Amazon is closing in on a sensation deal to grab video game broadcasting firm Twitch from under the nose of Google, reports on Monday claimed.
According to The Information (a report later corroborated by the Wall Street Journal), Amazon has agreed a deal worth $1billion (around £600m) and an official announcement could come as soon as today.
The news comes following reports claiming Google had won the race to acquire the company, which powers gamers’ live broadcasting from the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One consoles.
Despite rumours suggesting Google was in the market for Twitch, the web firm was apparently unable to complete a deal.
Amazon’s interest in gaming has intensified with the launch of the Fire Phone and Fire TV platforms, while reports have claimed the company is stockpiling talent from the gaming industry.
The yet-to-be confirmed deal for the San Francisco-based start up would give Amazon yet more scope for expanding its interest in the field.
Given the popularity of the Twitch platform it seems unlikely Amazon would seek to break up the company and use it simply for its own service.s
Twitch (originally named Twitch.tv) started life as a spin-off from the Justin.tv streaming site. It’s popularity was to eclipse the original, eventually leading to Justin.tv being shuttered this month.
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