Despite numerous controversies over the years, Twitch remains the biggest platform for streaming and broadcasting video game content. However, the Amazon-owned site has recently tried to implement better features to help users moderate their channels, and it looks a new tool is on the way.
According to a screenshot uploaded by streamer and partner Lowco (thanks, Eurogamer), Twitch plans on adding a way for content creators to block banned viewers from watching their streams. The image depicts a new setting that “when enabled, banned users will not be able to watch your live broadcasts.”
HUGE TWITCH UPDATE: When you block or ban someone, they’ll no longer be able to view your stream! pic.twitter.com/hS1LOLrbqF
— Lowco (@LowcoTV) August 16, 2023
Currently, a Twitch ban only stops users from chatting, but they can still watch. Note that this new feature is not considered an IP ban, but Twitch’s senior product manager Trevor Fisher says the company will look into feedback from streamers with the hope of making moderation tools more powerful.
When are Twitch ban changes coming?
Updates to Twitch bans should roll out in September, available to all users interested in the new feature. We don’t know what date exactly, but details should trickle in as Twitch implements changes from its Patch Note streams.
Blocking users from watching streams (and chatting) won’t stop them from being able to watch VODs or clips, though. Just as Fisher noted, maybe that’s something the platform could implement in the future with enough feedback.
With viewership up, amassing around 1.8 billion watched hours for July 2023, Twitch retains its position as the number one place for streaming content. Alternatives like YouTube Gaming are trying to compete, but the purple site in its current iteration still rules the market. For now.
