Latest news with #DanClancy
Entrepreneur
21 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Twitch CEO Talks Social Media, AI and the Creator Economy
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Tech executives often come across as distant and a bit out of touch — Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, cuts a different figure. When I met with him at Amazon Studios in Los Angeles for The CEO Series, Clancy's authenticity was evident from the start. Dressed in a casual hat and comfortable in his skin, he embodied a leadership style that felt more like collaboration than command. Despite a résumé that includes NASA, Google and YouTube — and a PhD in artificial intelligence — Clancy doesn't carry the weight of his credentials. Instead, he radiates curiosity, openness and a willingness to question even his own assumptions. Related: The CEO of Thomson Reuters Is Betting Big on AI-Driven Innovation. Here's What Every Leader Can Learn From His Approach. We covered everything from Twitch's business model to the broader impact of social media on society. While Clancy acknowledges the dark sides of social media platforms, especially for young people, he was quick to distinguish Twitch from the rest. "It's not just about curated posts or doom-scrolling," he explained. "Twitch is about community-centric live streaming. It's humans being present, connecting." According to Clancy, about two-thirds of Twitch's revenue comes from fans supporting their favorite streamers directly — a dynamic that he says fosters engagement over algorithmic manipulation. One of the more thought-provoking moments came when we discussed AI. Clancy has been working on artificial intelligence since the '90s, long before the current generative boom. But he was quick to dispel the hype: "We've always had AI. What's changed now is the scale and visibility of it." He emphasized that AI won't replace streamers but will instead act as a creative tool. Still, his biggest concern isn't the technology — it's the humans who control it. "We need to stay focused on who is programming the AI and why," he said. Clancy's approach to leadership is equally grounded. He doesn't shy away from difficult decisions, such as recent layoffs, but insists on transparency and empathy. "It's hard," he admitted, "but sometimes you have to do what's right for the long-term health of the platform and the streamers." When asked about the future of social media, Clancy struck a philosophical tone. "We're all creators," he said. "The goal should be to make it easier for more people to express themselves authentically." That belief guides Twitch's evolving model, where live interaction, not just content, is king. And it's why Clancy still streams himself: not for PR, but because he genuinely enjoys it. Related: 5 CEOs Sat Down for a Candid Conversation — What They Revealed Could Change Your Entire Perspective on Leadership As I left the studio, I couldn't help but reflect on the conversation. Clancy's leadership style — equal parts engineer, philosopher and community member — offers a glimpse into what modern tech leadership can look like. He's not just running a platform; he's participating in it. And in a time when trust in tech leadership is fragile, it was a fun example to see, and I enjoyed talking with him.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Twitch CEO: GTA 6 launch won't affect GTA 5's 'popularity'
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy believes that Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) will maintain its popularity on the streaming platform, even after the highly anticipated launch of GTA 6 . Speaking at a recent The Game Business Live event, Clancy highlighted the unique and enduring appeal of GTA 5 's roleplaying (RP) community as the key factor. Despite being released in 2013, the older GTA V continues to draw significant viewership on Twitch, accumulating a remarkable 1.4 billion hours watched in 2024 alone. Clancy explained that this sustained engagement to the game's expansive and creative RP scene, where streamers develop intricate characters and narratives. He also noted that this 'improv theater' aspect keeps audiences captivated for extended periods. What is GTA V's roleplaying community and what Dan Clancy thinks about it GTA RP offers a viewing experience that differs from traditional competitive games like Call of Duty or League of Legends, which often require some familiarity with gameplay mechanics. Instead, GTA RP focuses on entertainment through unscripted storytelling, allowing audiences to watch streamers engage in spontaneous and often dramatic or humorous roleplay. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo No prior gaming knowledge is needed—viewers simply watch characters interact in unpredictable, real-time scenarios. Some, like Clancy, view this format as a form of digital performance art. He suggests that it could even be studied in theatre programs for its narrative depth and improvisational aspects. For many participants, this goes beyond gaming—they create and inhabit detailed characters, performing live for an audience. Despite growing excitement for GTA 6, the RP community may not transition to the new game immediately. With the May 2026 release scheduled only for consoles, and no confirmation from Rockstar about mod support or PC tools, streamers may continue using GTA V for RP. Clancy estimates that RP-compatible mods may take 6 to 18 months after PC launch to become available. Until then, Twitch streamers and roleplay enthusiasts are expected to remain with GTA V, where the RP infrastructure already exists.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Twitch CEO says that GTA 5 RP will keep the game alive even after GTA 6's launch
