Google Inc. is in talks about possible acquisition of the Twitch,which is a fast-growing, live-video-streaming service, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The talks are at an early stage and a deal is not imminent, people said. The potential purchase price could not be learned. Twitch has considered raising further funding instead of selling the company, according to one of the people.
A Twitch spokesman declined to comment.
Twitch(which is launched in June 2011) is most popular Internet destination for watching and broadcasting videogame play. The startup raised $20 million from the investors, including the Thrive Capital and videogame-maker Take-Two Interactive Software TTWO +1.49% in September.
For the Google, Twitch would be potential boost to its YouTube video service. YouTube has its own live-streaming service for the games, sports, music and news, as well as events such as Felix Baumgartner's jump from space.
But YouTube Live lags behind Twitch, which accounted for nearly 44% of U.S. live-streaming traffic by volume in the week of April 7, according to online video and networking firm Qwilt. Read More