Bytedance augmented Game: Sources say Tiktok is testing a feature that allows users to play alongside streamers

TikTok, an international version, is setting its sights on gaming, Reuters reports.

TikTok has been conducting tests in Vietnam to allow users to play games through its app, it said, citing sources as saying the company hopes to roll out gaming features more widely across Southeast Asia in the third quarter of this year.

In response, Tik Tok confirmed to Reuters that it has tested HTML5 games, but declined to discuss project testing and future plans in Vietnam. "We are always looking for ways to enrich our platform and regularly test new features and integrations that bring value to our community."

Reuters sources indicate that the plan is to capture ad-supported games from parent company ByteDance's library to boost revenue and to try to further boost the amount of time people spend on TikTok, if possible.

TikTok has reportedly experimented with at least one in-app "mini program/mini game," partnering with Feeding America on Garden of Good, a Farmville-like game where players earn points, Use those points to donate.

TikTok also announced late last year that it was partnering with FarmVille maker Zynga to develop Disco Loco 3D, an HTML5-based endless runner that also works within the app, but that seems to be just the beginning of TikTok's gaming space.

Tiktok has already launched games in China, and other companies such as Facebook and Netflix have recently moved into mobile games, according to the report. TikTok also tested a game streaming service with its Live Studio for PC, and allowed developers to achieve more interactivity by incorporating its "mini-programs" into short videos.

Another report from TechCrunch says: Watchful says TikTok is working on some new live-streaming features, such as people playing games with an interactive audience, including a Pictionary like game, and allowing viewers to browse live products and make purchases.

Bytedance established Chaoxi Lightyear in 2019 to publish and produce games as part of ByteDance's game business, IT Home learned. Xxi Lightyear has released and acted as an agent for many games in China, such as "Wonderland Legend RO: Birth of a New Generation" and other games with a monthly turnover of over 100 million.

In 2018, Bytedance entered the game industry, covering game publishing and agency, and game research and development. As the gaming business becomes more important to the company's future plans, Zhang yiming, who doesn't play games, spends time each week playing them exclusively.

In February 2021, Bytedance launched its game brand "Morning Light Year". In March, it spent $4 billion to acquire Mugtong Games, the largest MOBA game company in Southeast Asia; In April, invested 100 million yuan in Qiankun, the developer of Restart the World; In May, it spent hundreds of millions of yuan to acquire Youai Interactive, a mobile game developer with a strong presence in Japan and South Korea.

In July 2021, Bytedance's head of game business and President of Asxi Lightyear, Yan Sheng, revealed that asxi Lightyear's business is mostly global, and overseas revenue accounts for nearly 80% of the total global revenue, which does not include the revenue from pupil exchange.