Rumors were out that Google was planning to acquire Twitch but those rumors aren’t true anymore as Amazon and Twitch have officially announced a deal, which sees Amazon purchase all outstanding shares of Twitch for roughly $970 million in cash. The was approved by Twitch’s shareholders and should be completed sometime later this year.
Twitch CEO, Emmett Shear, in a message addressed to the Twitch community, wrote, “We chose Amazon because they believe in our community, they share our values and long-term vision, and they want to help us get there faster. We’re keeping most everything the same: our office, our employees, our brand, and most importantly our independence. But with Amazon’s support we’ll have the resources to bring you an even better Twitch.
“I personally want to thank you, each and every member of the Twitch community, for what you’ve created. Thank you for putting your faith in us. Thank you for sticking with us through growing pains and stumbles. Thank you for bringing your very best to us and sharing it with the world. Thank you, from a group of gamers who never dreamed they’d get to help shape the face of the industry that we love so much. It’s dangerous to go alone. On behalf of myself and everyone else at Twitch, thank you for coming with us.”
Twitch is the largest live streaming website in the States and has expanded its realm beyond that of gaming by including aspects like steaming concerts. Let’s hope that Amazon keep that tradition alive.
