Tencent Patents To Let Players Watch Live Streams As They Play Games

The livestreams could be watched in the picture-to-picture mode.

By Shahmeer Sarfaraz December 25, 2023

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A new patent by Tencent may let you watch live streams in picture-in-picture mode while playing games.
The patent wants to make it possible for gamers to enjoy live streams while having the ability to play games.
Twitch provides a picture-in-picture mode but is limited to certain device types and other variables.

Currently, watching a live stream can make it quite hard for users to play games at the same time. While there are already a few ways to get around the issue, Tencent might be exploring a more plausible solution. A new patent published by the company wants to let players watch live streams in picture-to-picture mode while playing games.

The legal doc by Tencent dubbed “COMBINED SYSTEM FOR GAME LIVE-STREAMING AND GAMEPLAY” talks about adding a screen window of the live stream right into the game. In other words, viewers can watch a live stream while playing a game without quitting or minimizing it. It can make it easier to follow a live tutorial or guide about some in-game scenario while actively participating in both activities.

The playing of the game live-streaming screen is maintained in the form of the picture-in-picture window, and the second game interface is displayed in the game interface at the same time, so that when a user is watching a game live-streaming screen, the user can also perform other game operations,” reads the patent.

The schematic flowchart shows a interaction method for game live-streaming. — The schematic flowchart shows an interaction method for game live-streaming.

The publisher argues that the live stream window currently takes over the whole or a large part of the screen. As a result, gamers are left with no choice if they want to play the game while watching a live stream. Playing alongside the streamer—whether progressing through a puzzle or having fun— becomes quite difficult in these moments. Thus, Tencent provides the perfect solution by allowing streams to fit alongside the game window.

In other words, […] there is no need to close or minimize the live-streaming screen to perform other game operations. Instead, the live-streaming screen is played in the game interface in the picture-in-picture manner, and other game operations are performed in the game interface.”

Streamers could also use the tech to play with their audience in a more connected manner. If YouTube’s picture-in-picture mode is anything to go by, we can expect a deep level of compatibility while gaming. Additionally, Tencent discusses adding the feature to change the size of the live stream window and move it around while gaming. The user can click or tap the screen to choose different sizes or pull the edge to increase it.

Related Content:

The schematic flowchart shows picture-in-picture addition of live stream window in a game. — The schematic flowchart shows a picture-in-picture addition of a live stream window in a game.

Streaming services like Twitch already offer a picture-in-picture mode to some extent. Its usage can be quite limited to certain devices and games only. Tencent might be seeking a more feasible solution—like a more extensive implementation or for its own titles only— by securing a patent for the system.

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