Twitch has modified its controversial ‘Drop Ins’ feature after unintentionally activating streamers’ cameras, including those of Vtubers.
In August, Twitch made an announcement about a new method for creators to collaborate through the Drop Ins feature. This feature allows streamers to request a collaboration by “knocking”on another broadcaster’s channel.
Despite receiving criticism for being deemed “strange”and unnecessary, this feature was praised by some as a means for larger streamers to support and connect with smaller content creators, even though they may already utilize Discord and other platforms for this purpose.
Despite its potential benefits, this newly introduced tool appears to have caused some difficulties for certain creators, prompting Twitch to modify its functioning.
On August 28, Twitch posted on X that it had made changes to the functionality of webcams when utilized in Drop Ins.
Based on community feedback, Drop Ins now start with your camera disabled even if your camera was previously setup 💜 We apologise to any users, particularly Vtubers, who may have had their camera enabled by accident due to previous functionality. https://t.co/dxLV0ylpa1
— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) August 28, 2024
“In response to community feedback, the Amazon-owned platform has implemented a change where Drop Ins will now begin with the camera disabled, even if it was previously set up. We sincerely apologize to any users, especially Vtubers, who may have unintentionally had their camera enabled due to the previous functionality.”
Several streamers opt to remain anonymous or utilize avatars instead of appearing on camera, implying that some of these content creators had their faces accidentally revealed due to a Drop Ins error.
Many individuals in the comment section were immediately surprised by this announcement, and a considerable number requested that Twitch offer the option to opt-out of the feature.
One person expressed concern about the lack of a Vtuber testing these things, stating that while the idea is cool, it could have had a negative impact on faceless creators.
“It’s truly embarrassing that something like this wasn’t properly considered, especially on a streaming platform that features Vtubers every second, every hour, and every day,”added streamer Moms_den chimed in.
I’m appalled this actually slipped past any testing of the feature. Did absolutely NO ONE think for a moment maybe it could cause a problem that it tries to turn the camera on by default?And on a feature we still are asking for the ability to completely opt out of, I should add.
— 🦊 Senri ✴️ Kitsune Queen & Priestess (@HimuraSenri) August 28, 2024
“Another critic expressed shock that this issue was not caught during testing of the feature. They questioned whether anyone had considered the possibility of this causing problems, as the camera turns on automatically. This only adds to the ongoing request for the ability to fully opt out of this feature.”
“Why not turn this ability into an aptitude?”echoed another person. “This doesn’t only affect Vtubers, it affects everyone. Not everyone wants to experience this, as it can easily lead to severe trolling.”
Why not make the ability as an apt in ability? This doesn’t just effect V-tubers, it also effects EVERYBODY. Not everyone wants this to happen to them, this can VERY EASILY lead to horrific trolling
— DocLevee (@DocLevee) August 28, 2024
Currently, Twitch has not made any announcements about giving users the option to opt-out of Drop Ins. However, this is just one of the many problems that users are facing on the platform this summer. Recently, the site revealed that it will be raising subscription prices by $2, but only for mobile users.
Dan Clancy, the CEO of Twitch, defended this choice by pointing out that Apple and Google both receive a 30% cut from purchases made on the mobile app.
Leave a Reply