenanigans with Youtube, I certainly prefer Amazon. Hopefully they keep it game focused too. Also I’ve had very good customer support from them in the past.”
Twitter:
Well it's good that Twitch is bought by Amazon because Amazon knows how to Deliver…. *RimShot*
— DansGaming (@Dansgaming) August 25, 2014
Twitch confirmed as having been acquired by Amazon. Far happier with that result than Youtube, antitrust concerns were real.
— TotalBiscuit (@Totalbiscuit) August 25, 2014
Amazon buying Twitch is one thing..but buying it with 970 million in cash..that's just savage
— OpTic Methodz (@Methodz) August 25, 2014
Bring on the ironic "Sponsored by Amazon" Twitch Stream logos.
— chris grant 😎 😎 😎 (@BIGHONKINBURGER) August 25, 2014
https://twitter.com/jimtonge/status/504015888975421440
Three years and two months after launching, and having raised only $20M, Twitch was bought by Amazon today for $970M. Should I laugh or cry?
— pfreet (@pfreet) August 25, 2014
Honestly, I'm kinda relieved that @amazon got @twitch and not @google. I like the hands-off approach better.
— CrustyMustard (@CrustyMustard90) August 25, 2014
https://twitter.com/Speedycat/status/504014637017616384
https://twitter.com/KyleSyriste/status/504014603659923456
Good on Amazon, they've really been pushing to change perceptions about what they feel about gaming. They now own a games studio and Twitch.
— RX (@AngelAtRedline) August 25, 2014
https://twitter.com/UnlawfulExile/status/504014786485829632
I like amazon. I like twitch. I like this acquisition.
— Joel (@NobodyEpic) August 25, 2014
Kinda fits. Doesn't it? #amazon #twitch pic.twitter.com/4Lkmx5M0Mw
— Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) August 25, 2014
Featured image sourced from Twitter.
