Microsoft is Shutting Down Mixer in Favor of Facebook Gaming

Microsoft has shut down its Mixer live streaming service in favour of Facebook Gaming.

Mixer shot to prominence last year when it entered into an exclusivity deal worth multi-million dollar with Ninja, a big star on rival platform Twitch.

However, Microsoft has said that the platform will close in one month despite the investment.

Also, Ninja and other major gamers will no longer be tied to exclusivity deals.

Ninja had been signed to Mixer for less than a year. From 22 July, Mixer’s website and the app will redirect users to Facebook Gaming.

As part of the deal, Microsoft will work to bring its xCloud games-streaming service to Facebook.

Piers Harding-Rolls from the consultancy Ampere Analysis said, “This seems quite ruthless, but Microsoft’s strategy to reach more gamers is underpinned by its cloud business, not Mixer.

“Clearly Facebook has significant reach globally, to expose users to xCloud.”

All games-streamers in Mixer’s partner programme will be granted partner status on Facebook Gaming if they wish to move to the platform.

Mixer in a statement said, “Ultimately, the success of partners and streamers on Mixer is dependent on our ability to scale the platform for them as quickly and broadly as possible.

“It became clear that the time needed to grow our live streaming community to scale was out of measure with the vision and experiences that Microsoft and Xbox want to deliver for gamers now, so we’ve decided to close the operations side of Mixer and help the community transition to a new platform.”

Xbox chief Phil Spencer in a separate blogpost disclosed that the transition deal was part of a wider agreement between Xbox and Facebook, with Xbox aiming to introduce gaming features that work on Facebook and Instagram in the future.

Those partnered streamers who do choose to move to Facebook Gaming can begin the process by filling out a form, Mixer said that Facebook “will honour and match all existing Partner agreements as closely as possible”.

Facebook said it was “proud to invite everyone in the Mixer community to Facebook Gaming”.

The company promised streamers: “We’ll do everything we can to make the transition as easy as possible for those who decide to make the switch.”

Digital Trends also reports that  Microsoft isn’t entirely shelving Mixer’s technology. The company said that it will utilize some of its underlying low-latency video streaming services, real-time interactivity, and other technology in its Microsoft Teams collaboration software. Microsoft said the features will ultimately create a better Teams product for companies and individuals.

To help its content creators make the transition to Facebook Gaming a bit easier, Microsoft published an FAQ page where it answers many of the questions they may have. Those generating revenue on Mixer, for instance, will be able to make money on their streams via Facebook Gaming’s Level Up Program. Microsoft also said that Mixer viewers who have Ember balances or subscriptions will get Xbox Gift Card credits for the amount on their balances.

Microsoft in a statement thanked the Mixer community for the support and journey so far.

The company said, “Thank you, Mixer community, for your engagement and passion on this journey.

“We have accomplished so much together, and we want to thank you all — Partners, streamers, moderators, and viewers. And we hope to see your continued positive, welcoming, and inclusive ideals continue at Facebook Gaming.”