Implementation Guide for Online Claw Machine Solutions

10 min read
Jun 9, 2025

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Overview

Tencent Real-Time Communication (Tencent RTC), leveraging years of technological expertise and a diverse product ecosystem, delivers an efficient and convenient one-stop solution for online claw machine scenarios. Powered by Tencent RTC's robust real-time interaction technology, it enables online claw machine applications with end-to-end audio/video latency under 300ms. We also provide offline claw machine maintenance services to further reduce operational costs and ensure full-chain readiness for rapid deployment.

TRTC offers effortless integration – requiring just 2 lines of code to run a test demo and 10 lines of code to complete integration of common features, allowing you to quickly build your interactive claw machine application from scratch. Whether enabling remote claw machine control, live viewing of grabbing processes, or adapting to other arcade game types, TRTC delivers stable, HD-quality, ultra-low latency audio/video services. By implementing TRTC, operators can not only enhance gameplay fun and engagement to improve user experience, but also unlock new business opportunities and strengthen user retention for this vertical.

  • Online Claw Machine Demo is now available in our Demo Center. Click to try it now.
  • For inquiries, detailed solutions, or integration guidelines, please contact us.

Introduction

RoleCore ScenarioScenario DetailsCore Requirements
PlayerOperating Claw MachinePlayers view real-time camera feeds from claw machines, remotely control the claw via mobile devices to precisely position and capture desired toys.
  • Ultra-low latency (near-sync between mobile controls and visual feedback) enabling real-time monitoring of claw movements. 
  • Stable HD video quality with strong weak-network resilience.
  • On-demand camera angle switching and video quality adjustment. 
  • Cross-platform compatibility with unified accounts across devices. 
  • Highlight recording/download of successful captures.
AudienceWatching Claw MachineSpectators remotely observe player operations in real-time and can join/leave viewing rooms at any time.
  • Stable video streaming under high concurrency (supports massive audiences).
  • Multi-angle viewing and adaptive video quality options.
  • Cross-platform compatibility for seamless multi-device spectating.
DeveloperDevelopment & Maintenance Online Claw Machine ApplicationsBuild/maintain online claw machine platforms, ensure user experience, and collect promotional materials.
  • Ultra-low latency interaction for seamless gameplay.
  • Multi-platform support (iOS, Android, Web, etc.) with unified maintenance.
  • RTMP-to-TRTC streaming: Enables low-latency live claw machine operations without hardware upgrades (works with existing IP cameras/encoders).
  • Broad hardware compatibility covering 95%+ claw machines and user devices.
  • Gameplay recording for operational promotions.
  • Global acceleration eliminating regional latency differences.
  • Scalable architecture for future upgrades and social features.

Solutions

We provide RTMP Push + TRTC Pull and End-to-End TRTC solutions tailored to developers at different stages with varying needs.Group 1303097770.png

Solution

RTMP Push + TRTC Pull

End-to-End TRTC

Scenario

RTMP-compatible cameras/encoders (no hardware upgrades required)

TRTC-compatible cameras/encoders

Development Cost

Low

Medium

Implementation

No hardware modification required. Integrate TRTC SDK into the app. Claw machines use RTMP push to send streams to TRTC real-time servers; the app pulls streams via TRTC.

Both claw machines and apps integrate TRTC SDK. Claw machines push streams via TRTC; apps pull streams via TRTC.

Latency

300-500ms

100-300ms

Core Features

Feature

Claw Machine Application

Real-Time AV Interaction

Players use live video streams to position claws accurately, while spectators engage through real-time viewing, enhancing interactivity and entertainment.

Weak-Network Optimization

Ensures smooth gameplay and stable controls by minimizing lag. Players enjoy precise claw operations, while spectators experience uninterrupted viewing.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Seamless operation across WeChat Mini Programs, iOS, Android, and Web. Users can play anytime, anywhere.

Global Acceleration

Delivers consistent low-latency (<300ms) gameplay worldwide, eliminating regional performance gaps.

Multi-Quality Switching

Adaptive video quality adjusts based on network conditions and device capabilities for optimal viewing/control.

Highlight Recording

Captures and saves gameplay clips for replay and marketing.

Network Monitoring & Analytics

Real-time network diagnostics, weak-network alerts, and API-driven user activity tracking.

BGM & Audio Effects

Customizable background music and event-triggered sound effects (e.g., success/failure cues) to boost engagement.

Integration Process

Service Activation

To get started, you'll need to create an RTC Engine application in the Tencent RTC console. We offer 10,000 free minutes per month for each RTC Engine application (SDKAppID).

