Twitch to block unlicensed audio ahead of rumoured Google buyout

Twitch, the game streaming service, is set to block third-party copyrighted audio in all video on demand, including in-game and ambient music.

The company announced a partnership with Audible Magic and will scan past and future VODs for music owned or controlled by clients of the audio company.

The Audible Magic technology will scan VODs in thirty minute blocks, muting the entire block if copyright music is detected.

The extent of in-game music blocked may have a significant effect on the service, with gaming videos the website's main content.

This is how Twitch will notify players of a muted section of video.

The changes are taking place before a rumoured $1billion buy-out by Google-owned Youtube, with the audio restraints similar to those employed by the internet video giant.

The new restrictions also have major implications for games that use popular music in their soundtracks, for example playing Grand Theft Auto which features a large collection of music on its virtual radio stations.

Background music, such as a radio or TV in the background, will also trigger the muting mechanism.

While Twitch is primarily known for live streaming of playthroughs and events, which won't be affected, a number of Twitch exclusives have already been hit.

Popular eSports game DOTA 2 had tournament videos muted, even though the video creator was DOTA-maker Valve.