Since Twitch’s acquisition of the Curse group chatting and communication application, the team have been hard at work tweaking and reinventing it into the Twitch desktop app it is today. They’ve taken “the best of the Curse platform” and made it their very own – possibly even better. The blocky looking user interface is reminiscent of Discord’s design, only just switched around a little bit. In an effort to streamline gaming and communication with friends and family alike, the team has added a screen overlay option that can be accessed using “alt-tab”. Think of it like the overlay screen for the Steam desktop client that allows players to access their profile, friends list, text chats, setting changes, achievements, and more. Other features include private messaging, video calls, voice and text chatting, activity sharing, add-ons and mods. You can even create your own Twitch server!

The Twitch Desktop App—which features all of the elements people love about the Curse app, such as screen sharing, voice and video calling, and community server creation—is now bolstered by Twitch features. This includes Friends, Whispers, activity sharing, and will soon serve as a game library for purchases fulfilled by Twitch. The result is a one-stop shop for connecting members of our community.” – Twitch CEO Emmett Shear, VentureBeat Press Release

The open beta for the Twitch desktop app will begin on March 16th, 2017.

In other Twitch news, the company recently announced that viewers can purchase PC games from the page of streamers and they get 5 percent of the profit. Some publishers like Telltale Games, Ubisoft, and Hi-Rez Studios have already raised their hands in participation! It is anticipated to debut this Spring. Also, did you know that usernames can now be changed? That’s right. Twitch now grants everyone permission to alter their alias at a click of a button! Granted, account holders will only be allowed to do so every 2 months, but it’s certainly better than being stuck with PussySlayer9000 for the rest of your life. Jokes.

With all the other apps available for free download, as well, what can Twitch’s version offer that will make it competitive? Will you be participating in the Twitch desktop app open beta? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below or begin your own conversation on Don’t Feed the Gamers Disqus channel! To stay up to date on the latest news in the gaming world, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!