Twitch is a popular video live streaming service that focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of E-sports competitions, offering music broadcasts, creative content, and “in real life” streams. The American streaming service has gained immense popularity in recent times. Twitch shutting down in Korea is the latest news from the video streaming giant. To learn about its details, go through this blog thoroughly.
Twitch is owned by Amazon and with its high demand in countries across the world, it became the most sought out video streaming platform. According to Twitch CEO Dan Clancy, the company is planning to shut its operations in Korea.
So, without further ado, let’s dig in to learn about Twitch shutting down in Korea.
In This Article
Twitch Shutting Down in Korea: Explained
Popular video streaming service Twitch has announced that it plans to stop its operations in Korea. The major reason for shutting down in Korea was explained by the CEO Dan Clancy. Dan said, “The company is planning to shut its operations in South Korea next year due to the high cost of operating, as the company found the market “prohibitively expensive.”
In a statement, Dan further stated that the company has been operating in Korea at a “significant loss,” and Clancy says that there is “no pathway forward” to run the business more sustainably in that country.”
Twitch is not the only video-streaming platform that is facing challenges in South Korea, but the popular entertainment streaming platform, Netflix, too, has faced a controversy over network usage fees in South Korea. South Korean internet service providers have accused foreign players of causing traffic disruptions and demanding additional network usage costs. This even led to a legal battle between Netflix and South Korean authorities.
When is Twitch Shutting Down in South Korea?
Twitch will shut down in South Korea on February 27, 2024. CEO Dan Clancy said the decision to shut its market in South Korea has been a ‘tough decision.’ Dan further explained that “the company made a considerable effort to reduce the network costs of operating in Korea. Twitch tried a peer-to-peer model to improve the quality of our sources. Then, it set the maximum source quality to 720p to reduce costs. However, despite these efforts. However, the fees to operate in the region is still 10 times more expensive than in most other countries.”
In a goodbye statement, Dan said, “The company was disappointed that we had to make it. Korea has always and will continue to play a special role in the international esports community, and we are incredibly grateful for the communities they built on Twitch.”
Much to the relief of streamers from Korea, the platform is planning to help these streamers switch to alternative live-streaming services. The company says it is currently in talks with several other streaming platforms to smooth the streamers’ transition from one platform to another.
Wrapping Up
Twitch is a popular video streaming platform that has gained immense popularity in recent times. In the latest news, the platform has announced that it is shutting its operation in South Korea due to the high cost of operating. I hope all your doubts regarding Twitch shutting down in Korea are clear. Now, don’t forget to share it with your friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Twitch shut down in Korea?
Twitch exited Korea because the cost to operate Twitch in Korea is prohibitively expensive.
2. When is Twitch Shutting Down in South Korea?
Twitch will shut down in South Korea on February 27, 2024.
3. How popular is Twitch in Korea?
Korea ranks at number 3, after the U.S. and Germany, with a viewership of 4.53%.
