In a pioneering step, YouTube is reported to be developing an online gaming service, likely to be called ‘Playables’.
As digital platforms continue to transform, YouTube, a titan in the online video-sharing and streaming sector, is set to introduce an online gaming component to its platform. The move is ostensibly in response to the recent foray into gaming by Netflix, another significant player in the streaming market.
As The Wall Street Journal reported, YouTube is piloting the online game offering to extend its features beyond video hosting, moving towards more interactive user experiences.
The Birth of ‘Playables’
According to an internal email sent to Google employees, YouTube is currently testing an online gaming product, likely to be named ‘Playables’.
It seems that the Google-owned platform aims to branch out from merely hosting videos to providing games that can be easily played and shared amongst users.
This initiative underlines Google’s ambition to diversify its offerings and keep abreast with the evolving demands of consumers.
A Shift Towards Interactive Content
The global shift towards interactive content on digital platforms, further amplified by the recent pandemic-led lockdowns, might be driving YouTube’s push into the online gaming sector.
The company believes that the future of online content consumption lies not just in watching videos but in creating a more engaging environment where viewers can participate and interact.
Gaming on YouTube
YouTube’s gaming product is expected to feature arcade-style games, a highlight being ‘Stack Bounce’, where players manoeuvre a bouncing ball to break through layers of bricks.
The new offering could be accessed via the YouTube website on desktop or through the YouTube app on iOS and Android devices.
In a statement, a YouTube spokesperson said, “Gaming has long been a focus at YouTube. We’re always experimenting with new features but have nothing to announce now.”
The company’s claim is supported by the billions of monthly users who flock to the platform for game streaming and reviews, making it a favourite destination for gamers worldwide.
By integrating gaming directly into the platform, YouTube can capitalize on this popularity and create an enriched, immersive experience for its users.
Stadia’s Fall and Playables’ Rise
YouTube’s move towards online gaming comes after Google’s cloud gaming service, Stadia, shut down earlier this year due to insufficient user traction.
However, while Stadia’s downfall might seem a deterrent, the shift towards ‘Playables’ indicates Google’s resolve to make inroads in the gaming sector.
YouTube’s pivot towards the gaming market is a strategic move, a bold attempt to engage its massive user base further while capitalising on the trending online gaming industry.
Only time will reveal the efficacy of ‘Playables’ and whether they can successfully emulate YouTube’s success in video-sharing.