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What’s Next in 2025: An Open Letter from Twitch CEO Dan Clancy

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As we have done for the past two years, I want to share some of the activities and priorities we’re focused on for 2025. But before I talk about the future, I want to thank all of our streamers for yet another amazing year. The streamers that come here everyday and build communities are what make Twitch a truly unique service – they’re why we exist. More than ever, in today’s world, we all want and need to find belonging and connection with other people.

Twitch continues to be a place for creativity, sharing experiences, and growing together. Our community is passionate and leaned in. We have something special that fills a universal need. As we head into 2025, our goal continues to be to make Twitch the absolute best place for our streamers, and also, an exciting place for new creators and viewers to build and find their communities. We’ll continue to focus on expanding our user base and introducing more people to livestreaming, as well as the critical and important work of supporting those who have already found a home here.

Before I get into what’s next, I wanted to walk through just a few key accomplishments from 2024. In August of last year, we kicked off Creator Clubs. We wanted to help streamers deepen their connections with other creators, and at the same time, access new audiences. By the end of the year, our Discord server housed more than 4,000 Affiliates and Partners across six different clubs. There’s a lot more to come in 2025. We also made big investments in Stream Together in 2024. We launched Drop Ins, to take the guesswork out of planning a joint stream, and rolled out collaborative features like Shared Chat and Shared Viewership, which make it easier to connect communities and audiences. We’re always working to help streamers earn more from their passions on Twitch, too. At the start of last year, we updated the Plus Program, giving qualifying streamers access to higher revenue shares. Since launching this program, we’ve seen a 4x increase in the number of Partners who’ve taken advantage and benefitted from these revenue shares.

Without further ado, here are some of the things we will be working on in 2025.

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New tools and opportunities to help you grow your earnings and reach new viewers

Growing Your Audience Through Collaboration

Collaboration is a core part of Twitch—our service is all about connecting and creating with others. The tools we’re building are designed to make it easier to stream with a friend or bring more people into the conversation, without a ton of planning and prep work.

  • We are working on features to help you earn more money while collaborating. In particular we will be launching Shared Hype Trains for people using Stream Together or Shared Chat and will be exploring other monetization features that can be used when you are collaborating to drive more revenue like shared sub goals.
  • Plus, we’ll add the ability to start and manage Shared Chat sessions right from the mobile app so that you can use it when you are collaborating in the real world either IRL or at an activity or event.
  • We also will continue to explore ways to help smaller streamers find other streamers who are interested in collaborating and by creating communal events like Trick or Treat.

Improving the Mobile Viewing Experience

We want to help viewers quickly find content to watch, and help streamers grow their communities—recent updates like the Discovery and Clips feeds were built with that in mind.

  • In the middle of the year, we will be adding the ability to provide both landscape and vertical video through Enhanced Broadcasting and will integrate the vertical video source into the mobile app depending upon the orientation of the phone.
  • We will continue to invest in the feed to help viewers find content, reducing the time it takes to load as you swipe, improving the quality of the streams we recommend and exploring adding more signals like chat.

More Ways to Edit and Share Clips

Clips help you capture and share your best moments, anywhere and everywhere. They keep your community members updated on what happened if they missed your latest stream and help introduce you and your content to new audiences off of Twitch. We’ve loved seeing our community get creative with this feature.

  • This year, we’ll make it easier to find, edit, and share clips, while giving you the tools to see how they grow your community.
  • Expect smoother editing, new ways to highlight epic moments live, and fresh ways to inspire your viewers to share your content far and wide.
  • We also will be looking at more automated ways to find the best moments in your stream so you can share clips right after your stream.

Unlocking Monetization for Everyone

We want you to be able to take advantage of our monetization tools, whether you’re just getting your community started, or have been on Twitch for a while.

  • In 2025, we’re excited to open up monetization tools—subscriptions and bits—to most streamers, from day one. This will allow creators, regardless of their status, to grow their communities and start building earnings through direct patronage.
  • We’re also introducing an option, which will allow all streamers to use their earnings on purchases within Twitch.

