Android game streaming coming to YouTube "soon"

YouTube Gaming launched last month, allowing gamers to tune into live streams through Google’s own video service. The rival to Twitch allows hosts to stream content from their PC, but YouTube has now announced that a future update will allow for streaming directly from Android phones too.

The update was announced at the Tokyo Game Show and is said to be coming “soon”. The new feature will be accompanied by a Japanese version of YouTube Gaming. Mobile gaming is proving particularly popular in Japan and Google is looking to capitalize on this trend. Google’s steaming app was initially launched in the UK and US, but is gradually being pushed out to new markets.

“Japan’s mobile games define its gaming culture, far more so than in other countries … This trend shows there’s a real need for gamers to easily share what’s on their screen with the gaming community” – Ryan Wyatt, global head of YouTube Gaming

It’s not quite clear how the Android streaming option will work yet, what resolutions or any other features will be supported. Details will probably be announced closer to release time.

YouTube Gaming has plenty of challenges ahead to rival Twitch’s popularity, but opening up mobile gaming content and a focus on regional trends could help the service gain unique a following of its own.