The Xbox Series X is an impressive piece of hardware. Even if its SSD isn’t as powerful as the PlayStation 5’s, Microsoft’s next box should deliver on its gameplay and performance promises.
That said, it’s bound to fail in one at gaming’s most essential elements: live-streaming.
According to an article from Windows Central, Microsoft’s live-streaming service, Mixer, isn’t doing well.
Coronavirus and Mixer Don’t Mix
The coronavirus pandemic has seen millions stuck at home. Streaming numbers on Twitch and other platforms are exploding as a result. All except for Mixer’s, which has only seen a desperate 0.2% year-over-year growth.
Despite the platform’s acquisition of top gamers Ninja and shroud, the 37 million hours gamers spent on Mixer has remained stagnant. That number may seem high, but it’s nothing next to the 1.5 billion hours of Twitch consumption in April.
This is a big problem for the Xbox Series X, considering Mixer will probably be integral to the console. After all, Microsoft spent an alleged $50 million to bring Ninja over from Twitch. They’ve also revamped the platform, and it’s likely to play a part in Microsoft’s xCloud game-streaming platform.
You don’t do all of that just to let your platform die before a next-generation console launch. If anything, Mixer is planned to be a large part of Microsoft’s future. 2020 was meant to be Mixer’s year, after all.
The Sorry State of Xbox’s Live Streaming Platform
Recent reports state otherwise. In February, Onmsft reported on new management that supposedly ruined Mixer. Allegedly, the company let go of around 25% of employees. Legitimate feedback is being dismissed as well.
When Xbox head Phil Spencer said Game Pass and Mixer could go hand-in-hand, this isn’t what gamers had in mind. One has to wonder if streamers will jump ship for more viewers somewhere else. That’s quite a shame, considering some gamers really enjoy the platform.
Mixer’s future looks bleak. The platform could be in a disaster state by the time the Xbox Series X releases. Then what? Will Microsoft integrate Twitch instead?
Hopefully, we’ll learn more during Xbox’s July reveal event.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
This article was edited by Aaron Weaver.
Last modified: May 16, 2020 11:11 AM UTC
