Who Was the World’s First Video Game Streamer?

The title of “world’s first video game streamer” is surprisingly complex and depends heavily on how you define “streaming.” While modern Twitch-style streaming with live commentary and audience interaction wasn’t possible until the advent of broadband internet and platforms like Justin.tv (later Twitch), there’s a strong argument to be made for Tomoaki Hamatsu (浜津 智明), more famously known as Nasubi (なすび, “Eggplant”), as a precursor to the modern gaming streamer. He gained notoriety through the Japanese game show Denpa Shōnen teki Kenshō Seikatsu, where he lived naked in an apartment, subsisting solely on items won through magazine sweepstakes. Critically, he won a PlayStation, a TV, and the video game Densha de Go! and his gameplay, though not interactive, was broadcast to a national audience. While not ‘live’ in the sense we know it today, his extended, publicly-viewed gameplay foreshadowed the dedication and public display that defines modern streaming.

The Nuances of “First”

The issue lies in the definition. If we define streaming as interactive live broadcast with commentary, then Nasubi doesn’t qualify. He was playing a game in relative isolation, and the audience was observing, not directly interacting. However, if we broaden the definition to extended publicly broadcasted video game gameplay as a form of entertainment, Nasubi’s experience holds significant weight.

• Technical Limitations: Before the 2000s, live streaming was technically challenging and inaccessible to the average person. Bandwidth was limited, and the necessary hardware and software were expensive.
• The Rise of Online Platforms: Platforms like Justin.tv (and subsequently Twitch), YouTube, and others provided the infrastructure for widespread, accessible streaming. These platforms democratized content creation and allowed for real-time interaction between streamers and viewers.

Therefore, while figures like Justin Kan (Justin.tv) are considered pioneers of live streaming in general, and later, the first Twitch streamers focused on gaming, Nasubi occupied a unique space beforehand, prefiguring the era of endurance gaming and public spectacle so common in modern streaming culture. The history of digital media and games is a complex and important topic that researchers examine through platforms like the Games Learning Society.

The Modern Streamer Era

The modern streamer era is characterized by:

• Live interaction: Real-time chat, polls, and viewer participation.
• Personal branding: Streamers cultivate unique personalities and build loyal communities.
• Monetization strategies: Subscriptions, donations, sponsorships, and merchandise.
• Professionalization: Streaming has become a viable career path for many.

Figures like Ninja (Richard Tyler Blevins), PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg), and Ibai Llanos represent the pinnacle of modern streaming, achieving massive audiences and significant financial success. However, it’s important to acknowledge the historical context and recognize those who, in different circumstances, laid the groundwork for this phenomenon.

Conclusion

Ultimately, declaring a single “first” is an oversimplification. Nasubi’s experience with Densha de Go! holds a unique place in the pre-history of video game streaming, representing an early instance of a person’s dedicated gameplay being presented as entertainment to a widespread audience. While he did not usher in the age of interactive gaming with live commentary, he set the stage for the intense, public-facing, and often grueling format seen in today’s top streams. It’s a history worth considering as the future of streaming continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is considered the first true Twitch streamer?

While Justin Kan was the first to broadcast live on Justin.tv, his content wasn’t solely focused on video games. Therefore, those who specifically dedicated themselves to gaming content on Justin.tv/Twitch would be more accurately described as the first “true” Twitch gamers. Identifying a single individual as the “very first” is difficult as many jumped into streaming on games around the same time.

2. Who is the most-followed streamer on Twitch?

As of July 2023, the most-followed channel on Twitch belongs to Ninja, with over 18.6 million followers.

3. Who is the richest streamer in the world?

Felix Kjellberg, better known as PewDiePie, is often cited as the richest streamer, with a net worth estimated around $40 million. However, his wealth comes primarily from his YouTube career, predating his involvement with Twitch.

4. What was the first game ever streamed?

It’s difficult to pinpoint the very first game ever streamed, as early streaming efforts were often experimental. However, with Nasubi, the game Densha de Go! has the best claim, when discussing the first publicly viewed, ongoing, game-play broadcast.

5. Is it too late to become a successful streamer?

No, it’s not too late! While the streaming landscape is competitive, there’s always room for new, unique content creators. Success requires dedication, creativity, and the ability to connect with an audience.

6. How old do you have to be to stream on Twitch?

You must be at least 13 years of age to create a Twitch account. Those between 13 and the age of majority require parental supervision.

7. What equipment do I need to start streaming?

Basic equipment includes a computer, a microphone, a webcam, and streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs Desktop). A good internet connection is also essential.

8. How do streamers make money?

Streamers monetize their content through subscriptions, donations, sponsorships, affiliate links, merchandise sales, and ad revenue.

9. Who is the oldest gamer on YouTube?

Hamako Mori (Gamer Grandma), born February 18, 1930, is a Japanese video game YouTuber recognized as the oldest gaming YouTuber in the world.

10. Is streaming a viable career?

Yes, streaming can be a viable career, but it requires significant time, effort, and dedication. Only a small percentage of streamers achieve full-time income and financial stability.

11. How can I grow my Twitch channel?

Consistent streaming schedule, engaging content, interaction with viewers, networking with other streamers, and promoting your channel on social media are crucial for growth.

12. What makes a good streamer?

A good streamer is entertaining, engaging, authentic, and consistent. They also have a strong sense of community and are willing to interact with their viewers.

13. What are some popular games to stream?

Popular games vary depending on current trends, but some consistently popular options include Fortnite, League of Legends, Valorant, Grand Theft Auto V, and Minecraft.

14. What is the average income for a Twitch streamer?

The average income for a Twitch streamer varies greatly depending on their audience size, engagement, and monetization strategies. Many streamers earn only a small amount of income, while top streamers can earn millions.

15. What is the future of streaming?

The future of streaming is likely to involve more interactive experiences, virtual reality integration, and personalized content. The technology will continue to improve and evolve, creating new opportunities for streamers and viewers alike. The role that video games play in our society is ever more prevalent and something studied within the GamesLearningSociety.org.