What streaming means for the future of entertainment | Emmett Shear

Obsession with Healthy Communities

The speaker discusses the relationship between video games, entertainment, and community-building throughout history.

Video Games and Community

• The speaker started Twitch to help people watch others play video games online.

• Historically, entertainment was shared and interactive in small tribes before broadcast entertainment became prevalent.

• Broadcast entertainment led to a one-way relationship between creators and consumers, reducing interactivity.

Impact of Technology on Community Building

The impact of technology on community building through shared media experiences is explored.

Scarcity vs. Accessibility

• Scarcity in the past (e.g., expensive newspapers) brought communities together in cafes for shared experiences.

• As media becomes more accessible due to technology, communal viewing experiences decline.

Role of Modern Multiplayer Video Games

Modern multiplayer video games are discussed as a means of fostering social connections and combating societal atomization.

Evolution of Video Games

• Modern multiplayer video games act as shared campfires that promote interaction and connection.

• Multiplayer games require human connection for consumption, unlike other forms of entertainment.

Livestreaming and Interactive Entertainment

The rise of livestreaming in gaming is examined as a form of interactive entertainment that fosters engagement among viewers.

Livestreaming Dynamics

• Livestreaming offers interactive content that fulfills the need for engagement beyond passive consumption.

• Watching skilled individuals engage in activities resonates with viewers who share similar passions.

Community Building on Twitch

The concept of Twitch as a platform for building diverse online communities is highlighted through a conversation with a streamer.

Twitch Community Interaction

• Twitch is likened to millions of campfires where diverse communities gather for various interactions.

Playing Video Games and Building Communities

In this section, Cohh discusses his extensive experience in gaming and leading online communities, highlighting the unique social aspect of gaming platforms like Twitch.

Cohh's Community and Interactive Streaming

• Cohh shares his background in gaming and leading MMO guilds for over a decade. He compares the gaming community to a large couch where one person holds the controller, emphasizing the shared interests among members.

• Cohh introduces his community, the "Cohhilition," consisting of around 6200 members who engage daily with positive interactions through emotes and messages. This showcases the strong sense of camaraderie within his channel.

Insights on Gaming Communities

• The host asks chat what they gain from playing video games and being part of such communities. Responses highlight themes of positivity, support during tough times, and a sense of belonging within an encouraging environment.

• Cohh expresses admiration for interactive streaming as an unexplored frontier in entertainment. He commends the host's efforts in this realm, underscoring its potential for widespread impact.

The Future of Multiplayer Entertainment

This segment delves into the concept of multiplayer entertainment on platforms like Twitch, exploring how user interaction transforms passive viewing into active participation.

Evolution to Multiplayer Entertainment

• The host reflects on the shift towards "multiplayer entertainment" on Twitch, likening it to transitioning from single-player to multiplayer games. This transformation allows viewers to co-create experiences with streamers like Cohh.

• Gaming serves as a pioneering space for technological advancements; examples include early adoption of microcomputers for games and Gameboys as precursors to handheld devices. This trend hints at future developments across various industries.

Expansion Beyond Gaming

• The integration of multiplayer elements extends beyond gaming into sports broadcasting partnerships between Twitch and NFL. This collaboration empowers users to stream events independently, fostering a more inclusive approach to traditional sports coverage.

• The speaker envisions a future where anyone worldwide can become a sports announcer through interactive streaming platforms. This democratization of content creation signifies a paradigm shift towards personalized viewing experiences.