Using Mixer to Live Stream Your Events

What is Mixer?

Unfortunately, Mixer has been discontinued by Microsoft as of July 22nd and will now redirect over to Facebook Gaming. For more gaming related streaming services, please check out our Twitch info page.

Today, video game streams have become one of the most popular digital events you can view. That said, gamers can choose from a list of different platforms to help them stream gameplay. And, while a few of these have become household names, selecting the best gaming streaming service isn’t easy.

For a few years, it seemed like Microsoft’s streaming platform, which was called Mixer, would become one of the leading options. That said, in July of 2020, Microsoft discontinued this service and migrated their members to Facebook Gaming.

Let’s take a look at the different alternatives that games have to stream gameplay in 2021 and beyond.

Twitch, Facebook Gaming, and Other Options

Although Mixer was discontinued, gamers around the world still had the ability to stream their games using industry leaders like Twitch, Facebook Gaming, and YouTube Gaming. These three alternatives provide robust platforms, but competition is also fierce across all of these. This means that getting noticed is harder than ever before.

With the above in mind, you can also set up independent streams and make them available through multiple platforms. At Varvid, we specialize in setting up digital events like esports tournaments and other gaming streams. To learn more, contact our team and we’ll be glad to help.

Microsoft Mixer: What Was It All About?

Unfortunately, there are not many programs or apps that allow gamers to broadcast live games on iOS or Android devices. Mixer, a live streaming service for gamers developed by Microsoft, has been the latest platform to fold, leaving gamers with an even smaller list of options.

Mixer was launched in 2016 as “Beam.” However, it was rebranded as “Mixer” in 2017.

Mixer, as a live-streaming platform, steadily increased its user base over the span of three years, but it never caught up to Twitch, Facebook Gaming, and other leaders in terms of popularity. The service focused on live video game broadcasts, but it was also used to host:

• Live podcast recordings
• Casual conversation
• Music events
• Industry Events
• eSports Tournaments
• In-real-life videos and more

The Mixer live streaming app supported video games like Goat Simulator, Mortal Combat 5: Blackout, and Star Trek. This app included a live video feed and chat rooms where users could interact in real-time.

Mixer was similar to other live-streaming platforms, to the point that its users were transitioned into Facebook Gaming in 2020 when the Mixer platform initially shut down.

How Did Mixer Integrate with Different Devices?

As long as you had a browser, you could view Mixer live streams by opening Mixer.com. That said, the service was designed for use with the Windows 10 operating system, so it had its limitations.

Mixer was also readily compatible with Xbox and was built directly into the Xbox One console for smooth streaming.

There were two Mixer live streaming app versions geared for use on either Android or iOS devices, but these aren’t available anymore. The Mixer Create app could broadcast content to the Mixer streaming service from a mobile device as well as live stream video footage. It could even broadcast mobile video gameplay, but it never managed to reach its full potential.

What Were the Pros and Cons of Using Mixer for Live Streaming?

Some of the benefits that came with using Mixer included:

Pros

• Mixer was optimized for Microsoft products
• Excellent for streaming games like Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds and Minecraft from Ninja
• It was easier to build your channel and gain exposure on Mixer than on Twitch

Cons

• Lack of PS4 and DVR support
• Amazon’s Twitch had a more extensive user base and enormous revenue potential with their affiliate program
• It was not easy to find non-live content on the platform

Streaming Live Events Without Mixer

Mixer live streaming was an excellent option for Windows 10 or Xbox One streamers due to its easy integration with these Microsoft products, but it’s no longer available. Because this live streaming service came after Twitch, it wasn’t able to catch on in terms of size nor popularity, so it was discontinued in 2020.

The good news is that there are a few solid options for gamers. That said, it’s much harder to build a reputation on Twitch and other leading video game streaming platforms than it was on Mixer. If you take creative routes, like hiring a professional streaming service for your events, you may end up getting the best of both worlds.

Varvid specializes in live events and offers outstanding online video production services. Reach out to us today to see how we can help you to up your live streaming game.