There's no denying the hype around GTA 6. It's arguably the most anticipated game of the decade. But even with Rockstar's next big release looming, GTA V (that came out in 2013) still commands massive attention on Twitch. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And according to Dan Clancy, the man running Twitch himself, that won't change anytime soon. Here's everything you need to know. GTA 6 May Be Coming, But GTA V Isn't Leaving In a recent chat at The Game Business Live event, Clancy shared his thoughts on why GTA V is still a giant in the streaming world, and why it'll stay that way, even after GTA 6 launches. Clancy pointed out that GTA V's roleplay (RP) community is massive. It's not just people playing missions or running around in Los Santos—it's full-on improv theater, with streamers building entire personas and storylines from scratch. That's the magic that keeps audiences glued for hours. According to Twitch's internal data, GTA V clocked a jaw-dropping 1.4 billion hours watched in 2024 alone. That's not just impressive—it's untouchable territory. What hope does Twitch have in a TikTok world? RP: The Secret Sauce That Keeps GTA V Fresh Unlike competitive games like Call of Duty or League of Legends, which require some level of game literacy to enjoy as a viewer, GTA RP is pure entertainment. You don't need to know how to play. You just sit back and watch streamers act out wild plots, dramatic arcs, or hilarious situations. It's unpredictable, raw, and real. Clancy even compared it to performance art, suggesting theater schools could study RP as a modern form of digital storytelling. These aren't just 'gamers' anymore; they're live performers with fully fleshed-out characters. GTA 6 Launch May Miss the RP Beat While fans are hyped for GTA 6, its initial console-only release in May 2026 could be a setback for the RP community. GTA RP thrives on PC mods like FiveM, and Rockstar hasn't confirmed when (or if) GTA 6 RP-compatible tools will be available. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Clancy anticipates it could take anywhere from 6 to 18 months after launch before PC modding becomes viable. So, while players rush to explore the new world of Vice City, Twitch streamers will likely stay loyal to GTA V, simply because that's where RP lives. The ONLY Good Thing About the GTA 6 Delay... The Delay Only Strengthens GTA V's Hold The recent delay of GTA 6 from Fall 2025 to May 2026 only deepens GTA V's grip on the platform. With no immediate alternative for roleplay content, streamers won't be jumping ship. In fact, the delay might even fuel another surge of creativity within the GTA V RP scene, as fans squeeze every last bit of entertainment out of Los Santos before the new era begins. Yes, GTA VI is the future. But GTA V ? That's now . And according to Twitch's top executive, it's going to remain that way for quite some time. Until Rockstar drops PC support and RP kicks in for GTA VI , Los Santos isn't handing over its crown just yet.
Axios
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Amazon's Twitch CEO says he avoids word "gamer"
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy said he refers to the livestreaming platform's creators as "people who game," rather than "gamers." Why it matters: Twitch has been growing in categories beyond esports and video games including live vlogging, news and lifestyle content. What they're saying: "They also put on makeup. They also eat food. They also like to listen to music ... So, I use the term people who game, because I think that term gamer gives you the wrong image of who these people are," Clancy said at an Axios event in Cannes on Tuesday. Zoom out: While Twitch is often described as a livestreaming platform for gamers, Clancy said the company's core offering is "about connection with other people and community." Clancy said other platforms misuse the word community and apply it to asynchronous commenting on videos, while also trying to increase the amount over overall video consumed; "One thing that I often say is: today, social media actually is anti social." Twitch, he argued, does a better job by encouraging viewers to stay longer and participate, which builds a stronger connection. "When you think about the communities you belong to, whether it's a church, whether it's a running club, whether it's a friend group, whatever, it's actually all about shared experiences, and it's all about synchronous interaction, where you're experiencing at the same time," Clancy said. The big picture: Amazon-owned Twitch can broaden its appeal to brands and advertisers by highlighting its engaged audience. "One thing that many people don't realize is two thirds of our revenue comes directly from our viewers supporting the creators that they love," Clancy said.
