What is stream sniping?

Stream Sniping: A Disruptive Practice

Stream sniping is the act of watching a live stream of a video game player to gain an unfair advantage in the same game. Snipers use the streamed content to discern the streamer's location, strategies, and other crucial information that would normally be hidden.

• How it Works: A stream sniper will enter the same game or match as the streamer. They then use the streamer's live video feed (which is often delayed by a few seconds) to pinpoint the streamer's position on the in-game map, anticipate their moves, and otherwise exploit their knowledge of the streamer's gameplay.

• Why it's Considered Unfair: Stream sniping removes the element of fair play and competition. It gives the sniper information that they wouldn't have access to under normal circumstances, allowing them to gain an advantage without relying on skill or strategy.

• Consequences: Stream sniping is generally frowned upon by the gaming community and can lead to bans from the game or the streaming platform. Many game developers and streaming services actively combat stream sniping by implementing features such as stream delays, or by allowing streamers to report suspected snipers.

• Countermeasures: Streamers employ several strategies to mitigate stream sniping:

  • Stream Delay: Adding a significant delay (several minutes) to their stream makes it much harder for snipers to use the live feed effectively.
  • Obscuring Information: Covering parts of the screen that reveal sensitive information, such as the map or player names.
  • Playing in Private Lobbies: Limiting their gameplay to private lobbies or custom matches where only invited players can participate.
  • Reporting: Reporting suspected stream snipers to the game developers or streaming platform.