TimTheTatman concerned Twitch is no longer a “gaming” site as IRL streams dominate

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Streamer TimTheTatMan ignited a widespread discussion about the direction of gaming broadcasts by expressing his opinion that Twitch’s ‘Just Chatting’ category is significantly more popular than content featuring people playing games.

Among the most prominent online streamers today are Kai Cenat, IShowSpeed, and Asmongold. Not only do they excel in creating content, but they’ve also made a significant leap into mainstream media.

For example, Kai Cenat frequently mingles with prominent figures such as Drake, LeBron James, and Kevin Hart, among others. On the other hand, IShowSpeed, a popular YouTube streamer, earns international acclaim due to his widely-shared travels around the globe.

Mostly, they don’t spend their streaming time in front of a computer playing video games, except for Asmongold, who is famous for his political commentary streams at home. Instead, they are usually engaged in activities such as hosting awards ceremonies and participating in fitness competitions against well-known athletes.

These types of influencers are making TimTheTatMan believe that the future of live streaming may not be centered around games, but rather on real-life (IRL) experiences instead.

TimTheTatMan says gaming on Twitch is dead

During a June 2025 broadcast, Tim discussed an increasing pattern he’d observed – a significant portion of Twitch viewers were found in the ‘Just Chatting’ section of the platform.

He stated that approximately 500,000 people were tuned in to the “Just Chatting” stream. The next most popular video game, by comparison, was League of Legends with around 100,000 viewers, followed by Counter-Strike at 85,000. It appears that gaming in total is currently trending, as it seems the majority of views are attracted when discussing drama within the “Just Chatting” stream.

He went on to say that, although many big streamers may not spend a lot of time actually playing games, it’s more about their real-life interactions now. For instance, look at Kai Cenat who recently spent time with LeBron James. That’s the current state of things – real life (IRL) is dominating the scene.

Major streamers are not into gaming as much these days; real-life experiences seem to be more popular right now. That’s just how things are.

— yoxic (@yoxics) June 25, 2025

Opinions on Tim’s theory vary quite a bit among viewers. Some believe that Kai’s actions can be largely attributed to his encounters with celebrities and his exposure to shows outside of home, while others suggest that the gaming content is currently experiencing a slump and won’t pick up again until a major release like GTA 6 becomes available.

“IRL is the ultimate reality show,” one viewer said on X.

One person stated, ‘It’s not just any popular game at the moment,’ implying that their focus shifts to a new game or content once something exceptional becomes available. They further added, ‘When there’s an outstanding game or show like GTA 6, people won’t be creating real-life content. It’s not about great games currently.’

Currently, I’m on the lookout for a fresh, exciting game – something that’s making waves in the gaming community right now. But as soon as a new title worth sinking my teeth into drops, everything else fades away. When Grand Theft Auto 6 hits the shelves, you can bet your last dollar that I’ll be all-in on that! Right now, there aren’t any games grabbing my attention like that.

— DeaTHhly (@DeaTHhlyy) June 25, 2025

“We desperately need better multiplayer games,” another said.

Although the “Just Chatting” category currently dominates, many of Twitch’s top subscribed streamers primarily focus on gaming. However, content creators such as TimTheTatMan are not fully convinced that this trend will last for a long time.

Not only that, but it’s worth mentioning that Kai Cenat’s extended gaming sessions have often become popular online sensations. He’s set to repeat this success with IShowSpeed in a live Mario Bros. streaming event.

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2025-06-25 21:48