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Google is finally shutting down the YouTube Gaming app on 30th May after it caused confusion amongst customers regarding its main purpose and what it was intended to be. The core functionality of the app has long been integrated into the main YouTube site and can now be viewed through the dedicated Gaming channel.
As a part of the merger, YouTube has combined existing subscriptions and the gaming channel followings as well. According to an updated help page, the main purpose of the gaming app was to test out new features based on the gaming community’s feedback. “We want to continue to build a stronger home for the gaming community that thrives on YouTube, not just the YouTube Gaming app. More than 200M of you come to the main YouTube app to engage with your favourite games and creators every month.”
According to Ryan Wyatt, Google Director for Gaming Content and Partnerships:
“When we launched the YouTube gaming app, I think there was a lot of brand confusion in the market of like, ‘Well, is this just a live gaming app and experience? What’s gonna happen to gaming on YouTube versus YouTube gaming app? And so we’re hoping that this time around, with us moving it to YouTube [proper], it’s a clear signal to the community that we care very much about gaming, that we want gaming on YouTube … to continue to thrive and be a big part. I think we had a big misstep and confusion there.
In regards to the content that you may have saved on YouTube Gaming app, YouTube says that there is no way to transfer the games that you have saved on YT Gaming app however they are exploring ways better organize your gaming interests.
Many of Google’s platforms have been marred by closures this year. From Google Plus to Google Allo and now YouTube Gaming app, many of Google’s “experiments” are not converting for them at all. Even the classic version of Google Hangouts was closed down in 2020.
Did you use the YouTube Gaming app? Do you support its closure? Let us know in the comments!
