In a rather sneaky tweak, Twitch has added an interesting new chat mode type called “Emote Only Mode”. What does this do? Exactly what you think- a chat in Emote Only Mode allows only emotes to be written in chat. This update has not been mentioned yet on the Twitch Blog, nor on their Twitter. I came across this news via theGunrun’s tweet.

Afraid of spoilers? Turn on /emoteonly mode in Twitch chat pic.twitter.com/GCcrJNexnB

— theGunrun (@theGunrun) February 9, 2016

As the image above explains, you can turn on Emote Only Mode in your Twitch chat by typing /emoteonly in the chat box. To turn off Emote Only Mode, type /emoteonlyoff. Moderators have the power to use this as well.

It appears one of the reason’s behind creating this mode was to totally prevent the chance of anyone spoiling something in chat. When a new story heavy game is released, it’s not uncommon for people to wander around Twitch chat’s trying to spoil everyone else’s fun. Some people will go as far as subbing into a sub-only chat just to try to upset people. This is definitely one way to ensure no one can do that in your chat. Of course, if you aren’t a Twitch Partner, sub-only mode would prevent anyone from talking at all, except for moderators.

As for other essential uses, that remains to be seen. It sure will lead to some amusing Twitch chats at least!