Fuel More Creator Sponsorships

In 2024, we worked to bring more sponsorship opportunities to creators, with features like Sponsored Subscriptions and Channel Skins. But we’re not stopping there.

  • This year, we’re launching a new tool that will make it easier for streamers to let brands know that they’re interested in collaborating, and help brands discover new channels to partner with.
  • We are exploring new types of sponsorships and in particular will be working to expand the matching gift subscriptions feature that was part of SUBtember and Bonus Round through sponsorships.

More frequent promotional events

This year, we will also expand our promotional offerings, with more chances for streamers to earn throughout 2025.

  • We will be launching more sitewide promotions and discounts throughout the year to give creators more chances to earn and bring their communities together. We also will be exploring features that will allow streamers to offer discounts and promotions just on their streams during special events. Streamers will be able to opt out if they do not wish to participate in any of these promotions.
  • Our first promotion of the year will run from 10:00am PT on Thursday, March 27 through to 10:00am PT on Monday, March 31; it will feature a 35% discount on Gift Sub bundles of five or more. This offer will be available on both the Web and Mobile application.

Interactive Features that Drive Community Support

We believe that the connection between streamers and their communities is at the heart of what makes Twitch special, and we want to help you deepen that connection this year.

  • We’re launching a new feature that will allow viewers to react to specific moments on stream with Bits, and rally other viewers to join in. Similar to how Hype Train works, these reactions will play a key role in creating fun moments for streamers and their communities.
  • The ability to create custom Power-ups are on the way, and we can’t wait to see how they will be used to elevate streams in the coming year.

Building Streamer Affinity and Connection

We’re focusing on community in other ways too, with new tools and features to support special events, growing its ambassador and unity guild programs, and more.

Global Expansion of Unity Guilds and Ambassadors

Unity Guilds and Ambassadors were an integral part of fostering the Twitch community in 2024.

  • With the launch of the Pride Guild, Guilds grew 142% and had their own dedicated space at TwitchCon, which will return in 2025. This year, we’re expanding Guilds to include more languages, and to better support our global community.
  • Ambassadors from around the world will have continued growth opportunities, too. We’re doubling our Ambassador count in 2025 with a planned expansion in many regions, including LATAM.

Updated Enforcement System and New Tools

We’re doubling down on our commitment to make Twitch the safest place to stream. It’s important to us that our rules are easy to follow, and that our community is given room to learn from mistakes when they make them. We know that for many people, Twitch is their livelihood—and we remain committed to helping set our community up for success.

  • In February we introduced expiring violations. In the past, when someone broke one of our policies, those violations stayed on their account forever. Most violations now expire after a set amount of time. Violations we issue for our highest severity, highest harm policies won’t expire.
  • Coming soon, if you break a Community Guideline, we’ll provide more information at the account level about what content—whether a chat message or a part of a stream—violated our policies.
  • And on the tooling side, we’re expanding our moderator tools. Mods are a core part of the Twitch community, and we’re excited to roll out updates that make moderating even easier—from Mobile Mod View on Android, to an updated Moderation Settings page that’ll make it easier for mods to set up preferences, when they’re just starting out.

The post What’s Next in 2025: An Open Letter from Twitch CEO Dan Clancy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Gaming

Gamecity Hamburg Supports six new Digital Games with Prototype Funding

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In the latest round of Prototype Funding, Gamecity Hamburg, part of Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, supports six promising digital games with up to 80,000 euros each as a non-repayable grant. This funding enables start-ups in Hamburg and supports companies in developing marketable prototypes. In addition, start-ups and developers can apply for Gamecity Hamburg’s Games Lift Incubator until June 10: https://www.gamecity-hamburg.de/de/inkubator/

The awarding committee selected projects with the greatest market potential from the many applications. Including this seventh round of funding, the development of 37 prototypes has been supported as part of Prototype Funding since 2020. The application phase for the next Prototype Funding round will start in spring 2026.

“The high quality of the projects submitted to this funding round led to an intensive decision process within the awarding committee. The funded projects show a wide variety of genres, ideas, and teams. With the Prototype Funding, we are supporting established companies and up-and-coming start-ups in Hamburg as a games location,” commented Dennis Schoubye, Head of Gamecity Hamburg and member of the awarding committee.