Metro
04-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
TwitchCon 2025: European streamers time to shine
As Twitch begins a big push towards mobiles and vertical streaming, the recent TwitchCon event in Rotterdam showcased both the company's talent and its CEOs. Although TwitchCon started a decade ago now, it's evolved from a once modest convention for the streaming community to an unmissable celebration of online culture, live entertainment, and digital influence. This year's European event in Rotterdam stood not only as a testament to Twitch's enduring importance but also to show how European content creators are carving their own niche in the global streaming arena. Convention centre Ahoy Rotterdam welcomed tens of thousands of fans, creators, and industry partners across two days filled with panels, meet-and-greets, drag shows, and… Warhammer mini painting. The emphasis was on community, but there was a palpable sense of change in the air, as Twitch showcased how it's planning changes around the shifting landscape of monetisation, platform trust, and regulation. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy explained to me how important it was, to have a European presence: 'A lot of times when people talk about Twitch, they always think, how is it different to meet the needs of this European country or whatever? I think that Twitch needs are universal needs. Humans are humans, whether they're German or French or Italian or English.' 'Certainly, different cultures have different characteristics. We do a ton to support our streamers in every country, we do a lot of meet-ups, and we localise our platform for the different markets. Obviously, we have to do things like making sure the currencies that are different in different markets work but we very much think of ourselves as a global platform. 'And so everything we do is sort of focused on the global communities that form on Twitch. When we picked TwitchCon, it's mostly trying to balance and find a place so that folks can come, we looked around and everybody, the community, loved Rotterdam. But one of the things that happens in Rotterdam is we have a bigger imprint on the city when we're there. 'That's what we've experienced when we're in San Diego versus, if TwitchCon is in Los Angeles or Vegas. It's not as distinctive, because those towns have so much going on, and so Rotterdam was really welcoming. They were excited to have us. So it's really been great here in Rotterdam as opposed to saying TwitchCon Europe. The big thing we keep trying to think of is Twitch is really a language-based platform, hence, Twitch is kind of borderless.' Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. It's no coincidence that European creators are front and centre this year. As Twitch faces stiffer competition than previous years, especially in the States from platforms like YouTube Live, and Kick. Its European community has become one of its most stable and vibrant, known for its loyal viewership, cross-border and language collaborations, and charity events like France's ZEvent, which raised over €10 million (£8.4 million). Upcoming legend Aimee 'Aimsey' Davies has carved out a powerful presence on Twitch since launching her career in 2018. The Welsh streamer, known for her hyped Minecraft content and emotional discussions on LGBTQ+ topics, has built a following of over 1 million fans. A proud lesbian and advocate for inclusivity, Aimsey has become a fixture in the Minecraft scene, collaborating with top creators like TommyInnit and Tubbo. Her impact was recognised with the LGBTQ+ Streamer of the Year award at the 2022 Gayming Awards and in 2025 she joined Red Bull as their latest esports ambassador, continuing her mission to champion representation in gaming. With pink hair and a special style in shoes, Saiiren brings a different kind of magic to Twitch. A VTuber (anime avatar), she turned personal health issues – a heart condition and the resulting isolation during the pandemic – into a springboard for creativity and chat. With over 200,000 followers, she blends music, games, and storytelling as a testament to her resilience. Last but not least, with a following of over 5 million, I spoke to Tubbo, a popular UK Minecraft streamer bout tips he had for success in streaming and what he was up to at TwitchCon. 'If you want to succeed in streaming, just have fun with it. I guess because the more time, the more you enjoy it, the more you'll do it, which means the more hours you'll stream, which means the higher chance you'll have of finding lucky success. I recently did a subathon where I streamed for 64 days straight, and I did like 45 events during that, back-to-back, and that was pretty good. 