In an attempt to expand its offerings, participate in the game-streaming scene and boost advertising revenue, YouTube, the popular video-sharing platform owned by Google, is reportedly testing a new product called Playables. According to an email obtained by The Wall Street Journal, Google employees have been invited to test this gaming platform that aims to bring online video games to YouTube’s vast user base. It does sound suspiciously like Stadia, but keep reading. Users will be able to play games directly on their devices using something called Playables. Among the games mentioned in the email is Stack Bounce, an arcade-style game. Users will have the option to play these games instantly via the YouTube website or through the YouTube mobile app, available for both iOS and Android.
It seems like YouTube wants to use Stadia’s technology to create a new revenue stream
YouTube is no stranger to gaming, however, this venture seems like it is fueled by a desire to breathe new life into its advertising revenue, which has been sluggish as of late. With Playables, the platform seeks to tap into the vast potential of the online gaming industry. While the sector has faced its share of challenges (as many other sectors have), YouTube remains unshaken, swearing by its long-standing focus on gaming. A company spokesperson voiced YouTube’s commitment to innovation, mentioning ongoing experimentation with new features. It’s important to note that YouTube already attracts a significant number of gamers who flock to the platform to watch live streams of gaming competitions.
It remains uncertain how YouTube plans to monetize this new venture. While the Google Play Store offers a number of mobile games for Android users, Playables presents a fresh opportunity for YouTube to explore alternative revenue models. Notably, the shutting down of Stadia, Google’s game streaming service, paves the way for YouTube to leverage (and hopefully) revamp Stadia’s technology and compete with other cloud gaming services, such as Nvidia‘s GeForce Now, or Microsoft’s Xbox cloud gaming service. Plus interested users should note that the games available in the beginning won’t be too good in terms of graphics or gameplay, but it does seem like there is a minimalistic charm to them. Some people might really be a fan of the game style itself.
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(Via)
