Justin.tv regulars were in for a shock Tuesday when they logged on to the popular live video-streaming site only to find it had been shutdown.
“The Justin.tv website, mobile apps, and APIs are no longer in service,” read the message on the site. “Thank you sincerely for seven years of live video memories.”
Also read: Google Acquires Video Game-Streamer Twitch for $1 Billion (Report)
Justin.tv was launched in 2007 as a “lifecasting” platform and home for streaming video. Twitch, which focused specifically on live-streaming TV, was borne from it in 2011 and it took off. In 2014 the entire company was renamed Twitch Interactive.
As TheWrap previously noted, Twitch is reportedly in the process of being acquired by Google for $1 billion.
Twitch confirmed the end of Justin.tv, but declined to say if the timing is coincidental or if this has something to do with the reported Google buyout.
“We are immensely proud of Justin.tv’s legacy,” said COO Kevin Lin in a statement to TheWrap. “Not only is it the birthplace of Twitch, but it was the pioneer of live video on the Internet. It holds a special place in our hearts, as well as a special place in the history of the Internet, and will be missed.”
See video: Revenge of the Gamers: Why YouTube Would Buy Twitch
Despite the Justin.tv shutdown, a Twitch representative assured TheWrap no layoffs were planned. In fact, the company says it’s hiring. Twitch, however, continued to decline comment on the reported Google buyout.
Representatives for Google declined to comment on both Justin.tv and the reported buyout.