Tom Gerken

In this engaging discussion, BBC tech reporter Tom Gerken reveals Saudi Arabia's strategic $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic, the publisher behind Pokémon Go. He explores the reasons behind the Kingdom's massive investments in gaming, driven by a desire for economic diversification. The conversation highlights the booming gaming scene in Saudi Arabia, fueled by government support and shifting social norms. Additionally, Abdirahim Saaed from BBC Arabic shares insights on the PIF's financial power and implications for data privacy in gaming.

Tom Gerken, a BBC technology reporter, and Stefan Powell, former BBC News gaming correspondent, dive into the future of Twitch, the leading live-streaming platform. They discuss its massive audience of 240 million and the profitability struggles faced by parent company Amazon. The duo explores the platform's unique features, monetization difficulties, and the impact of recent layoffs. With rising competition from YouTube, they ponder whether Twitch can adapt to changing market dynamics or if it’s on a path to decline.

Tom Gerken, a BBC tech reporter, and Steffan Powell, the BBC's former gaming correspondent, delve into the uncertain future of Twitch, the leading live-streaming platform. They discuss its impressive 240 million monthly users but stress the challenges of achieving profitability and ongoing layoffs. The duo explores the fierce competition from YouTube and others, along with Twitch's unique features and community interactions. Will its dedicated audience make it too big to fail, or is it facing a decline amidst the evolving digital landscape?