The creator economy keeps rewriting the rules of game discovery. Q2 2025 added fresh proof: Twitch’s new Picture‑in‑Picture ads and “Treasure Train” bundles changed monetization overnight, while surprise drops like Elden Ring: Nightreign and hits like REMATCH showed how quickly viewership can pivot. The Xsolla Twitch Trends Report distills those shifts into one quick read. Powered by Xsolla Partner Network data, this quarter’s snapshot spotlights:

• Ten must‑know Twitch news stories that moved audiences
• The games that spiked fastest (by hours and by % growth)
• The creators and channels that leapt into the big leagues

Use these insights to aim launches at peak attention, sharpen creator campaigns, and ride the next content wave.

Why it matters

For developers & publishers

• Time updates around real audience spikes
• Spot rising categories before they overcrowd
• Craft creator programs anchored in hard numbers

For creators

• Stream the games gaining heat now
• See which formats and events power growth
• Turn data into smarter content bets

1. Top Twitch News Stories (Q2 2025)

1. Picture‑in‑Picture ads & “Treasure Train” bundles arrive

• New ad slot lets streams play under a resizable overlay while commercials run.
• 35 % sub‑bundle discount drove record June sub‑redemptions.
• 100‑hour cap placed on Highlights/Uploads.

Takeaway: Marketers get a non‑interruptive impression format, while creators gain a stronger sub‑upsell lever—good news for sponsorship pacing and CPMs. 2. Advertiser‑Friendly Content Guidelines

• Twitch Safety Center

Takeaway: Clearer brand‑safety tiers make it easier for publishers to pre‑qualify co‑streamers. 3. Partner Plus expansion

• 70/30 split goes uncapped Insider Gaming

Takeaway: More mid‑tier creators now qualify for premium rev‑share, shrinking the gap between Partner and Affiliate economics. 4. Monetization overhaul gives most streamers sub & Bits access Takeaway: The bar to launch paid campaigns is lower than ever; smart indie launches are seeding hundreds of micro‑partners day‑one. 5. Asmongold normalizes full multistreaming (Twitch + X + Kick) Takeaway: Expect more non‑exclusive talent; plan campaigns with multi‑platform tracking from the outset. 6. Kai Cenat’s “Streamer University”

• Variety show pulls > 270 k CCU

Takeaway: Event‑format streams remain a fast track to mainstream press and meme reach. 7. Rainbow Six Siege X

• Launch and Season 2 Day‑Zero relaunch – June 10 season reset followed a record‑setting June 1 launch (+410 % viewership) powered by Twitch Drops.

Takeaway: Staggered “launch → season” sets a blueprint for extended momentum. 8. MapleStory Worlds global launch (23 Apr) taps creator modding demos Takeaway: UGC‑first sandboxes punch above weight when creators can showcase live edits. 9. DOOM: The Dark Ages

• Premiere hits 145 k peak CCU on May 15

Takeaway: Single‑player AAA can still dominate if release timing avoids esports finals. 10. Discovery Feed rolls out to all mobile users (May 13)

• TikTok‑style vertical feed launched; early feedback from streamers mixed on actual discoverability

Takeaway: Short‑form highlights may become a new entry lane—optimize clips, but keep expectations realistic.

2. Fastest‑Growing Games (existing titles)

1. Elden Ring: Nightreign – +1,190 % QoQ

• Surprise expansion & streamer early‑access launched April 25.
• From‑Software seeded lore creators with 72‑hr exclusive windows.

Takeaway: Even established hits can reinvent themselves; plan DLC creator beats like mini‑launches. 2. Clash Royale – +225 % QoQ

• “King’s Gauntlet” $1 M open tournament plus TikTok clips integration.

Takeaway: Short‑form virality remains a growth rocket for mobile titles. 3. Schedule I – +148 % QoQ

• Crime‑sim went from Early‑Access curiosity to co‑op cult hit after 3/24 content patch.

Takeaway: Steam betas that solve co‑op pain points can catapult to Twitch relevance overnight. 4. MLB The Show 25 – +135 % QoQ

• In‑game Twitch Drops for Diamond Dynasty packs during real MLB broadcasts.

Takeaway: Sports sims thrive when broadcast schedules and reward campaigns sync. 5. IRL – +106 % QoQ

• Outdoor & travel meta rebounded as summer events resumed.

Takeaway: Seasonal content still sways the Just‑Chatting‑adjacent categories.

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3. Top Game Launches (released inside Q2 2025)

Ranked by Hours per Day (Hours Watched ÷ Days Live)

Takeaway: Short, intense launch windows (REMATCH, Siege X) can out‑perform longer‑exposure RPGs when coupled with day‑one creator incentives.

4. Fastest‑Growing Creators

Common drivers: platform‑sanctioned co‑streams (esports) or narrative event arcs that span multiple days.

5. Top Breakout Creators (first time in Top 200)

Takeaway: Variety‑plus‑event creators are still the fastest path from obscurity to the Top 100.

Top‑20 Channels Q2 2025

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Top‑20 Games Q2 2025

Report Wrap‑Up Q2 confirmed a simple truth: creator‑centric launches win. From Mario Kart World roaring out of the gate to shadowkekw doubling his hours with co‑streams, success favored studios and streamers that paired fresh content with immediate creator incentives. Niche titles, regional esports, and cross‑platform personalities all gained ground—evidence that there’s room beyond AAA tent‑poles if timing and community fit line up. Ready to act?

• Publishers & devs: Explore Xsolla Partner Network to match with proven talent and track ROI in real time. Boost Game Revenue With Partner Network
• Creators: Browse live campaigns and launch in minutes.

Let this quarter’s trends fuel your next big move.