With over 200 million viewers for its gaming videos and streams on YouTube, the video sharing platform is now shutting down its standalone YouTube Gaming app and announcing the launch of a new gaming destination on YouTube itself.
Launched in 2015, the YouTube Gaming app was used by the company to test new features like Game Pages, Super Chat, Channel Memberships, Dark Theme and a new live streaming platform — all based on the gaming community’s feedback.
Last year, over 50 billion hours of gaming content was watched on YouTube. After receiving an overwhelming response to its Gaming app, YouTube has now decided to bring over that experience to the main YouTube community.
You can find the new YouTube Gaming channel here.
In March 2019, YouTube Gaming app will be retired and all of the focus will be laid on the Gaming channel on YouTube.
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What’s new at YouTube Gaming?
At the top of the YouTube Gaming channel, you’ll see top live games and the latest gaming videos from the channels you subscribe. You’ll also see personalised suggestions for content based on your watching history and subscriptions.
Trending videos and live streaming get their own dedicated shelves on the screen.
Finding content about your favourite game gets easier
It’s now also easier to explore and find content related to your favourite game — directly from the publisher or developer as well as other sources — on YouTube.
This includes popular videos, live streams and also content related to other games from the same publisher or developer. Using the new resource, you’ll be able to find the content related to your favourite game no matter how big or small.
Aiding smaller creators
YouTube will be highlighting gaming creators who are ‘On the Rise’ on the Gaming destination and in Trending. A new up and coming game creator will be showcased every week — helping more fans discover new quality content.
This feature is currently launching only in USA and will be rolled out to other countries in the future.
“We have a strong and vibrant audience on the YouTube Gaming app, but the amount of gamers we are able to reach is far bigger on YouTube,” the company says.
“We’re committed to helping gaming creators succeed and look forward to seeing how you all continue to shape the future of gaming.”
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