User blog comment:Random-storykeeper/RSK's Gameathon master post/@comment-5202010-20150820154142/@comment-4652747-20150820155350

Hangouts is a video chat thing run by google which we use to chat during the gameathon. In addition to just text chat, it also gives you the option to show the game window live if people want to see it or use a microphone so you can talk while playing. You can participate on your own without joining hangouts if you want, though. Usually in the past we've just accepted peoples' results at their word if they're not showing the game screen. It's more of a fun thing than a serious competition anyway. :)