In a significant announcement today, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has confirmed that the popular live streaming platform will cease its operations in South Korea effective February 27, 2024. This decision comes after years of efforts to sustain operations amidst rising costs and exorbitant network fees in the country.
>>>> Twitch's Announcement
Twitch has been grappling with the challenge of maintaining its services in South Korea due to prohibitively high expenses. Despite attempts to reduce costs by implementing a P2P model and capping the maximum streaming quality at 720p, the network fees in Korea remain ten times higher than in most other countries.
These conditions have led to considerable losses for Twitch, ultimately rendering continued operations infeasible.
> Implications for Streamers and Viewers
As a result of the shutdown, Korean streamers will no longer be able to generate revenue through Twitch, and viewers will lose access to the platform's subscription services. Detailed information regarding the closure and support for those affected is available through Twitch's help articles, and notification emails have been sent to all Korean streamers and viewers.
> Transition Support and Future Steps
Acknowledging the importance of finding a new home for streamers and their communities, Twitch is facilitating the transition by allowing streamers to use onsite messaging and post links to alternative services such as AfreecaTV and YouTube. Discussions with these platforms are ongoing to explore further support for community migration.
Clancy expressed deep regret over the decision, recognizing South Korea's vibrant role in the global esports community. He extended gratitude to the Korean Twitch community for their dedication and contributions over the years.
Twitch commits to maintaining close communication in the coming weeks and will host a live stream discussion with the community on December 6 at 9:30 AM on /TwitchKR.
> Editor's Comments
The withdrawal of Twitch from South Korea is a stark reminder of the challenges international tech companies face in markets with unique cost structures. While the decision is understandably a business necessity, it underscores the fragility of digital ecosystems and the impact such closures have on local communities and content creators.
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