Stream sniping is the act of a viewer watching a streamer's live online in-game play to gain an advantage. It is made possible when the spectator is successful in joining the lobby the content creator is part of and uses the information they see on the broadcast to stay one step ahead. They can even leak the whereabouts of the content creator within the game online, which can again be a nasty experience for the victim.
As readers would have inferred, stream sniping can be a frustrating problem for content creators, as it ruins their gaming experience and makes it difficult to progress or win. This activity has been a growing problem on high-profile platforms like Twitch and YouTube for some time now, as more and more people are turning to broadcasting as a way to build their audience and connect with others.
While it is not always easy to clearly pinpoint when someone is intentionally stream sniping, it is imperative for broadcasters to remain aware of the risks and take steps to prevent them from happening.
Popular examples of the good and bad of stream sniping
A big worry is that there have been instances where even professional sporting athletes were labeled stream snipers. One of the most famous cases of stream sniping came in 2020 when the Esports Integrity Commission published a report which alleged large-scale stream sniping at the highest level of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive competitive play.
Another example of the ills of stream sniping was when xQc was badgered by Banana Saxophone for months. A Fortnite player, Juul Trooper, would constantly shadow the Juicer with his iconic banana skin and saxophone emote. It frustrated the Canadian, who ended up lashing out at the perpetrator for his repeated annoyance. Fans, however, clearly lapped it all up, and that is why there are so many clips of high-profile names being stream-sniped posted online.
XQc himself was banned in November 2020 for stream sniping his opponents while playing in Twitch Rivals. The purple platform penalized the megastar with a seven-day suspension and had him relinquish his winnings from the competition, apart from banning the former Overwatch pro from the competition for six months.
Yet another ugly side of this practice came to the fore when DrDisrespect, one of the biggest names in gaming content creation, was so upset at a bunch of players stream-sniping him that he ended up uninstalling the game, Call of Duty: Warzone, in anger. It takes a lot to get into the head of someone as firm-headed as the Two-Time, and this was a good example of how stream sniping needs to be stopped, with a punishment necessary for the wrongdoers.
However, it would be prudent not to mention that it does have its place in gaming content creation, although only when regulated and when done to have some fun. A good example is Shroud's PUBG lobbies, which were full of stream snipers trying to get close to him. The CS legend's insane reflexes resulted in some delightful clips of him taking down some stream snipers. However, most of these stream snipers were not there to grief the Canadian, instead joining his games just to be near their idol, hoping to be included in a clip. They even bought him loot to help with his gameplay and lead to more viral videos.
Avoiding stream sniping: A how-to
Tip 1: Use a delay
If someone is looking to avoid stream snipers altogether, one of the best ways is to use a delay when streaming. Online personalities can do this through their streaming software, which allows them to add a delay between what they are playing and what will be broadcast on the stream. This will give them a chance to react to any kind of information that the snipers are using, making it harder for them to gain an advantage. However, there is a caveat, as this can make it harder for viewers to engage with the streamer in real-time, so finding the right balance between delay time and engagement is vital to a successful broadcast.
Tip 2: Don’t overindulge in sharing information
Another important step is to be mindful of what information internet stars share on their streams. This includes their game settings, location, and other sensitive information that could be used against them. For example, if a gaming content creator is playing a first-person shooter game, it is crucial to avoid sharing their location or the direction they are moving towards, as this could help snipers gain an edge in gameplay.
Tip 3: Play with a group
Playing with a group can also help reduce the chances of being sniped, as it can be more difficult for snipers to coordinate an attack on multiple players. Moreover, playing with a team can make the game more enjoyable and help build a sense of community around a streamer's broadcast.
Tip 4: Report suspects immediately
If content creators suspect that someone is stream sniping, it is important to report them immediately to the game's support team or the platform’s moderation team. It helps prevent these perpetrators from continuing to indulge in such blatant negative activities and could lead to them being banned from the platform altogether.
Tip 5: Use in-game anti-cheat software
Most games nowadays also have anti-cheat software to aid in detecting and preventing stream sniping. If these tools are available to a streamer, it is important to use them to protect their stream and audience.
It is also paramount to keep in mind that stream sniping is not always intentional. Sometimes, viewers accidentally stumble upon a broadcaster's game by chance and accidentally gain an advantage. In these cases, it is essential to remain calm and not overreact.
Finally, streamers must not let stream sniping ruin their gaming experience. While it can be frustrating, it is critical to remember that it is just a game, so they should not let the snipers get the best of their time on air. They can continue playing and enjoying the game without letting the snipers win.
Conclusion
In summary, stream sniping is a growing problem for streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. It is vital for them to take steps to prevent it from happening, including using a delay, being mindful of what information they share, playing with a group, reporting snipers, and using anti-cheat software. It is also crucial to remember that not all instances of stream sniping are intentional, and they should not let it ruin their gaming experience.