Previous rumors suggested that Google was all set to purchase video game streaming service Twitch, but now another bidder has swooped in and possibly struck a deal for Twitch.
According to a source speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Amazon has agreed to buy Twitch more “more than $1 billion.” A report from The Information also claims that an Amazon-Twitch deal is near, with tipsters suggesting that the two are in “late-stage talks.”
There’s no confirmation about this deal from either Amazon or Twitch, but it’s said that an official announcement could be made as soon as today.
Video game streaming service Twitch is pretty big, as evidenced by the fact that Amazon may be dropping more than $1 billion for it. Many professional gamers use Twitch to broadcast to their fans, and we’ve also seen official gaming tournaments use the service to beam out their contests. Exactly what Amazon would do with Twitch is unknown, but if it’s willing to drop that much cash on it, I’m sure Jeff Bezos and Co. have something planned.
Have you ever used Twitch?
UPDATE: Now Re/code has chimed in with its own report on this matter, saying that it has a source that’s claiming that Amazon will indeed buy Twitch.
As for Google, it’s said that that deal simply “died,” leaving room for Amazon to swoop in and make a purchase.
UPDATE 2: Amazon has confirmed that it’s reached and agreement to acquire Twitch for $970 million in cash. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2014.
