Image: TrashM4N
Though introduced as a platform to stream video games, there are so many things you can watch on Twitch that it sometimes makes gaming seem like an afterthought. Cooking, talk shows, painting, '90s daytime cable television, even people just lifting weights. And while this may all be veering into some Black Mirror-ish territory, I don't think I've ever seen a Twitch user as endearing as TrashM4N. This guy doesn't stream himself taking out garbage video games, that's what YouTube is for. He streams himself taking out literal garbage!TrashM4N does spend time playing Rocket League, Counter Strike and Call of Duty, but he also streams and archives a library of videos of himself at his day job: as a garbage man. He drives around in a garbage truck, he puts garbage into the garbage truck, he talks about video games, he talks about beer, he responds to questions and listens to the radio.In a conversation through Twitter, he told me he that looking for an audience as a new Twitch streamer can be stressful. After Twitch launched an IRL category, he realized that his advantage could be something he already does.
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"Streaming work has helped me, personally, get through work," said TrashM4N. "I don't love my job, but I love the support I get from the Twitch community for doing the work some don't even pay attention to. I feel like in some weird way, I finally feel more job satisfaction."TrashM4N told me he reviewed his job's rulebook to make sure his life as a streamer doesn't conflict with his life as a garbageman. He uses a hands free device. He only reads the chat when he's stopped the truck. He follows the rules of the road.Who knows what the future may hold. Maybe your barber will start livestreaming. Or your local dentist. Maybe the world will start small with baristas and librarians. Maybe god is streaming us all right now, and not only is the world a simulation, but it's being heckled over by its cosmic gamer overlords. Until then, just remember: The next time you toss a stack of old GamePro magazines, another game pro might be picking it up.Subscribe to Science Solved It , Motherboard's new show about the greatest mysteries that were solved by science.