YouTube explores new revenue stream with testing of online games integration

YouTube is entering the world of online gaming with a new product called "Playables," according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

In an effort to explore new revenue streams, YouTube is reportedly testing the integration of online games directly on its platform, accessible on both mobile and desktop devices. Playables allows users to play games within the YouTube website or app, regardless of whether they are using a web browser or an Android or iOS device.

While details about the games available for testing are limited, the report mentions Stack Bounce as one of the games being tested, an ad-supported brick-breaking arcade game.

YouTube's move is seen as a way to diversify its revenue streams amid falling advertising costs. Although Google's previous gaming venture, Stadia, was not successful, YouTube's vast audience and existing user base make it a potentially more promising platform for hosting online games.