Back at this year’s E3, Microsoft announced that the Xbox One will come with Twitch streaming built into the console, while Sony announced Ustream streaming for its PlayStation 4. Though it was assumed that these were exclusive streaming deals, Sony today during its Gamescom presentation announced that Twitch streaming will also be coming to the PlayStation 4.
Twitch followed up the presentation with its own announcement, stating that all PlayStation 4’s will be able to stream to the Twitch.tv website using the “Share” button on the console’s DualShock 4 controller. Gamers will also be able to watch Twitch streaming channels on the PlayStation 4.
“PlayStation has a long history of delivering some of the best gaming experiences in the industry and we’re excited to have Twitch available on a console as heavily anticipated as PS4,” said Emmett Shear, CEO of Twitch. “Through this partnership we are paving the way for every PS4 gamer to become both a broadcaster and an avid spectator of amazing content.”
Twitch is currently the most popular website for streaming video game gameplay. The inclusion of easy Twitch streaming in both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 guarantees that the website is about to get a massive boost to its stream numbers. This type of streaming and the sharing of content was emphasized by both Microsoft and Sony as a major factor in the design of their next-gen console interfaces, and Sony went a step further by putting a button on its controller.
“Social capabilities are an integral part of PS4, so Twitch will play an important role in delivering a compelling connected experience to PlayStation fans,” said Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Worldwide Studios. “Twitch’s gamer-focused community combined with our strong portfolio of innovative PS4 titles, will help define next generation gameplay and community engagement.”