Twitch CEO Dan Clancy discusses VTuber growth and community at Tokyo Game Show

At Tokyo Game Show 2026, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy discussed the platform's focus on community and the future of VTubing. Clancy emphasized that the desire for community is a fundamental human need that transcends cultural differences, defining community as a sense of connection and belonging through shared experiences.

Regarding the VTuber industry, Clancy noted that while it originated in Japan, it is still in its early stages globally. He predicted growth driven by lower barriers to entry, a shift from 2D to 3D models, and increased interaction between VTubers and virtual environments.

Clancy also addressed Twitch's strategy regarding short-form content, stating the company aims to integrate clips more deeply into the Twitch experience to drive viewers back to live broadcasts. Additionally, he touched upon the recent decision to open monetization tools globally without requiring affiliate status, aiming to allow anyone wishing to earn money on the platform to do so.