Gaming and e-sports broadcaster Twitch is launching Turbo, a subscription-based service offering users access to ad-free versions of their broadcasts.
Twitch.tv, best known for streaming E-Sports events like EVO and Major League Gaming-sponsored tournaments, is one of the pre-eminant platforms for consuming competitive gaming online. According to Twitch CEO Emmitt Shear, the average viewer watches over 90 minutes of content per visit, and the majority of registered users are daily viewers.
Until now, Those viewers would have to watch ads upon logging into a livestream, and during occaisional mid-stream commercial breaks. Since the events are being shown live, ads do essentially interrupt broadcasts. Turbo users will be able to watch Twitch content without watching any advertisements for $8.99 per month. Of course, viewers will still be able to access all streams with ads free of charge.
In addition to being able to watch livestreams without interruption, Turbo subscribers will gain extra cosmetic features, including subscription-only chatbox color schemes exclusive emoticons, as well as preferred treatment when contacting Twitch customer service.
"We wanted to find a way to provide the ultimate Twitch experience," said Shear. "We're very excited to launch it, and we'll be looking to the community to help us make Twitch Turbo even ... ultimatier."
