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Twitch Plays Pokémon: Difference between revisions
Re-worked "impact" section to include PWC 2014 reference as per talk page. General housekeeping. Updated a few things.
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(Re-worked "impact" section to include PWC 2014 reference as per talk page. General housekeeping. Updated a few things.) |
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The channel had around 120,000 simultaneous viewers at its peak, with almost 36 million total views in the first run alone.<ref name="Victory Twitch Blog">[http://blog.twitch.tv/2014/03/twitch-prevails-at-pokemon/ TPP Victory! The Thundershock Heard Around the World - The Official Twitch Blog]</ref> It has received several [[#Awards|awards]], including a {{wp|Guinness World Record}}.<ref name="Guinness World Record">[http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-participants-on-a-single-player-online-videogame/ Most participants on a single-player online video game - Guinness World Records]</ref> After successful completion of the first run, the channel continued streaming other Pokémon games, with the streamer planning to continue as long as interest remains. | The channel had around 120,000 simultaneous viewers at its peak, with almost 36 million total views in the first run alone.<ref name="Victory Twitch Blog">[http://blog.twitch.tv/2014/03/twitch-prevails-at-pokemon/ TPP Victory! The Thundershock Heard Around the World - The Official Twitch Blog]</ref> It has received several [[#Awards|awards]], including a {{wp|Guinness World Record}}.<ref name="Guinness World Record">[http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-participants-on-a-single-player-online-videogame/ Most participants on a single-player online video game - Guinness World Records]</ref> After successful completion of the first run, the channel continued streaming other Pokémon games, with the streamer planning to continue as long as interest remains. | ||
In June 2015, the stream celebrated 500 days of near-continuous running. | |||
==Format== | ==Format== | ||
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===Runs=== | ===Runs=== | ||
[[File:TPP Alpha Sapphire screenshot.png|thumb|right|250px|The channel's most recent run, [[Pokémon Alpha Sapphire]], in 'anarchy' mode]] | [[File:TPP Alpha Sapphire screenshot.png|thumb|right|250px|The channel's most recent run on the [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Pokémon Alpha Sapphire]], in 'anarchy' mode]] | ||
During a run, analogous to an episode, the channel’s format is fairly simple. A viewer simply has to input the command into the chat window, and that command is translated to the game. For example, if one user were to type ‘up’ into the chat, the character onscreen would move up. User commands are generally shown as a reverse-waterfall like scroller situated to the right hand side of the frame. The username of each command contributor is shown alongside it. | During a run, analogous to an episode, the channel’s format is fairly simple. A viewer simply has to input the command into the chat window, and that command is translated to the game. For example, if one user were to type ‘up’ into the chat, the character onscreen would move up. User commands are generally shown as a reverse-waterfall like scroller situated to the right hand side of the frame. The username of each command contributor is shown alongside it. | ||
The control scheme varies depending on what platform is currently being used. For example, when playing games designed for the [[Game Boy]] or [[Game Boy Color]], only | The control scheme varies depending on what platform is currently being used. For example, when playing games designed for the [[Game Boy]] or [[Game Boy Color]], only 8 commands (up, down, left, right, a, b, start and select) are accepted. When playing games designed for the [[Nintendo DS]] and [[Nintendo 3DS]], these commands are expanded to the touchscreen (users input with pairs of three-digit coordinates) and other controls (such as the 3DS's Circle Pad). | ||
During runs, there are two main systems in use, known as '''Anarchy''' and '''Democracy'''. Anarchy simply inputs commands as soon as the system receives them in the order in which it receives them. Democracy holds a vote for each command to be input; only the command with most votes is input to the game. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and they are often a source of controversy in the community as to which system "should" be used. | During runs, there are two main systems in use, known as '''Anarchy''' and '''Democracy'''. Anarchy simply inputs commands as soon as the system receives them in the order in which it receives them. Democracy holds a vote for each command to be input; only the command with most votes is input to the game. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and they are often a source of controversy in the community as to which system "should" be used. | ||
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===Betting intermissions=== | ===Betting intermissions=== | ||
[[File:TPP Betting screenshot.png|thumb|right|250px|Typical battle betting, using a modified version of [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]]] | [[File:TPP Betting screenshot.png|thumb|right|250px|Typical battle betting, using a modified version of [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]]] | ||
