YouTube is testing a new feature called “Playables” allowing users to play games directly on the platform. Playables are only available to a limited number of users, but YouTube plans to roll them out to more people depending on the response.
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Playables are HTML5-based games, meaning that they can be played on any device with a web browser. If you would like to play a Playable game, users can simply click on a link in the video description or on the game’s thumbnail. The game will then open into a new window where you can play it immediately.
Partnerships
YouTube is partnering with a mix of game developers to offer Playables games. A few of the games that are currently available include Stack Bounce, Solitaire, and Angry Birds. However, YouTube does plan to add many more games to the library in the future that consumers and gamers may ask for or anticipate next.
Available Games
There are a few reasons why the social media platform YouTube will be adding more games. With the increase of gamers around the world, games are a popular type of content on YouTube. Gaming videos account for over 15% of all views on the platform. Games can also help YouTube keep users engaged with its interactive element on the platform. Users will feel much more engaged in watching a video if they can also play games as well. The last point is that games can help the platform generate new revenue streams. YouTube can sell in-game ads and in-app purchases.
Other Apps Seeing Potential in Games
YouTube is not the only platform that sees an opportunity in games but also Twitch which is owned by Amazon, also sees potential. Twitch is the most popular live-streaming platform, especially for gamers, and allows gamers to be able to talk while playing games. Twitch offers a variety of game-related features including chat rooms and polls.
As well as both those platforms, Microsoft is also getting into the realm of gaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming allows users to stream Xboc games to their devices, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets. Xbox Clous Gaming is currently available in beta, but Microsoft plans to launch it officials later this year.
Growth of YouTube
Playables is a great way to show gamers and users that YouTube is committed to enhancing the gaming space and wants it to be a place for all things gaming. Playables also gives YouTube an added way to generate revenue, whilst also keeping users engaged and excited about a new feature that will also help them with their content.
Playables are still in the early stages of development, but they have the potential to change the way people play games online.
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