The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill, and the gaming community in Madagascar is no exception. However, the community, known as The Shimmy Network (TSN), has found an innovative way to stay active and engaged. TSN, which is both a community and a team, focuses on teaching the culture of the Fighting Game Community (FGC) through tutorials, training sessions, and tournaments. With gatherings limited due to the pandemic, TSN has turned to live streaming on Facebook to keep its community active.
TSN's captain, Andrew Andriantsiratahina, explains that the community has been using live streaming to maintain its momentum. The team has been streaming sessions of games on Facebook, which has proven to be a successful way to engage with the community. This approach has not only helped to keep the community active but has also attracted new members. With over 26 million people in Madagascar, and not all of them living in the capital, TSN sees live streaming as a way to reach a wider audience across the country.
One of the reasons TSN has opted for live streaming on Facebook is that it requires fewer resources than online gaming. Some games do not work well with Madagascar's internet infrastructure, and online gaming can be affected by lag. Live streaming on Facebook, on the other hand, demands less in terms of equipment and internet connection. This approach has allowed TSN to continue its activities without interruption, and the community has seen a surge in popularity in recent weeks.
TSN's focus is currently on fighting games, particularly the Street Fighter series. However, the team does not rule out playing other games or participating in tournaments outside of the FGC. The e-sport landscape is constantly evolving, and TSN is well-positioned to adapt to changes. With its strong focus on the FGC, TSN is one of the few groups in Madagascar that promotes this type of gaming.
The success of TSN's live streaming approach has led to questions about whether this will become the community's primary activity after the pandemic. Andriantsiratahina believes that live streaming has the potential to become a key part of TSN's activities, given the country's young population and their love for gaming. Facebook is an ideal platform for reaching this audience, as it is widely accessible and some mobile operators offer it as a free service.
The growth of TSN's community has also raised questions about the potential for live streaming as a revenue stream. Andriantsiratahina notes that live streamers are sitting on a goldmine, and some have already realized this, while others will discover it later. As the e-sport industry continues to evolve, TSN is well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities.
As the pandemic continues to affect communities around the world, TSN's experience offers an example of how innovation and adaptability can help to keep communities engaged and active. With its focus on live streaming and its strong community, TSN is poised for continued growth and success in the world of gaming.
Key points
- TSN has found a way to stay active during the pandemic through live streaming on Facebook.
- The community has seen a surge in popularity in recent weeks, with over 26 million people in Madagascar potentially reachable through live streaming.
- TSN's focus on live streaming has the potential to become a key part of its activities after the pandemic.