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The 2025 funding recipients were selected by the awarding committee, consisting of Hamburg industry experts Nina Müller (VP Publishing & Development Services, Goodgame Studios), Jonas Hüsges (Publishing Director, Daedalic Entertainment), Valentina Birke (Director Indie Arena Booth / Super Crowd Entertainment), Michael Schade (CEO & Co-Founder ROCKFISH Games) and Dennis Schoubye (Head of Gamecity Hamburg).

The Funded Projects 2025

  • NeverLight by Nightless Games – € 80,000
  • Pet Universe by Tivola Games – € 80,000
  • Space Station Manager by gameXcite – € 80,000
  • Unbreachable by Buckfish – € 72,000
  • Deep Fog Signals by Symmetry Break Studio – € 32,000
  • Cosmic Run by Zinktank Labs – € 30,000

NeverLight by Nightless Games

NeverLight is a dark, cooperative role-playing game with fantasy and extraction elements, in which up to three players act as hunters in an endless night in search of terrifying monsters and collect valuable loot. The game combines monster hunting with the excitement of having to bring each reward to safety with the team to receive it.

Pet Universe by Tivola Games

In the 3D animal shelter simulation “Pet Universe”, players build their animal shelter from the ground up, organize animal care, collect donations, and design the shelter grounds according to their own ideas. The aim is to care for the animals with their individual needs and to find them a loving home.

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Space Station Manager by gameXcite

In this strategy building game with real-time space battles, players manage a space station that serves as a base for spaceships, battles, recruitment, and a strategy hub for missions. In addition to organizing the base, players manage their limited resources and various upgrades, improve crew morals, and explore the galaxy with their individual fleets.

Unbreachable by Buckfish

In the multiplayer strategy game “Unbreachable”, players build a fortress in each run that competes with ten castles of rival players. Players strategically construct the different fortress buildings to increase attack power or minimize weaknesses to climb the leaderboard in competition with other players.

Deep Fog Signals by Symmetry Break Studio

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In this sci-fi horror game with puzzle mechanics, players are trapped in the communication room of a remote research station during a toxic storm. To escape, they must coordinate the various crew members, decipher cryptic transmissions, and complete the research as the threatening situation escalates over several days.

Cosmic Run by Zinktank Labs

In this humorous and fast-paced roguelite, players fight their way through space with their ship in order to escape from a capitalist alien dictatorship. Weapons, shields, upgrades for the engine, and customization of the ship determine the narrative of the game. Depending on the character chosen, the course of the game and the story told vary in several runs.

All detailed information on the teams and games can be found at: https://gamecity-hamburg.de/funding/#Funded_Projects_2025

Developers, start-ups, and companies from Hamburg were able to apply for Gamecity Hamburg’s prototype funding from March 3 to April 7. In 2024, Gamecity Hamburg introduced a diversity checklist when applying for prototype funding, the answers to which can optionally be used by the awarding committee in the evaluation process.

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The next application phase for prototype funding will start in spring 2026.

Further funding opportunities through Gamecity Hamburg

Each year, the Games Lift Incubator supports five teams, developers, and start-ups in the development of digital games. In addition to € 15,000 in start-up funding, the recipients receive a comprehensive coaching and mentoring program with international experts as well as workshops and follow-up individual support. Since 2024, the program has also included a visit to an international industry event.

Teams and developers can currently apply for the Games Lift Incubator until June 10.

All information can be found at: https://gamecity-hamburg.de/incubator/apply-now/

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The post Gamecity Hamburg Supports six new Digital Games with Prototype Funding appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience2025: South Africa’s Biggest Gaming Showdown Returns

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From qualifiers to finals, EAFC 25 to Beat Saber, Over R250 000 in prizes and two champions to crown – this is South Africa’s ultimate gaming experience!

South Africa’s biggest gaming tournament is back. The 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience kicks off on 18 May, bringing months of competitive energy, in-centre activations, and serious prize money to malls across the country. This year’s edition raises the stakes with the return of the EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament and the debut of the MTN Beat Saber Challenge – two national titles, one massive celebration of gaming culture.

