https://blog.twitch.tv/coming-soon-twitch-games-commerce-6b646d832480#.6s5z8vb37

''It works like this: an offer to purchase will appear below the video when a streamer is playing a game that’s available through Twitch. Partnered streamers who opt in will receive a 5% rev share for these purchases, and viewers who buy will receive a digital Twitch Crate that contains a randomly generated reward like an emote, badges, or Bits for Cheering. That’s pretty much the definition of a win-win-win.''

''Games can be downloaded and played via the Twitch launcher. Games and in-game items can also be fulfilled directly to developers’ ID systems via account linking.''

Like buying from specific stores to get specific goodies, but the goodies here are twitch tv bits / items and the satisfaction of supporting your favorite streamers. This like native advertising / referral links. Seems to me like this will incentivize streamers to make their viewers purchase the game they're playing, for that sweet 5%.

Also, does anyone on this forum use twitch at all? I've never seen it referenced here. Anyone subscribed to a streamer? What do you watch? Why / why don't you use it?

Cough...Cough....
https://www.gog.com/forum/general/whats_up_at_twitchtvgogcom_a22f7

I use it to stream sometimes but usually I stream for a while then drop off the earth again.

Ie, referenced in normal conversation. Never seen it mentioned in any of the many threads or offtopic deviations either. I don't watch it myself, so I don't follow GOG, or anyone on it.

@Pheace : drop off the earth??

Hmm...I stream amateurish, for the joy of sharing.

https://www.twitch.tv/kwama57

No strong opinion on topic, i don't care enough. :o

5% for referrals? Sounds low (e.g. didn't one get 10% at GG after hitting some level which shouldn't be an issue for the people with more followers?).

Hmmm. This is interesting, just reading up on this to see whether they were just selling Steam keys or what, and realised that as Twitch is owned by Amazon it's presumably linked to what was discussed in this thread;
https://www.gog.com/forum/general/amazon_to_compete_with_steam

And really... they've got quite a good idea going here. Streamers get paid if people buy the games they're streaming, so they play those games that pay out more. This gives the games more exposure and (presumably) more sales. Win win for everyone involved, and a quick way to build a user base to rival Steam.

The only sad thing is that it's going to be yet *another* new client.

If we're lucky Amazon has the bucks and interest to start competing with Steam on more than just selling games but also on services and developer benefits, particularly the latter.

Yeah... with any luck it might not be a 100% required client, but it's not too likely knowing current trends...

Well at least another option on the market and more competition for Steam might be good, and if developers become more used to maintaining builds on different sites they might be more inclined to release on Gog too (we can only dream anyway)

Isn't there potential for abuse here though? Wouldn't the streamers be more likely to not say negative things and say anything they can to sell the game, since they also get money in the process? Haha I know what you're talking about. I too sometimes feel in need of some alone time.

[s]What abuse? Streamers are private people doing private things, not court witnesses. If a streamer praises games you think are ass, don't follow their recommendations.[/s]

disregard that i suck cocks

I've just had some sense slapped into me and you're absolutely correct. Amazon has a history of fucking with reviewers (e.g. Goodreads) and there's absolutely no guarantee it wouldn't punish streamers for negative reviews and low sales.

No, its not amazon directly screwing with the opinions of the twitch streamers. Its the idea that streamers, although not reviewers exert some type on influence over their viewers. Same with youtubers, who, whether they are reviewers or not have to disclose sponsorships / profit motive if their video contains it. Its like people following celebrities, where the fans may be more inclined to buy something if their idol recommends it. Case in point the CSGO Lotto / Tmartn item gambling scandal.

I was saying that this influence the streamer / e-celebs wield over their audience may be misused; for example by saying bad games are good or hiding bugs etc to make their viewers buy using the referral link and give them money.

In that case, my earlier pseudostrikethrough'ed comment stands. Streamers are private people. If their reviews don't match my opinions, it really doesn't matter to me if they were paid to lie or just have shit taste in games. Also, bugs are really hard to hide in a livestream.

I doesn't matter to many people. But there are next level fans of online e-celebs who are more likely to do what they say them to. To say that they have no influence at all on the viewers preferences is disregarding many things. Why do advertisers use movie stars instead of random good looking people? Why do so many developers want youtubers to play their game. Exposure alone is not the sole reason.

Reviews? No reviews should be paid period. I'm talking about their commentary overall. Again, think back to the CSGO Lotto case where the youtuber / streamer was advertising a site he owned and profited off of without disclosure. He is being fined for millions / hundreds of thousands I think.