When the channel is not streaming a run, it instead shows randomly-generated Pokémon battles known as '''TPP Bets'''. Using [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]] (and [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] before that), two teams each of three Pokémon are pitted against each other. Players can place bets using [[Pokémon Dollars]] on either side, with betting odds calculated accordingly. Like the currency used in the games, the money used in-stream is fictional; no actual money is ever spent on betting. If a player runs out of money, their funds are reduced to {{PDollar}}100 and will not | When the channel is not streaming a run, it instead shows randomly-generated Pokémon battles known as '''TPP Bets'''. Using [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]] (and [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] before that), two teams each of three Pokémon are pitted against each other. Players can place bets using [[Pokémon Dollars]] on either side, with betting odds calculated accordingly. Like the currency used in the games, the money used in-stream is fictional; no actual money is ever spent on betting. If a player runs out of money, their funds are reduced to a minimum limit of {{PDollar}}100 and will not drop further. More features were added to the betting system as time went by. | ||
Players can also obtain tokens, a separate currency unit, through donating or subscribing to the stream or randomly through voting commands on a playthrough of Vietnamese Crystal (see below). These can be spent to influence elements of the stream, such as by changing the next music track | Players can also obtain tokens, a separate currency unit, through donating or subscribing to the stream or randomly through voting commands on a playthrough of Vietnamese Crystal (see below). These can be spent to influence elements of the stream, such as by such as changing the next music track, enabling a glow effect around a username, and betting them on random slot machines. At the start of each hour, a token match will begin, where players can bid tokens to choose which six Pokémon will be in the next battle. The submission with the highest token bid will be selected for the token match. | ||
===Vietnamese Crystal=== | ===Vietnamese Crystal=== | ||
[[File:TPP Vietnamese Crystal screenshot.png|thumb|right|250px|The host (nicknamed 'Baba') competing in [[Blackthorn Gym]]. This mode is sometimes referred to as 'super democracy' by fans.]] | [[File:TPP Vietnamese Crystal screenshot.png|thumb|right|250px|The host (nicknamed 'Baba') competing in [[Blackthorn Gym]]. This mode is sometimes referred to as 'super democracy' by fans.]] | ||
Starting after the conclusion of the first run of [[Twitch Plays Pokémon/Season 2|Season 2]] (known as [[Twitch Plays Pokémon/Season 2#R01: Anniversary Red|Anniversary Red Version]] by fans), a run of the [[ROM hacks#Pokémon Vietnamese Crystal|Pokémon Vietnamese Crystal]] [[ROM hack]] was started as a filler in between betting matches. Players are able to vote for only one command at a time, after which the game is paused and resumes after the next match. At the end of each vote, a player is randomly selected to receive a token. Players who already have tokens can choose to donate them to the pool, causing multiple random players to each receive a token; this is nicknamed a 'token storm'. | Starting after the conclusion of the first run of [[Twitch Plays Pokémon/Season 2|Season 2]] (known as [[Twitch Plays Pokémon/Season 2#R01: Anniversary Red|Anniversary Red Version]] by fans), a run of the [[ROM hacks#Pokémon Vietnamese Crystal|Pokémon Vietnamese Crystal]] [[ROM hack]] was started as a filler in between betting matches. Players are able to vote for only one command at a time, after which the game is paused and only resumes after the next betting match. At the end of each vote, a player is randomly selected to receive a token. Players who already have tokens can choose to donate them to the pool, causing multiple random players to each receive a token; this is nicknamed a 'token storm'. | ||
===Donations and subscriptions=== | ===Donations and subscriptions=== | ||
As well as Twitch's standard channel subscription model and space for commercial advertising, the channel also accepts independent donations to help its upkeep. Donators are rewarded in-stream with tokens, with the equivalent of one US dollar equaling one token. Every time a donation is received, a banner is displayed with an animation (using | As well as Twitch's standard channel subscription model and space for commercial advertising, the channel also accepts independent donations to help its upkeep. Donators are rewarded in-stream with tokens, with the equivalent of one US dollar equaling one token. Every time a donation is received, a banner is displayed with an animation (using sound effects from the Pikachu kickback in [[Pokémon Pinball]]) counting up the amount donated. If the donation is over a certain amount, the donator can display a custom message onscreen. | ||
Subscribers are rewarded with an icon displayed next to their name onscreen, a "welcome back" message whenever they log in, access to a set of exclusive chat emotes and | Subscribers are rewarded with an icon displayed next to their name onscreen, a "welcome back" message whenever they log in, access to a set of exclusive chat emotes and an increase in the minimum amount of in-stream currency they can have (it will not drop below {{PDollar}}500, as opposed to {{PDollar}}100 for normal users). | ||
Donation and subscription banners are displayed in both runs and betting intermissions. | Donation and subscription banners are displayed in both runs and betting intermissions. | ||
