Google challenges Twitch with new YouTube Gaming site/app combo

Google is continuing to push YouTube as a Twitch competitor for games-focused video content with the impending summer launch of YouTube Gaming, a dedicated website with its own app that aims to showcase both recorded and livestreamed game videos.

The rise of YouTubers and livestreamers as video game industry influencers has significantly shifted the way developers market their work in the past few years, and this new initiative on Google's part suggests the company sees meaningful value in competing with Twitch to be the de facto hub for game video broadcasting. 

This is in line with the company's ongoing efforts, including using games to promote 60 FPS video support on YouTube and expanding its E3 coverage by tapping video game industry personality Geoff Keighley to host its sponsored E3 hub alongside a gaggle of well-known gaming YouTubers, 

Going forward, it's likely that the YouTube Gaming website and app (initially launching on Android and iOS) will bear a close resemblance to Twitch, with videos categorized by games and broadcaster channels, though it's yet unclear if YouTube Gaming will offer anything like Twitch's dedicated game development category.

Of course, Google isn't the only company gunning for Twitch's viewership -- eSports-focused streaming hub Azubu recently redesigned itself to cater a wider audience, while Valve launched (and seemingly forgot about) Steam Broadcasting at the tail end of last year.