Microsoft are reportedly planning on closing streaming service Mixer on July 22nd, and moving their exclusive streams to their partner Facebook Gaming. (Thanks Nibellion!)
The Verge reports that those who are already Mixer partners and streamers will be “transitioned” to Facebook Gaming today. While Microsoft had bought Mixer in August 2016 [1, 2] and paid streamer Ninja for exclusivity, The Verge report that Microsoft struggled to compete with Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming.
Microsoft’s head of gaming Phil Spencer stated in an interview with The Verge that while they “started pretty far behind,” that the decision will ultimately be a good one.
“We started pretty far behind, in terms of where Mixer’s monthly active viewers were compared to some of the big players out there. I think the Mixer community is really going to benefit from the broad audience that Facebook has through their properties, and the abilities to reach gamers in a very seamless way through the social platform Facebook has.”
On July 22nd, all Mixer website and applications will redirect to Facebook Gaming, while Mixer Partners will become Facebook Gaming partners. Those who used the Mixer monetization program will be (in The Verge’s words) “granted eligibility for Facebook’s Level Up program.”
Those with “outstanding” Ember balances, a high number of channel subscriptions, or a Mixer Pro subscription will receive credit for an Xbox gift card.
The Verge also reports that via Facebook Gaming, Microsoft will bring their streaming service xCloud to the platform. Spencer explained this was the reason for the switch over, as oppose to attempting to save Mixer. Microsoft will keep Mixer technology will be used to reduce the latency in streaming.
“It wasn’t as much about return on sell, it was about finding a partnership that was the best things for the community and streamers. We think this is it, and it gives us a great place to launch more xCloud content and give gamers the ability to play from there.”
“[…] When we think about xCloud and the opportunity to unlock gameplay for 2 billion players, we know it’s going be critically important that our services find large audiences and Facebook clearly gives us that opportunity.”
” […] I don’t think we’re going to have to wait too long to see the outcome of the collaboration between the two companies to enable this tech for Facebook Gaming viewers.”
” […] The teams are physically actually close to each other, we’ve been to each other’s offices. You’ll see us continuing to grow this relationship… this will be the beginning of us seeing future opportunity together. I think we have a lot of alignment between the organizations on areas where the industry is going and how we can help each other.”
” […] Applying these fan-centric capabilities to new productivity experiences will create immersive ways for Teams to empower people, teams, and organizations to better engage in virtual gatherings at work and school.”
Finally, the Verge notes that those who had exclusivity deals on Mixer (such as Ninja and Shroud) are “now free to rejoin Twitch or stream on Facebook Gaming.”
