Stream sniping is a term used in the context of online streaming, particularly in the world of video games. It refers to the act of watching a live stream of a player while simultaneously playing against them in the same online game. The intention behind stream sniping is often to gain an unfair advantage or disrupt the streamer’s gameplay for entertainment purposes.
Here’s how stream sniping typically works:
- Live Streaming: A player is broadcasting their gameplay live on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Mixer. This broadcast allows viewers to watch the player’s actions and reactions in real-time.
- Online Gameplay: The player is also participating in an online multiplayer game, which means they’re sharing the same virtual game world with other players.
- Cheating or Disruption: Some viewers might attempt to join the same game session as the streamer intentionally. This is done by closely monitoring the stream to find out which game server or lobby the streamer is in.
- Unfair Advantage: Once in the same game, stream snipers might use the stream to gain an unfair advantage. For example, they could watch the stream to see the streamer’s position, strategy, or loadout. This information can be exploited to target the streamer or outmaneuver them.
- Disruption or Harassment: In addition to gaining an advantage, some individuals engage in stream sniping with the goal of trolling or harassing the streamer. They might perform actions in the game that specifically target or annoy the streamer, often just for the sake of causing frustration or amusement.
Stream sniping is generally considered unethical and unsportsmanlike behavior. Game developers and streaming platforms often take measures to prevent or discourage stream sniping, and many players and streamers advocate for fair play and respectful interactions within the gaming community.
Some streamers combat stream sniping by implementing stream delay (adding a delay to the broadcast so that it’s not exactly in sync with real-time gameplay), using tools to hide server information, or by engaging with their audience in a way that doesn’t reveal critical gameplay information.