Check out Twitch's launch trailer for their new 'in-stream purchasing' feature which will post a "Buy Now" badge of the current game a partnered streamer is currently playing at the bottom of their page. Purchases are executed through Twitch's parent company, Amazon. Approved publishing partners will receive 5% of the retail price on any purchases made by their viewers through the icon. While this may seem like a harmless development, many are already raising questions about the objectivity of a Twitch streamer who now has increased incentive to close sales and make a bit of extra coin.
While Amazon is simply trying to grab a few impulse buys, one also has to wonder how a refund policy will work and whether a Twitch streamer will have to also have to return their commission? In an era where
Swatting is all too common, what's to stop a group from making hundreds of purchases through a streamer's Buy Now badge, wait a few weeks and then return everything?
Get it on Twitch from Twitch on Vimeo.