YouTube is set to make a new move for the gaming industry

Not satisfied with its position in the gaming industry, YouTube, the biggest name in the video sector, is on the hunt for a new strategic move.

Google-owned YouTube, a leading video-sharing platform, is reportedly branching out to enrich its portfolio and dip its toes into the game-streaming arena. This move is also seen as an effort to invigorate the advertising revenue stream. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Google's new project, codenamed 'Playables', is presently being internally tested by Google employees. Through this new product, YouTube aims to introduce online video games to its colossal user base, a proposition that bears a striking resemblance to Stadia - Google's recently shuttered game streaming service.

Playables would allow users to immerse themselves directly in gaming on their devices. Stack Bounce, an arcade-style game, is one of the games that have been named in the initial test phase email. The service will be accessible on the YouTube website and its mobile application, which caters to both iOS and Android users.

YouTube is set to make a new move for the gaming industry

Gaming is no stranger to YouTube; however, the introduction of Playables seems like an innovative strategy to rejuvenate its stagnant advertising revenue. YouTube sees this as a golden opportunity to penetrate the burgeoning online gaming market. Despite the challenges inherent in this sector, YouTube remains steadfast in its commitment to gaming. A company representative reiterated YouTube's devotion to innovation and continual exploration of new features. Notably, YouTube already boasts a significant gaming audience who frequent the platform to spectate live gaming tournaments.

Monetization strategies for this new venture remain under wraps. While Android users have a multitude of mobile games at their disposal via the Google Play Store, Playables could offer YouTube an avenue to explore alternate revenue models. With the discontinuation of Stadia, YouTube has the unique opportunity to harness and refurbish its technology to compete with other cloud gaming services such as Nvidia's GeForce Now or Microsoft's Xbox cloud gaming service. Prospective users should note that while the initial games might not boast high-end graphics or gameplay, they exude a minimalist charm that might appeal to some players.