Twitch launches a new collaboration feature called Drop Ins, but it won't let streamers turn it off: "You can't switch it off"

Twitch, the streaming platform, has launched Drop Ins. This new feature is "designed to make 'dropping in' easier for people while they are streamin'." The collaboration tool allows streamers "knock" other live streamers. They will receive a notification that is only visible to them. If they accept, a joint stream will begin. The tool was designed to allow multiple collaborators, but Twitch didn't specify a maximum number of participants.

"Planning a collaborative event can be difficult," writes Twitch's CEO Dan Clancy. He explains why the platform believes this feature is useful. "You need to first reach out to someone and ask if they'd like to collaborate, then you have to find a suitable time for both of you. This might be worth it for longer collaborations but not so much for shorter ones. Twitch's magic is also that it is improvised and you never know what you will get. You don't have to plan everything you are going do."

The announcement has not been well received by a large portion of the audience. Twitch launched a new feature in a way that was unexpected, and users were not able to opt out. Drops Ins give streamers considerable control over who they allow to "knock" at their streams. The options include "All Streamers", "Affiliates and Partners", "Partners only", "People you Follow" or "Your Favorites List". You can pause the feature on any stream, but it can't be permanently disabled.

Zach Bussey, a streamer, says "This update is terrible." "They're imposing it on everyone and its permission structure allows anyone to call. You can't shut it off. You can only pause '1 Hour OR This Stream'. Turns on all streams."

Tyler Oakley, a popular streamer, said the same as many smaller creators. "Please allow streamers to choose out of this. This is so unnecessarily forceful."

Some people have complained about the feature, but they seem to be exaggerated, given that Twitch allows streamers to control who can "knock", on their streams. But the most common complaint is that streamers are not given the option of turning it off.

"Knock knock! Who's there?" ShyLily writes: "Unwanted feature!"

I'm amazed that no one at Twitch anticipated the backlash against Drop Ins. Drop Ins are a good idea. Streamers are increasingly banding together and it's fun to watch your favourites play together and collaborate. Twitch makes this feature much easier to use, and I'm sure the majority of users will take advantage.

Solo streams are still the norm, and there will be streamers who refuse to collaborate. It feels overbearing to make them opt out of every stream rather than simply turning it off. Drop Ins are sure to become a popular and important part of the platform, but Twitch should allow individuals to opt out.