Microsoft has announced the acquisition of Beam, a livestreaming service similar to Twitch. Beam will be incorporated into the software giant’s gaming service, allowing it a greater level of integration with its Xbox and PC games.
What sets Beam apart from other livestreaming services is how it brings viewers into the action. Instead of making them passive observers, Beam provides tools to allow the audience to interact with the gamers. The press release provides the example of providing Minecraft streamers with new challenges and force real-time choices.
It also looks like Microsoft will be integrating the game with its upcoming ‘Sea of Thieves’ title. The pirate themed game will require teams of players to work together to operate a ship on the high seas. From the description provided, it also looks like the audience will be able to introduce new challenges and problems to be overcome while playing.
Beam is already up and running as a service, although Microsoft has not yet begun to integrate its features into its titles. It shouldn’t long before people begin seeing the Beam option alongside Twitch and Youtube Gaming, but it may take a lot longer for the service to pick up an audience.
[Source: Microsoft]
