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Sony Brings Twitch To The PlayStation 4's Share Button
Sony and Twitch have announced a new partnership for the PlayStation 4 that will bring users even closer to streaming and viewing game-focused content. The Share button on the Dual Shock 4 might as well be called the "Twitch" button.
The pair have announced that simply by hitting the button on the PlayStation 4 controller, users can immediately start streaming to their Twitch channels. In addition, the PlayStation 4's user interface will allow gamers to view content from other broadcasters.
Twitch currently has 38 million unique viewers per month and over 600,000 broadcasters. The partnerships with both Sony and Microsoft will make it easier for the console-focused segment to connect with Twitch's platform.
At the February PlayStation 4 reveal, Sony mentioned working with Ustream for game sharing services. We've reached out to Sony to clarify whether Twitch is a supplement to the social aspect of the new console or a replacement.
Our Take
Twitch has an enormous user base ranging from occasional streamers to regular live players and everything in between. The platform has become a destination for eSports, and partnering with both Microsoft and Sony is a coup that will further cement the service as the top destination for sharing game content.
Putting as little distance between the user and a potential audience is paramount for gamers. Giving people minimal risk in terms of time and effort is crucial, and tying Twitch directly to the share button accomplishes that goal.
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