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The success of Twitch Plays Pokémon’s first season has had a notable impact outside of the stream. Though its parent site Twitch had been known amongst gamers for some time, international media coverage of Twitch Plays Pokémon introduced the platform to thousands of new users; the stream’s community-based roots demonstrating how versatile Twitch could be. Responding to the the surprise success of the stream, Twitch's VP of marketing Matthew DiPietro wrote "This is one more example of how video games have become a platform for entertainment and creativity that extends WAY beyond the original intent of the game creator. By merging a video game, live video and a participatory experience, the broadcaster has created an entertainment hybrid custom made for the Twitch community. This is a wonderful proof on concept that we hope to see more of in the future."<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/over-60k-people-watching-twitch-play-pokemon-update/1100-6417762/ Over 60k people watching Twitch play Pokemon - GameSpot]</ref> | The success of Twitch Plays Pokémon’s first season has had a notable impact outside of the stream. Though its parent site Twitch had been known amongst gamers for some time, international media coverage of Twitch Plays Pokémon introduced the platform to thousands of new users; the stream’s community-based roots demonstrating how versatile Twitch could be. Responding to the the surprise success of the stream, Twitch's VP of marketing Matthew DiPietro wrote "This is one more example of how video games have become a platform for entertainment and creativity that extends WAY beyond the original intent of the game creator. By merging a video game, live video and a participatory experience, the broadcaster has created an entertainment hybrid custom made for the Twitch community. This is a wonderful proof on concept that we hope to see more of in the future."<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/over-60k-people-watching-twitch-play-pokemon-update/1100-6417762/ Over 60k people watching Twitch play Pokemon - GameSpot]</ref> | ||
The exposure the stream brought helped launch the platform into the "mainstream" (sometimes called the "CNN moment"), becoming the defacto standard in video game streaming used by gamers and major games manufacturers alike. Its rapid expansion was also seen as the catalyst for Google to launch its competing platform, YouTube Gaming. Twitch’s staff have praised and thanked both the stream and its community numerous times for their achievements<ref name="Victory Twitch Blog" />, and presented it with the Innovation Award at the first TwitchCon event in 2015. | The exposure the stream brought helped launch the platform into the "mainstream" (sometimes called the "CNN moment"), becoming the defacto standard in video game streaming used by gamers and major games manufacturers alike. Its rapid expansion was also seen as the catalyst for Google to launch its competing platform, YouTube Gaming. Twitch’s staff have praised and thanked both the stream and its community numerous times for their achievements<ref name="Victory Twitch Blog" />, and presented it with the Innovation Award at the first TwitchCon event in 2015.<ref name="TwitchCon 2015 Award">[https://redd.it/3mjafg Twitchplayspokemon won Most Innovative Award at TwitchCon! - Reddit]</ref> <!--For lack of a better reference - please change if Twitch actually posts the winners as a results page--> | ||
The concept of the stream has influenced live game streaming as a whole, inspiring a number of imitations using similar formats. Notable examples include Fish Plays Pokémon, Twitch Plays Darksouls and Twitch Plays Old Spice, the latter used as a promotional campaign giving users control over an actual person. The stream's format and its popularity has been credited with giving birth to the "crowd-playing" genre. | |||
Twitch Plays Pokémon has arguably had an impact on [[Pokémon]] as a whole by introducing new users to the games as well as rekindling interest from older fans. While it is yet to be specifically acknowledged by [[Nintendo]], [[Game Freak]] or [[The Pokémon Company]], a direct reference exists in the French translation of [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]] | ===Official Acknowledgement=== | ||
[[File:TPP 2014 World Championships Reference.png|thumb|right|250px|The channel's name was used as a redemption code during the [[2014 World Championships]]]] | |||
Twitch Plays Pokémon has arguably had an impact on [[Pokémon]] as a whole by introducing new users to the games as well as rekindling interest from older fans. While it is yet to be specifically acknowledged by [[Nintendo]], [[Game Freak]] or [[The Pokémon Company]], the channel has been referenced by regional parts of the Pokémon group. The channel’s name was used as a [[TCGO]] redemption code during the [[2014 World Championships|2014 Pokémon World Championships]], enabling up to 10,000 players to redeem the [[Furious Fists (TCG)|Furious Fists]] [[Booster pack (TCG)|booster pack]]. A direct reference also exists in the French translation of [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]]; before being battled, [[Brawly]] says, "{{tt|J'ai découvert le secret de la vraie puissance en fixant un [[Helix Fossil|Nautile pendant]] des jours et des jours...|I discovered the secret of true power by staring at a Helix Fossil for days and days...}}", referencing the popular meme in the first run. | |||
A further potential reference is seen in [[Mr. Stone|Mr Stone's]] [[Devon Corporation]] office in the same games, in which the player receives the {{DL|Mega Stone|Pidgeotite}} [[Mega Stone]] with a framed portrait of an {{p|Omanyte}} in the same room. Fans see it as a veiled referral to the stream’s Bird Jesus character (a {{p|Pidgeot}} who represented the Omanyte god), since Pidgeot is not knowingly associated with Mr. Stone, Devon or fossils in general. This association remains unconfirmed, though if genuine would be the only known acknowledgement from an official source. | |||
==Awards== | ==Awards== | ||
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| December 2014 | | December 2014 | ||
|- style="background:#FFF" | |- style="background:#FFF" | ||
| Innovation Award<ref | | Innovation Award<ref name="TwitchCon 2015 Award" /> | ||
| TwitchCon | | TwitchCon | ||
| September 2015 | | September 2015 | ||