Returning To Twitch - Q&A

Nearly six months have passed since the infamous Final Twitch Stream. I knew during that stream that my schedule was about to become insane (it did), classes would become harder (they did), and my entire day-to-day routine would be sporadic at best (it was). It was tricky to find time to even read Twitter, much less create long-lasting and timely content for you all. We're three weeks into my final semester at college, and while classes are still difficult and my schedule is still crazy, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I know my hard work will pay off, and I only have to tough it out for another 13 weeks.




With that realization, I realized something else: I missed streaming. I missed the interaction on Twitch, I missed the family atmosphere of the Hobo Network, and I missed the memories that were made by being part of the Twitch experience. For the last few weeks, I've been discussing my return with a select few people, and we agreed that it was the right decision, and the right time to do so.

I've already received quite a few questions through social media and email, and I know there's probably some general things that should be noted before the formal return, so here's a quick little Question and Answer session on the Twitch return, what it means for you, and what it means for the Hobo Network as a whole.

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WHAT?! When Are You Returning?!

Monday, February 1st, 2016.

Is This On Your Channel, Or Somewhere Else?

It's my official return to the Twitch page you all know and love, http://www.twitch.tv/kamidahobo.

What's Your Stream Schedule?

At the moment, once a week. The second week of May is graduation, and we'll re-evaluate at that point.

Why Come Back Now? Why Not Wait?

Honestly? I missed it. Even though I had my ups and downs with my full-time Twitch experiment, the experience was a great one. I made great connections, was featured by multiple developers and marketing teams (WildStar, Triad Wars, etc), and was able to really plant the flag on establishing the Hobo Network, which is still going strong today.

Getting back into the groove with a more laid-back stream schedule will be the best way to re-establish myself into the scene, while not making the mistake of having Twitch be my 24/7 timesink.

What's Changed Since You Left?

Most importantly, my mindset. I have other (stable) sources of income right now, and my job prospects after graduation are strong. The pressure of making Twitch a full-time money maker is completely off the table, and I won't live and die by the numbers anymore. I won't care about viewer and follower numbers, or get sucked into the 'This game had X viewers, this game had Y, so I should play the game more people want to watch' trap that I see so many younger variety streamers run into. Twitch will purely be an enthusiastic hobby, created to network with people and keep my design skill sharp.

Any Changes To The Stream Itself?

Three main things:  

1. I have new equipment, namely my Audio Technica AT2020 Plus USB Condenser Mic, and shock mount. The new sound quality for the stream is staggering, and is truly something you have to experience for yourself.
2. I have a Subscription button that now works like my old VIP Program. All point bonuses, point multipliers, and game giveaways will be done through this (much nicer) model, and will keep perks and things easier to track. Also, you'll have on-screen notifications for new subscribers AND recurring subscribers. Each month you stay subscribed, you'll have a live 'Anniversary' notification presented on screen as celebration. There may also be some hidden incentives for staying subscribed for multiple months in a row....
3. I now have custom emoticons, courtesy of BetterTwitchTV (BTTV) and FrankerFaceZ. Download the extension of either program to your favorite browser and use chat commands as listed under my Twitch video. The three starting default commands are KamiThumb, KamiSmile, and HoboHype. They can only be used on my channel (for now), and can be used as often as you like! More will be added down the line, so keep your eyes peeled!

What's The Future Of The Hobo Network?

With my return to Twitch, the longevity and future of The Hobo Network is priority on my list. I'll finally return to hosting streams on my channel while I'm offline (HOORAY!), and as a bonus I'll be updating the Featured Streamer tab on this very site once a month, with a new member of the Hobo Network. Their stream will be present on the static page for the entirety of the month, and will hopefully bring new eyes to your product. I will also be more involved in Hobo Network activities such as group game nights, voice chat, etc.

Are There Any Plans You Can't Tell Us About?

Of course! I wouldn't be me if I didn't have some tricks up my sleeve, right?

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Overall, I feel like this return is going to be well worth the wait: I'm refreshed, my mindset is more clear, and I have specific goals in regards to promoting The Hobo Network and myself that I think will really bring everything to the next level.

I hope you're ready to have some fun, because things are about to get a little bit crazier. I missed you guys. It's great to be home again.

- Wes 'KamiDaHobo' Gardner