Twitch introduces two new ban types, loosens multistreaming rules
Livestreaming platform Twitch has announced that two new bans types are now being implemented, meant to target specific offenses without locking out offenders completely. CEO Dan Clancy revealed that certain multistreaming restrictions are also being lifted. Here’s what to know.
Bans have often been a sore spot for Twitch as the platform has been accused of being both inconsistent and heavy-handed with its suspensions. Multistreaming has been a new concern for the platform, as streamers broadcast across multiple services.
Twitch is now shaking things up to change how bans will work and giving creators more freedom for its content creators while they are multistreaming.
New streaming and chatting bans on Twitch explained
Twitch is shifting away from a one-size-fits-all ban strategy and implementing suspensions that are meant to better match the offense committed, without freezing out streamers or users from the platform entirely.
The first new ban type is for when a streamer violates Twitch’s community guidelines while livestreaming. The way Twitch handled that before was by completely suspending a channel for a duration that was deemed appropriate. The new ban system will end the ongoing livestream, suspend the streamer’s ability to create more content, and disable the chatting feature on their own channel.
The streamer will still be able to log in, access all account tools, participate in chats of other channels, and all of their VODs will stay visible to viewers. This will effectively put the streamer under financial strain because they cannot stream and lose potential revenue, but will maintain their existing presence on the platform.
Image credit: Twitch
Chat suspensions can apply to both streamers and to chat users who violate Twitch’s rules while engaging in streams. Previously, Twitch would completely ice out an offender, rendering them unable to access their accounts. The new system bars users from chatting in other channels but still allows them to watch streamers, as well as to stream or chat on their own channels. This ban punishes the user for their specific offense while allowing them to continue using other Twitch services.
Temporary bans will range in length from 24 hours to 30 days, with users having the option to appeal any suspension. Repeat violations and more severe offenses may result in escalating penalties. These may include a ban from both streaming and chatting, a longer suspension, or an indefinite removal of the streamer’s channel.
Twitch announces multistreamers can combine chats
CEO Dan Clancy revealed in a stream that Twitch streamers are now allowed to combine their chats while multistreaming, and that they won’t be penalized for it.
One of the biggest issues multistreamers were facing on Twitch was having to keep their chats fully separate. Streamers who tried to combine chats were issued warnings, and some even reported facing outright bans from the platform as a result. This caused a major problem for content creators because they were unable to display chats from all relevant platforms, and thus all chatters, while multistreaming.
Dan Clancy stated that Twitch has taken feedback about this issue into account, and multistreamers can now display their combined chats from across multiple platforms. No enforcement action will be taken against them, though the Twitch CEO emphasized that the streamers will still be liable for any inappropriate content that is shared in their chat no matter which platform it originates from.
Feature image credit: Twitch
Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.
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