[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″]I have been gaming for quite a few years now, but it wasn’t until about 4-6 months ago that I heard about a company called Twitch.

Twitch is a website that allows gamers to broadcast, watch, and chat with people all around the world. Twitch is currently tracking more than 60 million visitors per month.

I saw a special on CBS Sunday Morning that featured Twitch in its Opinion section, and I felt like their viewpoint wasn’t really fair, which is what got me wanting to do a review of them from a gamer’s perspective. Here are four reasons why I love Twitch.

 

1) It’s super easy to set up a stream session.

To actually set up a stream from your computer you would have to download a program such as XSplit or Open Broadcaster ( XSplit: https://www.xsplit.com/products/broadcaster?lang=en Open Broadcaster: https://obsproject.com/ ) which will stream your games through Twitch.

If you would like to stream on one of the older consoles (PS3 & Xbox 360) that would require a capture card. There are multiple different options for capture cards but a capture card is a fairly small device that you hook up both to your console, TV and your computer.

Streaming from the next gen consoles (PS4 & Xbox One) is insanely easy. They actually came with the option to stream directly to Twitch built right into the system. It’s as simple as logging in and starting your broadcast.

 

2) It helps me decide whether or not to buy a game and I’m able to watch my friends play.

Some people may not understand the whole idea of watching someone you potentially don’t even know play video games for hours on end. For me, I don’t really look at it that way. I typically get on and watch my friends play, cheer them on or simply just watch them because their skill level is so good it makes it enjoyable to watch. Otherwise I look for people playing a game that I am thinking about getting. It is a great way to check out the gameplay of a certain game to see if it something you may like before spending the money. With new games typically being $60, this is one of the reasons I love this company.

 

3) I can connect with other gamers.

The gaming community is a HUGE community filled with all different types of gamers. You can find some hardcore gamers and you can also find just some casual gamers. People who love shooters or people who are down for a great story. It is so much fun to connect with someone you don’t even know over a game that you both love. I’ve personally met some really great people who I now consider friends thanks to video games.

 

4) You can play video games and help out really great causes.

The biggest reason I am a huge fan of Twitch is the fact that they have two main fundraisers that they support, Extra Life and St. Jude Play Live Event. I have personally taken part in the St. Jude Play Live Event just this past June. You create or join a group of people who commit to streaming video games in hopes of getting people to donate to charity. When it comes to actually streaming your part, some people will make a big event out of it and stream for 24 hours straight. When I took part I only did a few hours for my group. St. Jude’s Play Live event gives money to St.Jude to help their research. Extra Life benefits the Children’s Miracle Network and you get to choose your local hospital to have all the money you raised go straight there.

Now, I understand that sitting around and watching someone else play video games isn’t for everyone, but this is a great way for gamers to interact with other gamers or people interested in gaming, to help raise money for charity and to check out games before you buy them.[/vc_column][/vc_row]