What started as a small project soon became a global giant with more than 500,000 viewers every day. Careers have started and ended on the Twitch servers, which host video game streams, live esports and unique user content from all over the world.

Other services have tried to compete with Twitch, but all have failed – that is, until Microsoft decided to put its resources to good use.

Mixer has developed a cult following since its 2016 launch. To survive, it has had to succeed where Twitch was failing. There are three strong points that make Mixer stand out: the community, the terms and conditions, and the opportunities for new streamers.

No toxic teens

It is a known fact that the Twitch community is toxic. While streamers often establish rules about the words that can and cannot be used, such measures are almost impossible to enforce when over 50,000 people are typing at once.

Twitch’s viewers can be divided into two distinct categories: audience under 16 and audience over 17. The younger sort tend to be more toxic and use their parent’s money to make donations, while older viewers are far better behaved on the whole.

Mixer doesn’t have this issue. The average viewer is on the platform to enjoy the gameplay and support the talent. As a result, the Mixer community is more mature and responsible with the feedback they give to the streamers.

Better terms and conditions

Twitch had issues regarding the behavior of streamers in the past. The platform was once littered with offensive and overtly sexual content, while the toxic social environment has spawned many turns of phrase that hold sexist, misogynistic, or otherwise negative connotations (such as ‘eGirl’).

To combat this, Twitch changed the rules of conduct for streamers. The result was a vaguely worded document that neither fans nor streamers understood. Twitch staff proceeded to hand out bans almost at random, meaning users would lose their channels for months without any clear explanation as to why.

Mixer users will not experience the same situation. The rules of conduct are clear and cover all the basics. Users are encouraged to point out anything missing from the rules, while bans and other punishments will happen only if the streamer is found to be at fault.

A fair go for new streamers

Whenever you enter a section on Twitch, you see the streamers with the most users. Those without a large audience are at the bottom, so no one can find them.

Mixer has introduced the HypeZone – a new system that rewards consistent streamers. For example, any Fortnite: Battle Royale streamer can be featured on the Fortnite HypeZone channel if they produce good content on a regular basis.

HypeZone channels run 24/7 and switch from one streamer to another so everyone gets the same opportunities. It is a great way to be discovered by the 500+ viewers that tune in.

The partnership means Gamingzone Entertainment’s world first show will be streamed by Microsoft’s streaming service, with it to first air on March 5, 2018, from 9pm CET time at Mixer.com/Gamerz.

GAMERZ will gather the best Counter-Strike players in all of Europe and they will have an opportunity to become esport professional players and make their dreams come true.

The reality show is going to be produced in Sk?vde, Sweden, and the participants will have to compete for 20 days until one team wins. The winning team’s players will have the opportunity to join FNATIC, a pro academy team.

Richard Winn, Mixer’s Director of Programming, said: “Since joining Mixer, I’ve been tasked with building and supporting a healthy catalogue of content streamers that our viewers enjoy, across a multitude of platforms and experiences – including esports.

“Supporting GAMERZ through this partnership helps bring valued, new esports content to the Mixer catalogue for all to enjoy.”

Fans will have the opportunity to interact while seeing the show, with the ability to vote in a variety of polls and enter raffles, interacting directly with the protagonists and influencing the show.

CEO of Gamingzone Entertainment Karl Mikael Cakste said the opportunity to work with the technology’s giant’s streaming service was exciting for the CS:GO community.

“To partner with Microsoft, one of the world’s largest corporations, is a true milestone for any company,” he said.

“We were pleasantly surprised when visiting Microsoft’s HQ in Seattle, a site larger than any average Swedish city, to meet the Mixer team and find true entrepreneurs as passionate as we are on bringing qualitative esports entertainment to the fans.”

Mixer was launched in 2017 by Microsoft and is a live streaming service offering viewers participation and influence in game streams. Mixer allows streamers and viewers to connect on a level they believe is unique. It is compatible with Xbox One, PC, Android and iOS.