Best answer: Crowd Play is a built-in feature for Stadia that allows players to jump into a multiplayer game with their favorite streamers and YouTubers.
- Play on your TV: Chromecast Ultra ($70 at Amazon)
- Stream anywhere: Lenovo Chromebook C330 ($254 at Amazon)
How does Crowd Play work?
While you’re watching your favorite streamer play a game on YouTube, there will be a button that you can click that allows you to join in the game with the live streamer. Because there may be a high influx of players, you will not immediately join the game. Instead, you’ll be placed into a lobby and wait your turn for the next available match.
The button on-screen in the demo appears to indicate which number you are in line, with the person in the demo’s case being third in line to play. It will continually update to display your number as you move forward in line and are on deck to jump into the game.
How will they combat online toxicity and harassment?
This is a giant question mark currently. Google has not stated what measures will be in place to mitigate online harassment, and going from YouTube’s less-than-stellar approach, it’s a valid concern. The company plans to reveal more information on Crowd Play in the coming months, at which point they will hopefully address this glaring unanswered question.
Will Crowd Play be available on Twitch?
Google made no mention of its potential availability on Twitch at this time.
Big screen
Chromecast Ultra
$70 at Amazon
Stream on your TV
Just use the YouTube app on your Google Chromecast and you can hop into games on your television with your favorite streamers and interact with them like never before.
Portability
Lenovo Chromebook C330
$254 at Amazon
Stream anywhere
Stream your games wherever you go and always be ready to play with your favorite YouTubers with Lenovo’s C330 2-in-1 convertible laptop, the perfect way to play anywhere.
