Streamlands OBS controversy, explained – Polygon

Streamlabs OBS, a leading company for live-streaming software, is removing the phrase “OBS” from its name after facing criticism from multiple sources, including popular streamers and other companies. Starting today, the company will be known as “Streamlabs.”

The company was also confronted with allegations Tuesday that it copied the website design and descriptions from Lightstream. Streamlabs replied to Lightstream’s claim in a public Tweet: “Text on the landing page was placeholder text that went into production by error. We are responsible for this. The text was removed as soon as it became apparent. Now, the intended version is online. Lightstream team is great and we’ve reached out directly to them to apologize.”

On Wednesday, Streamlabs issued a statement saying that it would drop the “OBS” from its name and that it takes “full responsibility” for its actions. Lightstream was not mentioned in the statement. Polygon reached out both to Lightstream and Streamlabs, but they did not respond before publication.

Streamlabs’ decision to drop “OBS” from its name comes on the heels of a public tweet from the original creators of the open-source software OBS. OBS’ tweet claims that Streamlabs reached out ahead of its launch to ask about including “OBS” in its software title. OBS asked Streamlabs to not do it, but Streamlabs obliged. “We’ve tried to sort this out in private and they have been uncooperative at every turn,” the tweet from OBS said.

Streamlabs OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a completely free, open-source program that simplifies streaming. The software was built from OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), an older open-source program. Streamlabs OBS, a more advanced and user-friendly version of OBS, is one way to look at it. But the name wasn’t the only issue facing the company.

Tuesday saw the launch of Streamlab Studio. It is a cloud-based streaming platform that lets content creators share their live gaming without having to use a capture device or other software. It lets streamers customize their stream’s look using their mobile phones. It’s meant to give console players the chance to stream without needing all the fancy tech. This partnership is with Twitch streaming platform.

The problem is that similar software exists already. It’s called Lightstream, and just like Streamlab Studio, it offered creators a way to stream from their consoles and customize their streams through a mobile browser. If that wasn’t enough, the actual website for Streamlab Studio also looks very similar to Lightstream’s website for the software — which Lightstream pointed out on their official Twitter account.

Many individuals took to Streamlabs, accusing it of copying Lightstream’s software and website. This, along with the fact this service was a premium one, costing $4.99 per month and $49.99 annually respectively, led to criticism.

Popular streamers Hasan “Hasanabi” Piker and Imane “Pokimane” Anys called the company out, with Piker threatening to “never use” Streamlabs again if the company didn’t resolve the matter. Anys similarlyShe stated that she was going to ask them for her face to be removed from the platform if Streamlabs didn’t resolve this issue.