OTK threatens to leave Twitch over branded stream restrictions
Streaming group OTK has seemingly threatened to leave Twitch after the platform unrolled new guidelines and restrictions of branded broadcasts.
On June 6, the internet was set alight with backlash againstTwitchafter the platformannounced new guidelines for branded content starting on July 1.
For example, Twitch now prohibits “political content, adult-oriented products or services, weapons, tobacco products, certain financial products and services,” on top of “medical facilities and products.” Alcohol, however, is allowed — with some restrictions.
Twitch is adding new rules for branded content on streams, starting next month:1. Logos on stream must be 3% or less2. Burned in ads are no longer allowedpic.twitter.com/V85jWtnwxC
That’s not all; Twitch also states that no “burned-in” display ads, audio ads, or video ads are allowed on branded streams and that logos on-stream must be no bigger than 3% of screen size.
These restrictions have sparked a wave of backlash against Twitch, with the likes of MMO starAsmongoldoutrightcalling for a boycott of the platformin the hopes they’ll roll back this decision.
Other broadcasters such asCouRagehave used the outrage as a way toadvertise for other siteslikeYouTube,where a slew of other top broadcasters have moved over the past few years.
Now, it looks like a major streaming organization might be making the jump as a result of Twitch’s latest business decisions.
OTK co-founder threatens to pull org from Twitch amid branded content restrictions
Tips Out, co-founder of streaming and gaming orgOTK(of which Asmongold is a member), published a statement via Twitter in response to the latest Twitch news, saying the group will leave the streaming platform if these changes go through.
“If this goes through, OTKnetwork will be leaving Twitch,” he wrote. “This is a direct attack on our business, staff, and all of the hard work we have put into our organization.”
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If this goes through,@OTKnetworkwill be leaving Twitch. This is a direct attack on our business, staff, and all of the hard work we have put into our organization.@djclancy999
In addition, Tips also said that OTK will release an official statement on the situation later in the day.
For those reaching out, thank you and yes we have seen the new Twitch TOS around branded guidelines.We will have a statement coming later today.@OTKnetwork@Twitch
Mizkif claims OTK may move to YouTube, Rumble, or Kick
Mizkif,also a part of OTK, spoke out about the situation as well, saying that the org will likely move to YouTube, Kick, or Rumble if Twitch’s new restrictions become law for the platform’s streaming talent.
“The Streamer Awardswill not be possible,” he wrote. “Any high quality production will be too expensive to make and will not be possible.”
All streamers should be looking to leave Twitch if this goes through continuing to hurt the bottom line of all streamersOTK will go to Youtube Rumble or KickStreamer Awards will not be possibleAny high quality production will be too expensive to make and will not be…
OTK pens open letter to Twitch amid branded content restrictions
Shortly after these statements, OTK published an open letter to Twitch, where it harshly criticized the platform for its “anti-creator” policies while reminding the site of its own ongoing live shows.
A message to Twitch.pic.twitter.com/uQl2eEbG6h
Although several OTK members threatened to leave Twitch for good, it looks like any potential move is still up in the air afterthe platform apologized for the backlash their new guidelines createdand promised to remedy their “language” in the near future.
