Twitch vs. Caffeine: A Streaming Showdown

When I think about video game streaming, my mind instantly pulls in the thought of Twitch. However, the other day a coworker introduced me to Caffeine, the new kid on the block when it comes to streaming. I was very intrigued, could this be a big time competitor to Twitch? I pulled both mission statements from the streaming services and you should read them. Notice the completely contrasting styles of formatting and writing styles.

Caffeine.tv

Caffeine makes streaming your game dead-simple and insanely fast. How fast? Your audience feels like they are in the same room with you as you play. That fast. Seriously.

To do this, we built our own streaming software, delivery network and viewing experience. The result? True real-time video. One-click setup. In-game overlays. More fun for you, your fans and friends.

It’s time to reimagine streaming…and this is just the beginning ?

Twitch.tv

Since launching in 2011, Twitch has evolved its reputation as the world’s leading social video platform and community for video game culture to now encompass an array of emerging content surfaced by its users. As a result, 10 million visitors gather each day to watch and talk about video games, music, the creative arts, themselves, and other beyond gaming topics with more than 2 million streamers. We invite you to join the millions of people who come to Twitch to stream, view, and interact around these shared passions together.

The Showdown

Caffeine’s service is focused on the streamer themselves. It’s annoying that you won’t find a list of games that you can choose to watch, but rather just a list of streamers. I don’t know who any of them are so it’s kinda pointless. Caffeine is also affiliated with Twitter. Linking your social media account will double as your user name. This also proves that point that this service is all about the streamer instead of the games themselves since Twitter is just a personality based system. The streams don’t have any delay. As soon as you join a channel, the streamer can chat you up.

Then, there’s Twitch. The streaming solution that I’ve been using for years. Their focus is on the games and the personalities are a bonus to the viewer. An aspect that really wins me over. At this point, I don’t see Twitch being dethroned by Caffeine. Their formula is tried and true to the gaming community. But who knows, lets kick back drink a Cola and see who wins out in the real world.