Mixer.com: What It Was and What You Need To Know
Mixer.com was a live-streaming platform with interactive features that brought viewers closer to their favorite streamers. It was launched in 2016 under the name “Beam” and was later rebranded as “Mixer” in 2017 after being acquired by Microsoft. Mixer aimed to compete with other streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming by offering unique features such as low-latency streaming, FTL (faster than light) protocol, and co-streaming.
Mixer’s low-latency streaming allowed viewers to interact with their favorite streamers in real-time, eliminating the delay that is common with other streaming platforms. The FTL protocol, on the other hand, allowed streamers to interact with their viewers as if they were in the same room, providing a more immersive experience. Co-streaming allowed streamers to share their streams with others, enabling them to collaborate and grow their communities.
Mixer initially struggled to gain traction in the streaming community, but it gained a significant boost in 2019 when Microsoft signed exclusive contracts with popular streamers like Tyler “Ninja” Blevins and Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek. This move was aimed at attracting more viewers to Mixer and challenging Twitch’s dominance in the streaming market.
Unfortunately, the platform’s success was short-lived, and in June 2020, Microsoft announced that Mixer would be shutting down. The company cited a lack of growth and sustainability as the reasons for the closure. Mixer’s closure came as a surprise to many, especially to streamers who had invested time and effort into building their communities on the platform.
If you’re a streamer or viewer who used Mixer, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, Mixer has shut down, and all users have been migrated to Facebook Gaming since Microsoft partnered with Facebook Gaming. If you were a Mixer partner, you may be eligible to join the Facebook Gaming partner program, although you’ll need to apply separately.
Secondly, if you used Mixer’s currency system, called “Embers,” you should have received an email with instructions on how to redeem your remaining Embers for cash. If you haven’t received it, check your spam folder or contact Microsoft’s support team.
In conclusion, Mixer.com was a live-streaming platform that offered unique features to viewers and streamers. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to grow the platform, it ultimately failed to compete with Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Mixer’s closure has left many streamers and viewers looking for new platforms to call home. With the rise of Facebook Gaming and other streaming platforms, the streaming community will continue to evolve, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds.