Due to some complaints within the community, Twitch now seems to be introducing a feature to better regulate chat. Here’s what’s behind it.
In the last few days, there have been more and more complaints from streamers and viewers about the chat on Twitch, because it is difficult to control. But especially after the “hate raid” incidents, the streaming service now wants to do something. It seems that Twitch is now tackling the anonymity of users by requiring verification through an email or phone number.
What feature could we expect
The gaming journalist Zach Bussey now published on Twitter that Twitch will add a new feature. With this feature, users will only be able to use the chat if they verify themselves with an email address or a mobile phone number.
Twitch will soon be giving streamers better control over who can chat in their channels based on email and/or phone verification. Lots of customization and situational restrictions.
Exemptions can be provided for Subscribers, VIPs, and Mods. #TwitchNews pic.twitter.com/sHXmVJNRip
— Zach Bussey (@zachbussey) September 26, 2021
While there are supposed to be some exceptions, it basically means that accounts will now have to be linked to a mobile phone or email address. However, streamers will be given the opportunity to change this setting so that viewers can also participate in the chat without adding this data.
What the community thinks about it
Generally, fans are pleased that Twitch wants to do something about the problem. However, it is currently possible to have multiple Twitch accounts with one email address. This would work against the system that the streaming platform now wants to build. So there are still a few things for Twitch to consider, but this planned change seems to be a step in the right direction.