One of the most important features of Twitch is the chat. It’s the space where the opportunity is given to the audience and spectators to interact with the streamer(s) and each other. Being able to interact with the streamer and other audience members in that very moment through the chat creates an experience, unlike any other platform, where everyone can feel a part of something bigger as they get to contribute to the modeling and development of the event. The use of the chat feature basically enables a new “entertainment product” where gameplay is mixed with humor, commentary, interesting discussions, in-chat games and raffles and so much more (Taylor, 2018).
The Chat enhances one’s experience on Twitch with the multitude of chat bots that are used to monitor the chat and create a safe space for everyone, give out channel points from the streamers to the viewers, use and earn emotes, shoutouts and sometimes even ads all in real time! There is something exciting about the fact that you know that in that moment as you’re watching a live stream, there are other x amount of people from anywhere in the world watching and commenting alongside you, bridging the gap between a virtual ‘front’ and live audience portraying how Twitch’s “live-streaming interfaces facilitate a shared community space and discourse” (Flores-Siavaga et al., 2020, 2).
Each streamer has the option to modify their chat space using chat bots such as Nightbot, Moobot, Streamlabs and more, where they can customize the rules of the chat, foul words, blocking users who curse, use racists, sexist or any type of discriminatory language, etc. Creators can also add their own emots (apart from the ones already offered on the chat) and send bits (Twitch’s form of coins/pennies), which actually cost money and is another way to “tip” and support the streamer while you’re interacting with them! Some even choose to include a Kappamon, a digital pet that accompanies the streamer’s screen and can communicate with viewers through the chat!
