The world of online streaming has been shaken up incredibly within the last month. One of the biggest pieces of news was the announcement thatMicrosoft is shutting downMixerand partnering with Facebook Gaming moving forward – a move that blindsided the larger gaming industry.
Microsoft executive members like Phil Spencer often toutedMixerat live events for its compatibility with Xbox consoles. Now, Spencer has commented on the abrupt Mixer shutdown announcement.
RELATED:Xbox Boss Compares Console Scalability to PC
For those unaware Mixer, which was formerly known as Beam, was acquired by Microsoft back in 2016. However, Mixer as a platform always lagged behind the wildly successful live streaming platform Twitch. That is, until Mixer got a massive surge of notoriety and popularity thanks to Mixer signing massive streamers like Ninja and Shroud. Apparently,Ninja and Shroud rejected Facebook Gaming’shuge sum of money as part of an offer of exclusivity after Mixer’s closure.
Now that Mixer has shut down, these massive streamer’s contracts have ended. This means that they can now walk away with their enormous signing bonuses while currently being free agents in the streaming world. However,explaining why Mixer failedisn’t terribly surprising as the platform used its own money to sign on big-name streamers. Now, Microsoft’s own Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, is giving his two cents on the Mixer shutdown. Although, Spencer’s comments look at it more from a corporate business angle as opposed to one that is community-driven.
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Spencer says that while he is disappointed with Mixer’s closure he has no regrets aboutMicrosoft’s investment in Beamand attachment to the platform. Expounding on his lack of regret, Spencer says, “You make decisions with the best information you have at the time, you apply your best effort, and we’re in a creative industry. We are in a hits-driven industry… I think it’s fundamental to us that we’re not afraid of trying things that might not work.” While Microsoft may not be taking a major financial toll from Mixer’s closure, plenty of streamers who found a home there no doubt will.
Following Mixer’s abrupt announcement of closure, streamers who called the platform home went live to vent their shock, sadness, and frustration. While Facebook Gaming will be offering built-in benefits to any partnered Mixer streamer migrating to the site, it will be just as challenging to rebuild a following on a brand new platform. Thankfully,Ninja has been supporting the Mixer communityin a show of goodwill by donating to many streamers who have been displaced. Hopefully, these streamers will be able to find new footing following Mixer’s closure.
