In a surprising turn of events, the prominent streaming group OTK has expressed its dissatisfaction with Twitch’s recent guidelines and restrictions on branded broadcasts. The platform’s announcement of new guidelines for branded content, set to take effect on July 1, has ignited a fierce backlash within the streaming community. As the controversy unfolds, OTK members, including popular personalities Asmongold and Mizkif, have threatened to leave Twitch and explore alternative streaming platforms such as YouTube, Rumble, or Kick. However, recent developments suggest that the fate of OTK’s potential departure from Twitch remains uncertain.
Twitch’s New Guidelines Stir Controversy
Twitch’s newly unveiled guidelines for branded content have raised concerns among streamers and viewers alike. The restrictions encompass various categories, including a ban on political content, adult-oriented products or services, weapons, tobacco products, certain financial products and services, and medical facilities and products. Interestingly, alcohol is permitted with certain limitations. Moreover, Twitch has placed limitations on display ads, audio ads, and video ads on branded streams, requiring on-screen logos to be no larger than 3% of the screen size.
Outrage Spurs Calls for Boycott
The implementation of these restrictions has triggered a wave of backlash against Twitch. Influential figures within the streaming community, including MMO star Asmongold, have called for a boycott of the platform in the hope that Twitch will reconsider its decision. Others, like CouRage, have utilized the controversy as an opportunity to promote alternative platforms like YouTube, where many renowned broadcasters have migrated in recent years.
OTK Threatens Departure
Tips Out, a co-founder of the streaming and gaming organization OTK, which counts Asmongold and Mizkif among its members, took to Twitter to express the group’s stance on Twitch’s new guidelines. In a statement, Tips Out announced that OTK would sever ties with the streaming platform if the changes were implemented. He emphasized that these restrictions directly undermined their business, staff, and the tremendous effort they had invested in their organization. Additionally, Tips Out mentioned that OTK would release an official statement elaborating on their position.
OTK Considers Alternative Platforms
Mizkif, another member of OTK, echoed the sentiments expressed by Tips Out. He suggested that if Twitch were to enforce the new restrictions, OTK might seek refuge on alternative streaming platforms such as YouTube, Rumble, or Kick. Mizkif raised concerns about the feasibility of producing high-quality content, stating that endeavors like the Streamer Awards would become too expensive and unattainable.
Uncertain Future
Despite the strong statements made by OTK members regarding a potential departure from Twitch, the final decision remains uncertain. Twitch has issued an apology for the backlash generated by its new guidelines and has promised to rectify its communication in the near future. As the streaming community watches intently, the fate of OTK’s relationship with Twitch hangs in the balance, awaiting further developments.
