Posted in: Games, Twitch, Video Games | Tagged: blizzard, Twitch

Blizzard's Twitch Chat Will Soon Require Battle.net Linking to Chat

Published Sat, 29 Dec 2018 10:40:50 -0600

Last updated Sat, 29 Dec 2018 10:50:38 -0600

Blizzard appears to be taking a step toward controlling their own chat system on Twitch by testing out a new system of accountability. According to DotEsports, the company is testing out a system where they will require anyone wishing to use their chat to link their Twitch account to their Battle.net account. The move will begin with the Overwatch Contenders quarterfinals and will run until January 12th. If successful, the system may be incorporated into all broadcasts moving forward. The move was clearly done to cut down on toxic behavior and to help weed out those in the community who continue to do so.

However, the move isn't without critics, as Nicole Carpenter from DotEsports pointed ou ton Twitter. There's a fine line between observation and documentation, and a system this severe brings into question what else Blizzard might do with the information they're gathering on their player's Twitch accounts. Not to mention the fact that this only curbs the problem for Blizzard's feeds and doesn't address toxicity on Twitch altogether.

there are good and bad things here. accountability is good, but then there's also increased surveillance without addressing twitch chat's core issues + positive community building. there's too few details to really make a judgement call. will continue to follow this story as

— Nicole Carpenter (@sweetpotatoes) December 27, 2018