'My community is just so chill. They're just always around to hang out and do something crazy, and they do also make fun of me a lot. I guess that's just kind of our dynamic. I met 200 people from my community yesterday. 'From Dan's announcements, yesterday I was quite excited for being able to rewind VODs back. That's gonna be so useful for producing live events and getting replays, because the biggest pain is you have to wait 10 minutes, but real-time that's gonna be really nice for events. 'If you're doing any sports event and you want instant replays, and you're not recording locally, that's gonna be really useful, because I know that's what a lot of live events do, they stream on YouTube at the same time, just so they can have that wind back for replays. So, it's a game changer. 'In my future. Well, you're only young once. I run a Minecraft hosting company which provides free service to people. I currently have 170,000 Minecraft servers, so probably just keep working on that, because it's quite new. Only been doing it for a few months and that's something you think, once you're a building service, that's my vibe, building services.' TwitchCon 2025 also served as a platform for the company to unveil key features. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy took to the main stage on Saturday morning to outline a raft of new features in his keynote speech, which included vertical streaming aimed at mobile phones. Plus, creators being able to stream in both horizontal and vertical formats simultaneously, as well as in 2K, as the new HEVC codec provides high-quality video at lower bitrates. A new feature called Combos lets viewers react to big moments using Twitch-based digital currency Bits, encouraging hype parties through shared effects. Affiliate requirements are also becoming more accessible and Twitch is making it easier for non-Affiliates to collect earnings before hitting payout thresholds. But the big news of the weekend was the rewind feature, letting viewers catch missed moments and jump back into livestreams. I spoke to Clancy about these intended improvements to the platform and community: 'The reality is, if you're under 25 today, you grew up with a phone in your hand and you have very high expectations about a mobile device. Historically, Twitch's core userbase have been PC gamers. PC gamers all have a big monitor somewhere in their house, usually with a gaming device right there and that's why a lot of our watch time comes on the desktop. 'But that's because people put it on while they're doing other things. But we need to really be thinking in the future. More and more people may not have a big desk, a big screen somewhere in their house. More Trending 'Mobile is central to how people maintain their community and maintain that engagement. So we've been, in the last year, spending a lot of time getting the app more in line with most mobile devices. I think having vertical viewing is sort of obvious. People like holding their phone like that, and that's just really thinking much more about mobile as a primary platform of engaging and maintaining your community. 'We talked about clips, and we need to make clips on the platform easier to get to. We have the Stories feature. One of the things I often talk about is I love making it so that streamers will find three to five moments after every stream and publish it to Stories, so that way their community can catch up if they missed that stream.' A red flag that wasn't addressed was Twitch's recent decision to limit stored highlights and video uploads to 100 hours per user. The change, which quietly took effect earlier this year, has disproportionately impacted speedrunners and esports archivists who rely on long term storage for competitive documentation. Twitch has defended the move as necessary for server cost efficiency, but the blowback has been severe, with some creators moving their archives to YouTube or independent hosting platforms. As the event came to a close on Sunday afternoon, attendees streams over the weekend displayed a dynamic mishmash of cosplay, dance challenges, charity speedruns, and heartfelt shoutouts to the closest of communities. It was evidence that Twitch has become not just a streaming service but a living, breathing organism built by its users, a pulsing mess of the best and worst of gameplay, personality, and technology. Whether Twitch can continue to navigate the maze of innovation, controversy, and competition remains to be seen, but it is trying to keep moving with the times. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. 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