Justin.tv's gaming channel puts players front and center

If you're a video sharing site, how do you beat back that juggernaut of online video, YouTube? Answer: Specialize.

Justin Kan of Justin.tv gave up the hat camera two years ago, subsequently relaunching his 24/7 lifecasting project as a network of video channels to which anybody could contribute live video.

And now Justin.tv has launched its first specialty sub-site, a network devoted strictly to video games. Like its umbrella site, Gaming.Justin.tv is nothing but live video -- only this video consists exclusively of live video game footage broadcast by the site's users.

It may sound frivolous, but for gamers pondering shelling out 60 bucks for a new game, getting a good sense of how it plays is critical. Sure, you can check out reviews, screen shots, and even vendor-provided gameplay videos on any number of video game review websites, but Gaming.Justin.tv lets viewers see real gameplay unedited and uncensored, just as the player experiences it. Without the corporate filter turned on, gamers get a more accurate look at what the action is really like.

And, hey, most gamers like watching video game footage almost as much as they enjoy playing the games themselves. As well, Justin.tv is hosting gaming tournaments with cash prizes.

What's next? Justin.tv says it's working on a music channel and a "social" channel as its next forays into specialized videocasting sub-sites. Looking forward to checking them out while imbibing a peaty Scotch!