Sony has announced plans to discontinue support for Ustream broadcasts on the PlayStation 4, limiting player options regarding live-streamed gameplay footage.
Currently, Ustream is one of four video-sharing services players can use to stream live footage from the PlayStation 4. While players will still be able to stream via Twitch, YouTube, and Dailymotion, Ustream will cease to function on PlayStation 4 consoles starting in August.
“Players can broadcast gameplay via YouTube, Twitch and Dailymotion, and enjoy viewing these broadcasts via Live from PlayStation,” Sony’s support site states. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your understanding.”
The PlayStation 4 is built with live-streaming functionality at its core, allowing users to instantly broadcast their gameplay via a “Share” button on the console’s DualShock 4 controller. Players who purchase the optional PlayStation 4 Camera peripheral can additionally broadcast live video footage and voice-over via microphone input.
Ustream and Twitch were the first two streaming services supported by the PlayStation 4 at launch, with YouTube and Dailymotion compatibility arriving within the console’s first year of release. Sony did not specify a reason behind its discontinuation of Ustream support.
Ustream was previously a preferred option for PlayStation 4 owners who produced gaming-themed talk shows and other live events via the PlayStation 4 Camera-enabled Playroom app. Shortly after the PlayStation 4’s launch in 2013, Twitch banned user accounts streaming Playroom content “because a majority of it was non-gaming related,” according to a Twitch representative. Twitch has since softened its stance on non-gaming material with the launch of Creative and Food categories.
Starting on August 1, users will no longer have the option of streaming or viewing Ustream broadcasts through the “Live from PlayStation” service on the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita. Ustream support will also be disabled within the PlayStation App for iOS and Android devices.
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