Twitch Ends Support for Localized Twitter Accounts Abruptly, Stirring Controversy Post Layoffs
3 min read
Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg via Getty Images
In a surprising move, popular streaming platform Twitch has decided to shut down its localized language support accounts. The platform’s Twitter support for Spanish, Japanese, Brazil, and French recently made announcements that these accounts would no longer be monitored or used starting January 18, 2024. This decision comes just days after the company faced significant backlash for laying off more than 500 employees due to profitability concerns.
Twitch has ended support from their localized Twitter accounts.
— Zach Bussey (@zachbussey) January 18, 2024
Here's a selection of the tweets announcing their shutdown:#TwitchNews #TOSgg pic.twitter.com/AojH4tUq0L
Community Shocked by Twitch’s Decision
Zach Bussey of Off Stream shared screenshots of the announcements, emphasizing that despite the discontinuation of support on X accounts, users can still seek assistance through the platform’s website-based portal. The sudden move has caught the community off guard, especially considering the recent expansion of Twitch’s user base in non-English-speaking regions.
Twitch Support accounts for Japan, France, Spain, and Germany have all tweeted out today that those accounts do now provide support to their respective country communities via Twitter. @TwitchSupportJP @TwitchSupportFR @TwitchSupportES @TwitchSupportDE#TwitchNews pic.twitter.com/Iz4oxwced3
— Zach Bussey (@zachbussey) October 19, 2022
Surprising Shift: Twitch Ends Local Language Support
Initially launched to enhance user experience, Twitch’s local language support was introduced in October 2022, catering to audiences in Spain, Germany, France, Japan, and Brazil. The goal was to provide assistance not only in the local language but also to address the unique needs of regional communities.
Querida comunidad hispanohablante, esta cuenta ya no será monitoreada activamente.
— Twitch Support ES & LatAm (@TwitchSupportES) January 18, 2024
Para obtener soporte, comunícate con nuestro equipo de soporte humano a través de nuestro portal de ayuda:
🔗 https://t.co/qxMCDKtJn7
Para suspensiones:
🔗 https://t.co/l3BgsvF6CT
Users expressed their surprise and disappointment at the decision, speculating that the cost-cutting measures and layoffs at Twitch were the driving factors behind this move. Some commented on the irony of discontinuing support in regions where Twitch had been experiencing significant growth.
Nous tenons à informer notre communauté francophone que nous ne surveillerons plus activement ce compte.
— Twitch Support FR (@TwitchSupportFR) January 17, 2024
Pour obtenir de l'aide, veuillez contacter nos équipes ici :
🔗 https://t.co/9cqZwhD7BE
Pour faire appel à une suspension :
🔗 https://t.co/4jQsSXqpbA pic.twitter.com/uAR8IUqgE3
Backlash Over Layoffs and Reduced Customer Experience
In response to the news, the online community raised concerns about the impact of recent layoffs on customer experience. Zach Bussey noted a significant reduction in the number of customer experience personnel, despite Twitch’s assurance that the streamer experience would remain unaffected.
No. Layoffs means the number of customer experience people has been dramatically reduced. The Twitch-based support portal will continue to exist.
— Zach Bussey (@zachbussey) January 18, 2024
Critics argue that the decision to discontinue local language support is a blow to non-English-speaking streamers and users, who were already facing challenges in receiving adequate support. The move has been described as “disgusting” by some, highlighting the negative impact on both staff and the Twitch community.
Surprising considering non-English speaking countries were where they were growing most
— RedScapes (@RedScapesTV) January 18, 2024
Guess the cost cutting hit the social media/community team
More staff losing their jobs as well as users and creators losing access to support in possibly the only language they speak.
— Mr C©pyrighted (@CPyrighted) January 18, 2024
Disgusting, non-english streamers were already poorly supported this is a kick in the teeth.
Unanswered Questions: The Future of Twitch’s Support Structure
As Twitch faces criticism for this abrupt change, many questions remain unanswered about the future of its support structure. Users are left wondering if this move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations or if there will be alternative solutions provided for those who relied on the now-discontinued local language support accounts.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