You can quickly create a free trial RTC Engine application and automatically receive the 10,000 free minutes by logging into the TRTC console, entering your online claw machine application name in the pop-up window, and clicking "Get started".

Claw Machine Streaming Side

RTMP Streaming Solution: Refer to RTMP Interconnection with TRTC to construct an RTMP push URL and configure it on the network camera or streaming box on the claw machine side to achieve low-latency RTMP audio and video streaming.

TRTC Streaming Solution: Integrate the TRTC SDK into the network camera or hardware streaming box, then enter a TRTC room to achieve TRTC audio and video streaming.

Application Pulling Side

TRTC supports full-platform SDKs for iOS, Android, Web, Flutter, and more. Based on your application's platform requirements, integrate the corresponding TRTC SDK. Players will then enter the roomID configured on the claw machine's streaming side and call the TRTC pull streaming interface to achieve real-time audio and video pulling. For details, refer to the TRTC Integration Guide.

If you require consultation or assistance, you can contact us, and we will answer your questions and help you with the integration process.

Scenario Expansion

Enhance User Interaction with Barrage and Gifting

In the claw machine scenario, barrage (bullet screen comments) and virtual gifting can significantly boost user interaction and social engagement.

Barrage comments allow viewers to:

 Comment on the player's actions.

 Share their opinions and suggestions.

 See comments displayed in real-time on the video, making the viewing experience more fun and interactive.

At the same time, viewers can purchase and send virtual gifts (like flowers, applause, or trophies) to players, showing their support and encouragement. When gifts are sent, special effects and sound effects can be triggered, enhancing the game's visual and audio appeal. This also creates an additional revenue stream for the platform.

Furthermore, gifting leaderboards and barrage interaction records can increase user participation and competitiveness, ultimately improving user stickiness.

We recommend using Chat to implement this feature. For more details, please refer to the Chat Group feature introduction.

Boost Social Engagement with Chat Features

Building on the foundation of barrage comments and gifting, social chat features offer users a centralized way to connect and further enhance your application's social appeal.

Through social chat, users can add other players or viewers as friends, forge social connections, and communicate in real-time to swap gaming tips and experiences. Your platform can also host themed group chat rooms and social events like "Claw Machine Tips," "Newbie Exchange," "Claw Machine Competitions," or "Lucky Draws." This helps users discover like-minded individuals, cultivate an active user community, and ultimately improve user stickiness and retention.

We recommend leveraging Chat to implement this functionality. For more details, please refer to the Chat feature introduction.

Elevate User Experience with Highlight Replays

The highlight replay feature can significantly enhance user viewing experience and interaction. Users can instantly rewatch exciting moments from their claw machine sessions, especially successful catches. This not only allows them to relive the joy of success but also helps them analyze and learn claw machine techniques.

Furthermore, users can share these highlight clips on social media or within the platform's social chat features to discuss and share with friends or other users. This can attract more potential users to the platform, increase user connections, boost user stickiness, and expand the platform's user base.

We recommend using TRTC Cloud Recording to implement this feature. For more details, please refer to TRTC Cloud Recording documentation.

FAQs

Q: Which platforms and devices does Tencent RTC support?

A: Tencent RTC supports cross-platform integration, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web, etc. Developers can achieve multi-device interoperability via unified APIs.

Q: Does Tencent RTC support global service coverage?

A: Yes. Tencent RTC leverages Tencent Cloud’s 70+ global zones across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, etc., ensuring low-latency access. Data residency options are provided for regional compliance.

Q: How does Tencent RTC handle user privacy and data protection?

A: Tencent RTC complies with global regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). Data is encrypted via AES-256 during transmission and storage. Developers can configure data residency zones via the console to meet local compliance.

Q: How to ensure service stability under high concurrency?

A: Tencent RTC utilizes Tencent Cloud’s global infrastructure, supporting tens of millions of concurrent users. Features include auto-scaling, load balancing, and multi-region disaster recovery.

Q: Is there a free trial available?

A: Yes. New users can access free tier services, including 10,000 free minutes monthly, 100 free MAU monthly and free trial for each product up to 140 days. Start your trial via the Tencent RTC Console after registration.

Q: How to get discounts when purchasing TRTC products?

A: Tencent RTC offers up to 90% off for the first month exclusively for new users. Check the Promotion Page for eligibility details. For enterprise-level customized pricing (e.g., high concurrency or long-term partnerships), contact us to tailor a plan for your needs.

Q: How to contact technical support or report issues?

A: Available channels:

Documentation: Tencent RTC Docs

WhatsAPP Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gfbxk7rQBqc8Rz4pzzP27A

Telegram Group: https://t.me/+EPk6TMZEZMM5OGY1

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/hq7jW7zChW