Microsoft, Twitch Team Up to Make It Easy to Live Stream Xbox Games

pcmag.com:

Live streaming from your Xbox just got a lot simpler thanks to Microsoft allowing Twitch access directly from the Xbox guide.

Writing on Xbox Wire, Brenna Duffitt, Software Engineer, Xbox Platform Services, announced that "Xbox and Twitch are teaming up" to make game streaming a three-step process, and that includes initially linking your Twitch account.

Starting a Twitch live stream from an Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, can now be achieved by visiting the "Capture and Share" tab on the Xbox guide and selecting "Live streaming." From there, you can link your Twitch account (if you haven't already) by scanning a QR code with your smartphone, or visiting a URL either with your phone or PC.

With Twitch linked, you can plug in a headset and webcam, then select the "Go live now" option to automatically start streaming via your Twitch account. It's possible to stream any game downloaded to your Xbox console and switch games midstream if desired. Microsoft implemented a pause screen that will be displayed while the new game loads and will automatically restart the live stream once it finishes loading.

There's a number of options available for streamers within the Xbox settings. It's possible to manually set the resolution and bitrate, adjust the mic audio levels, set the stream title, allow party chat, and setup notifications for anyone who follows you and wants to be informed when you go live.

Because it's so easy to setup, live streaming from Xbox consoles is sure to become much more popular on Twitch in the coming weeks. Microsoft also said that there are "some awesome new features coming soon based on your feedback," so keep an eye out for those appearing.

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