End of an Era: Twitch Shuts Down in South Korea, Leaving Streamers and Fans in Limbo

In a communication from CEO Dan Clancy, Twitch streamers in South Korea have been informed that the popular live-streaming platform will cease all operations in the country on February 27, 2024. This announcement comes in the wake of Twitch's controversial decision to ban a prominent Call of Duty streamer, reigniting discussions about the platform's management of its community.

As one of the largest live-streaming platforms globally, Twitch has faced mixed reviews this year, stemming from the activities of some of its streamers and what many perceive as questionable corporate choices. Despite being a preferred platform for numerous content creators and viewers, South Koreans will soon lose access to Twitch entirely.

Dan Clancy conveyed this decision to Twitch Partners and Affiliates in South Korea through a letter, citing escalating costs and diminishing profitability as the primary reasons for shutting down all services in the Republic of Korea by February 2024. The financial strain of the country's ISP service fees prompted Twitch to explore alternatives such as peer-to-peer sourcing and limiting video quality to 720p. With domestic streaming platforms like AfreecaTV and Tving offering competition to international services, the termination of Twitch services has come as a shock to many users, particularly those engaged in the popular League of Legends esports scene.

Key details about the cessation of Twitch services in South Korea include the official shutdown date of February 27, 2024, with final payouts scheduled for March 16. The formal offboarding of all Partners and Affiliates is set for June 4, with support provided beforehand to aid streamers in transitioning to alternative platforms. Suggestions for South Korean streamers include exploring simulcasting options and establishing accounts on other platforms. Clancy assured that Twitch will collaborate with other streaming services to facilitate a smooth transfer process. Unlike top streamers on Twitch who have easily diversified their platforms in the past, many South Korean creators are now left uncertain about their future options.

This move by Twitch follows a series of unexpected announcements in the video game and streaming industries, including business shutdowns and company layoffs throughout the year. Twitch's recent decision to remove the Twitch app from Nintendo Switch, coupled with the impending shutdown of South Korean servers, has prompted users to explore alternative platforms and services.