Similar to most Internet services, a few large companies dominate the market with their monopoly position. Streaming platforms are not the e...
Similar to most Internet services, a few large companies dominate the market with their monopoly position. Streaming platforms are not the exception here, but rather the prime example of a power imbalance. This unique position makes it possible for companies to dictate the conditions and define a code of ethics. Altair Streaming is a new alternative to the big streaming platforms and that's exactly where it comes in.
At best, this manifesto is focused on users and their well-being. In a capitalist society, however, this is a rather utopian approach. In the real world, these platforms are primarily for-profit and designed to get the most out of their gamers and streamers.
As exciting and fascinating as this rapid technical development may be, it also harbors dangers in the wrong hands. If the mental health of streamers is not taken into account when designing the platforms and the sole focus is on maximizing profits, then we probably face a bleak future. And that is a market segment with one of the fastest growth rates.
The new streaming platforms have enabled millions of gamers to turn their hobby into a lucrative job. Twitch has even published a manual for this. It explains, for example, how players can get more followers. However, anyone looking for ethical guidelines in dealing with these communities is in the wrong place.
The do-gooder platform Altair
"You deserve a platform that is centered around you and your health."
The developers of Altair Streaming have made this their slogan. Of course, they also make money from the service and aren't strictly a non-profit organization, but according to founder Bryan Veloso (Avalon Star), that's not their top priority. He was an employee at Facebook during the internet and social media giant's early days.
Growth is also important to Altair Streaming, but not at any price. As a streamer, Veloso knows the malicious mechanisms and algorithms that market leaders like Twitch use. He himself has worked for Twitch. tv alongside other big names from Silicon Valley. The experience he gained here was the reason and drive to create a better, holistic, and sustainable platform. The communities should be positive and strengthen the sense of community. At the same time, Altair relies on more control of, for example, "hate messages".
The still small team will moderate a lot more and act if necessary than streamers are used to from other sites. This is to separate the good from the bad. The goal is to create a harmonious, mindful and respectful togetherness. Respect for the members is particularly important to them. The aim is not to drive competitors out of the market, but rather to offer a real alternative for the first time.
We have listed for you the biggest advantages of Altair Streaming compared to other streaming platforms.
Pros:
- All streamers are compensated equally on Altair, not just the partners
- No explanation for cancellations of subscriptions
- Not for profit but for the common good
- Control and exclusion of negative content
- Standardized switch-off of metrics
- No or only limited data collection from users
- No plug-ins
- Privacy is respected, no emails or questionnaires
- No annoying ads
- Flat hierarchy of the creator and streamer community
Empathy instead of greed
At least that's the impression Altair Streaming gives visitors. The developers want to redistribute the profit and use the mental health of their users as the measure of all things.
Basically, a rethinking from pure profit orientation to a sustainable, healthy environment can not only be observed in the gaming industry. It would be about time for that. The corporate structure of a non-profit association compared to a company in the classic sense is a promising, humane model for a streaming platform. It can make it possible to design the platform according to the needs and well-being of the users, without taking investors and market developments into account.
Altair also does not accept funds from venture investors. However, the founders allow their streamers and gamers to invest in the platform (hybrid coop model). At the moment it is still a very small team of insiders. If Altair really does become a real alternative to Twitch and YouTube, that too will probably change quickly. So it remains to be seen to what extent the founding team can faithfully adhere to its ethical and moral standards.
It's no secret that a monopoly is always bad for users and consumers, and it doesn't just apply to the gaming industry. It would therefore be desirable to have a real alternative on the market. Even better if this new entrant doesn't exhibit the same exploitative traits as its predecessors. It is to be hoped that this will happen with Altair Streaming: A streaming platform that focuses on mental health and healthy togetherness.
More fun less stress
Users of streaming platforms and internet communities in general often feel enormous pressure to adapt to the needs and desires of their followers. Very quickly, it is no longer about your own strategy or individual self-image, but about generating more traffic and receiving as much positive feedback as possible. This pressure often leads to the actors losing their authenticity. They feel constantly under pressure to keep creating new and better content. This not only has a negative impact on the psyche of active gamers but on the community as a whole.
Because of this, anyone can become an actor. A certain number of viewers and posts is not required. The streamers can decide for themselves which and how much content they want to upload. In addition, the metric surveys are not displayed automatically. They can only be viewed on request. There are no emails or other notifications about performance. This has never happened before and is one of the features Altair wants to use to differentiate itself. This speaks clearly for the understanding and empathy of the founders.
In addition, they are in constant discourse with all stakeholders on the site. The Twitter feed has endless conversations with helpful suggestions for the platform. Altair Streaming is a completely new kind of interactive streaming platform.
Since many things are changing technology and the games are becoming more and more realistic and interactive, it can be expected that the community will continue to grow in the years to come. Portable game consoles, an integrated sense of feeling, and much more make online gaming exciting for an ever-broader target group. Likewise, we are not far from virtual reality. Initiatives like Altair Streaming give hope that these new realities will grow into utopias that have come true.