Rumors of Google being close to acquire Twitch have been generating a lot of buzz over the last couple of days. It is believed that Google owned YouTube will take the broadcasting service under its wing for a reported $1 billion. A new report suggests that Google might not be the only suitor that Twitch had. Microsoft may have placed an offer on the table as well but Twitch is apparently going to reject it to go with Google instead.
Citing people with close knowledge of the talks The Verge claims that Twitch and Google have already agreed on the price and are now working out some crucial details, which include how independent Google will let the company and its brand be. No figures have been mentioned and it is not known if Microsoft matched Google’s bid for Twitch.
Apparently the reason why Twitch has opted for Google is because the Mountain View giant has what Twitch wants to become the go-to platform for watching and streaming live gameplay. Google’s work with YouTube is proof enough that the company has ample experience of running an online video streaming service.
Even though Twitch had the option to raise more money through venture capitalists without having to sell out, it may not have been enough to let is scale technology and infrastructure to keep up with growth. The source claims many VCs were willing to give Twitch the money but it wants someone that can handle everything that goes on behind the scenes at a global user-generated video streaming service.
No word as yet on when the deal will be formally announced, we’ll keep our ear to the ground.