Over five months, eight Hyprop shopping centres will play host to a mix of online qualifiers and live in-mall events, creating a national stage where gamers of all levels can test their skills, win prizes and join a fast-growing community of South African players. The top contenders will face off in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17 to 21 September, with R50 000 on the line in the EAFC 25™ Football Final and more prizes up for grabs in the Beat Saber showdown.

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Tournament Dates and Venues:

  • Rosebank Mall

Online Qualifier: 18 May | In-Centre Event: 23–25 May

  • Somerset Mall

Online Qualifier: 25 May | In-Centre Event: 30 May–1 June

  • Woodlands

Online Qualifier: 7 June | In-Centre Event: 13–16 June

  • The Glen

Online Qualifier: 22 June | In-Centre Event: 27–29 June

  • Table Bay Mall

Online Qualifier: 13 July | In-Centre Event: 18–20 July

  • Clearwater Mall

Online Qualifier: 3 August | In-Centre Event: 8–10 August

  • Capegate Mall

Online Qualifier: 31 August | In-Centre Event: 5–7 September

  • Canal Walk (National Finals & Last Qualifier)

Online Qualifier: 7 September | In-Centre Event: 17–21 September

“The SHIFT Gaming Experience is more than a tournament; it’s where South African gamers show up, show off and celebrate what they love,” says Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “From football simulations to VR rhythm battles, we’ve created something that speaks to every kind of player. Whether you’re competing or just watching, there’s always something happening.”

The format combines online, and in-person play. Qualify online on the ACGL platform, then take on your opponents in-centre across malls in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Each in-mall weekend features the EAFC 25™ tournament, daily Fighting Cups, a PC Gaming Zone powered by PCBuilder, Carry1st COD Mobile and the popular SuperSprint lap challenge presented by the Toyota Gaming Engine.

Gamers can also go head-to-head in Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, Minecraft and Call of Duty: Mobile, with dozens of R1 000+ gift card prizes on offer each weekend. The Beat Saber Challenge, hosted by MTN and playable both in-mall and on MTN’s Battle+ platform, brings a high-energy VR experience into the mix. Players with the highest Beat Saber scores at each mall qualify for the National Final – and anyone who tries it stands a chance to win a gaming PC worth R50 000.

“We’re creating spaces where South Africans can compete, connect and get rewarded for their passion,” says Jason Probert, General Manager: Digital Services at MTN South Africa. “Whether it’s with Beat Saber or Battle+, we want our community to know that gaming lives here.”

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The SHIFT Gaming Experience also makes space for younger players. Friday events feature tournaments designed for schools and under-18 gamers, offering dedicated Minecraft build challenges, EAFC 25™ scholars only tournament and Rocket League face-offs – all with real prizes.

The post HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience2025: South Africa’s Biggest Gaming Showdown Returns appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Knife Drop by Galaxsys: Unique Gameplay, Guaranteed Wins

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Galaxsys is proud to introduce Knife Drop, the latest addition to its expanding portfolio, offering players a unique experience where every knife throw guarantees a win. In the game, players tap to launch knives at rotating targets such as barrels, pizzas, or donuts and receive random winning odds.

The game also features a Bonus Game, which is triggered by hitting apples that randomly appear on the target. Each successful hit fills the progress bar, and once 30 apples are collected, the bonus round begins.

Key Features and Highlights:
Guaranteed Wins
Every knife throw guarantees a win, with no losing outcomes, providing a highly rewarding experience.
Bonus Game
The Bonus Game becomes available once 30 apples are collected, offering players an opportunity for bigger rewards.
Auto Bet
With the Auto Bet feature, players can set their optimal bet preferences and let the system place bets automatically.
Lucky Boost
The Lucky Boost feature increases the player’s bet by 50%, offering greater chances for larger payouts.
Bonus System
FreeBet and FreeAmount bonuses allow players to enjoy extra winning opportunities, with terms set by the operator.

The post Knife Drop by Galaxsys: Unique Gameplay, Guaranteed Wins appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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