There appear to be several different ways that streamers are taking action on these issues within Twitch. Some streamers are not using the streaming service at all today and others are streaming while donating the proceeds to charity. Of course, not everybody agrees with the cause and other players are ignoring the hashtag and movement. Contrasting opinions have led to a great deal of discussion about the success of the movement and the reasons behind it.
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Players are attempting to use the blackout to financially hurt the company that has been largely silent on issues of abuse bar some sweeping statements. Streamers are hoping that this action will lead to tangible steps that will improve the platform and help reduce the amount of offensive behavior that exists in it. Yet some believe that this will not be enough and that business will resume shortly after today. There has also been criticism directed at the organization of the stance, the lack of major streamers taking part, nd some feel it is last-minute and not properly thought out. However, despite the lack of organization, it is clear that Twitch has issues with abusive behaviors on its platform.
An increasing amount of people are coming forward with stories of sexual harassment in the gaming industry and action should be taken. While #TWITCHBLACKOUT is having mixed success, it is at least attempting to force the issue to be addressed by a major platform. Some comments have suggested that a gamers union could be set up to help protect those who game as a livelihood and it seems that having channels to discuss and act on these issues would help gamers.
Gaming companies have been involved with causes with more frequency in recent months and many are disappointed in the lack of constructive action on Twitch. With that in mind, #TWITCHBLACKOUT appears to be a start to addressing the issue on the platform, although greater systemic networks may be needed to make lasting change to the platform.
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