A dramatic week for Streamlabs OBS…

If you live in the world of streaming on Twitch, Facebook, YouTube or any other platforms, then it is more than likely that you have heard of OBS, OBS Live, Streamlabs and Lightstream. Recently, these behemoths of the streaming world, all came to a head over one thing — copyright.

What is Streamlabs OBS?

Streamlabs is a form of open broadcasting software that allows streamers and content creators to “build tools and software allowing live streamers and content creators to engage with viewers, monetize their broadcasts, and grow their channels.” You may have seen Streamlabs OBS mentioned on multiple websites, and used by streamers worldwide, and that is because it is a very useful tool for streamers to utilise on a regular basis. The application allows users to broadcast their desktop and applications to the world via their online platform of choice, such as Twitch, Facebook and YouTube.

Streamlabs OBS is by far the most popular choice for streamers, as 40 percent of streamers used the product in 2018, and it is difficult to go through the platform without finding a streamer who uses it, and with both Streamlabs OBS, and OBS being free, why wouldn’t you explore both options?

Recently though, Streamlabs OBS has found itself in hot-water in the streaming world, as their are some very apparent similarities showcased in this tweet by Lightstream, another broaadcasting software, indicating the similar layout, words of choice and Lightstream decided, they had had enough.

Streaming from a console has always been difficult, with a lack of customisation for people to utilise overlays, and change the position of their webcams etc. and Lightstream offered streamers the opportunity to not be restricted by the fact that they are on consoles. Shockingly enough, not everybody grew up in a nice household, and not everybody is in the financial position to afford a PC, but Lightstream offered them an essential lifeline.

The drama unfolded once Streamlabs OBS announced their new project; Streamlabs Studios. The aim of the project was to make it easier to stream from a console, however, it was not the app that was questioned. It was the overall brand direction and marketing strategy. Below you can see the tweet and side-by-side comparison. Let us know on Twitter, what you think. Do you see any differences in the two products?

Streamlabs did try to deal with the situation through this reply to Lightworks’ tweet, but this statement did not go down well. Members of the community, including Jacksepticeye called out the brand for a “blatant lie”. Furthermore, claims came from users that they were automatically enrolled to a premium service charging them £5.99 per month without their consent.

The misfortune for Streamlabs OBS did not end there though, as OBS Studio also claimed to have been plagiarised by Streamlabs OBS.

These statements by OBS and Lightwork sets a bold, but appropriate precedent that no matter how big of an organisation you are, you can and will still be held accountable. People work hard on their products, and even go out of their way to reach out to ensure the protection of it and to develop relationships with other companies. It appears that OBS have attempted to solve the situation, but to no avail.

A statement has since been issued by Streamlabs OBS, now known as Streamlabs Desktop making it clear that they intend to support the community and take responsibility, but the question is, if they wanted to support the community, why did it happen in the first place? Streamlabs has since, removed OBS from their name and are still in the process of doing so at the time of this writing, swapping their name to Streamlabs Desktop.

The situation continues to worsen though for Streamlabs as former employees of Streamlabs, have come forward and explained that people spoke out, and tried to improve things and ensure that the product was ethical, but resulted in them being fired instead.

This situation has cost Streamlabs a lot already:

It’s reputation
A lot of its users — members of the streaming community are on the move to alternatives to streamlabs following their unethical conduct.
Partnerships with streamers, such as Pokimane.
Partnerships with brands, such as Elgato

Does this mark the start of the end of Streamlabs? Don’t forget, alternatives exist: