The popular video game streaming site Twitch is introducing its own virtual currency.
Called Stream+ it will be a loyalty points based system which will allow users to earn points by watching streams, Twitch owner Amazon Game Studios said.
One of the ways that the currency can be spent will be in polls and wagering and on items to use in games.
First to use the currency will be Breakaway, a multiplayer game from the studio.
Twitch was acquired by Amazon in 2014 for $970m as a way for it to develop its own games where the focus would be on being able to engage Twitch viewers.
The new currency has been displayed by the companies being used in-game where a player was able to bet on the outcome of a tournament in the Breakaway game, the prize being more Stream+ points.
While this is clearly one example of how the points will be used, the two companies have remained quite on any other use cases.
The topic of in-game gambling and trading has been under scrutiny by the UK’s Gambling Commission, which has been monitoring the use of virtual and in-game items.
Founded in 2011, Twitch is a social video platform and community for gamers that has amassed a community of over 100 million members.
These members are able to watch and talk about video games, broadcasts of esports competitions, creative content, and music broadcasts.
The introduction of the virtual currency is another example of the site broadening its portfolio. Music streams were added in 2015 and a “Creative” category was also added in order to showcase the creation of artistic and creative works.
Amazon and Twitch will be hoping that the introduction of the currency will help the Breakaway game to be a success as it looks to compete with rival studios such as Blizzard and Riot.
