Google may be gaining another streaming service. This time, it will be aimed at video game users.
The company recently acquired a music streaming service called Songza, and it acquired YouTube, a video streaming service, years ago. Now, it seems, the company has set its sights on streaming for gamers with its bid to buy Twitch.
The deal for Twitch, a website that allows users to stream video game activity online for the entertainment of others, will be for $1 billion, according to reports.
Live Internet streaming is a booming business. Companies like Netflix, Hulu, Pandora and others are capitalizing on it, particularly at a time when more users are going mobile and seeking to stream across multiple types of devices like smartphones, tablets, netbooks and desktops (still the most optimal for high-performance gaming and video).
Neither company has officially made statements or confirmed the deal. Google had made a previous offer in cash to purchase the company, according to reports. Late news reports July 25, citing unconfirmed sources, claim the deal has been made.
Twitch lets users stream their online gameplay for others to watch live on twitch.tv. The service works with PlayStation4, Xbox One and PC gaming. Twitch represented more than 1 percent of all Internet traffic in the month of March, according to reports.
Google had discussions with Twitch about a possible acquisition of the company months ago, sources report. Google's YouTube division would head up the Twitch service. Google purchased YouTube in 2006 for $1.65 billion and it is one of the top five sites on the Internet today.
There are definitely mixed opinions about the deal. Some don't like the idea of Google owning so many Internet companies and services. Others say Google could actually improve the service as Google has both the money and the expertise to do just that.
Cash prizes have been known to be millions of dollars on the streaming site for various tournaments and contests. Also, there are millions, if not billions, of potential advertising dollars potentially wrapped up in the streaming entertainment environment.
