8 News Stories That Prove Gaming Has Already Changed Forever

7. Google Stadia's Crowd Play Functionality Makes Streamers Even More Valuable

Speaking of the Google Stadia, there was one feature in the company's console unveiling that became an immediate talking point: Crowd Play. This system would, theoretically, allow fans watching games being played on YouTube to jump into those very same games at the push of a button. Even better, they wouldn't just be jumping into their own servers, but the very session they're currently watching.

It's intended to further bridge the gap between a streamer's audience and the streamer themselves, upping engagement and ultimately awarding the experience with a lot more intimacy. It's a win for YouTube from a purely business sense, of course, as this futuristic feature is something the closest competition, namely Twitch, doesn't have. If adopted by the major names, then it could see Google getting a substantial one up on their rivals.

At the very least, though, it should ensure that streaming only gets even bigger from here on out. The big personalities in the business have been making headlines over the past decade for the sheer amount of money they make, and the influence and power they wield will only continue to grow if companies double down on features like this.