In a significant development for the streaming industry, Félix "xQc" Lengyel, the most popular streamer on Twitch, has inked a lucrative deal with Kick, a new rival streaming platform. Kick not only offers improved revenue splits but also revolves around online gambling, setting itself apart from its competitors. This non-exclusive agreement is valued at a staggering $100 million over a span of two years, dealing a severe blow to Twitch, which is already grappling with discontent among its creators.
According to an exclusive report by The New York Times, xQc's annual earnings from this deal will amount to $35 million, with the potential to earn an additional $30 million through various incentives tied to specific milestones. Dexerto highlights that this payout would make xQc the twelfth highest-earning individual in the sports industry, surpassing the likes of Kevin Durant.
Kick is a startup streaming platform that has garnered financial support from online gambling companies such as Easygo Gaming and Stake.com. Following Twitch's recent crackdown on gambling promotions, Kick has emerged as an attractive platform for prominent streamers like Adin Ross, BruceDropEmOff, and Trainwreckstv. This popularity can be attributed to Kick's lenient rules and a favorable revenue split of 5/95 for content creators. While Kick's profitability and future plans remain unclear, it has capitalized on the backlash against Twitch's aggressive monetization strategies targeted at its content creators.
Born out of the Twitch community, where toxic chat interactions are prevalent, xQc initially gained fame as a prominent player in the competitive scene of League of Legends before transitioning to Overwatch. However, due to a series of suspensions for offensive remarks, he was eventually released from the Dallas Fuel, a team competing in Blizzard's Overwatch League. In 2018, xQc made the decision to become a full-time content creator, combining his exceptional gaming skills, unfiltered commentary, and knack for stirring controversy. By 2021, he had become the most-watched streamer on Twitch.
In 2022, leaked reports revealed that xQc had earned an astonishing $8 million from subscriptions on the platform. However, during the same year, he suffered a significant loss of $1.8 million within a single month due to online gambling. Although his contract with Kick does not prevent him from continuing to stream on Twitch, the latter platform prohibits simulcasting. As a result, it remains uncertain how much time xQc will allocate to the platform that played a pivotal role in catapulting him to stardom.
Upon the announcement of his partnership with Kick on June 16, xQc expressed his excitement through a tweet, proclaiming, "It's time." In the accompanying video, he reassured his audience that his content would remain unchanged on the new platform. Notably, xQc retweeted a message in support of fellow streamer Nickmercs, who had recently faced criticism for making derogatory remarks against the LGBTQ+ community.
The Rise of Kick: A Streamer's Paradise
Kick's emergence as a formidable competitor in the streaming industry can be attributed to its unique features and favorable conditions for content creators. Let's take a closer look at why streamers are flocking to this platform:
A Lucrative Revenue Split
Kick's revenue split model is undoubtedly one of the most attractive aspects for content creators. With a generous split of 5/95, Kick ensures that streamers retain the majority share of their earnings. This enticing proposition has enticed big-name streamers like xQc, who seek to maximize their revenue potential.
Backlash Against Twitch's Monetization Policies
Twitch, owned by Amazon, has been under fire for its increasingly aggressive monetization tactics targeted at content creators. This has resulted in widespread discontent and a growing sense of frustration among the streaming community. As a response to these grievances, Kick has positioned itself as an alternative platform that prioritizes the needs and financial interests of its content creators.
The Uncertain Path to Profitability
While Kick has managed to attract prominent streamers and gain traction in the industry, questions remain regarding its profitability and long-term sustainability. As a streaming platform funded by online gambling companies, including Easygo Gaming and Stake.com, Kick's revenue sources may raise eyebrows and generate concerns among some users. However, only time will tell how Kick plans to solidify its financial standing and ensure a sustainable future.
xQc's Journey from Twitch to Kick
As a product of the Twitch community, xQc's rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a competitive player in League of Legends to his eventual transition to Overwatch, xQc has captivated audiences with his exceptional gaming skills and unfiltered commentary. Despite facing several suspensions and ultimately being released from the Dallas Fuel, xQc reinvented himself as a full-time content creator in 2018.
With his unique blend of high-level gameplay, controversial remarks, and a penchant for stirring up debates, xQc quickly ascended to become Twitch's most-watched streamer by 2021. The platform provided him with a dedicated fan base and substantial earnings through subscriptions. However, xQc's ventures into online gambling resulted in significant financial losses, shedding light on the potential risks associated with such activities.
Now, with his partnership with Kick, xQc enters a new chapter in his streaming career. While his contract doesn't restrict him from streaming on Twitch, the platform's rule against simulcasting raises questions about how much time he will devote to his Twitch audience moving forward. Only time will tell how xQc's presence on Kick will shape his content and further propel his career.
Conclusion
The signing of Félix "xQc" Lengyel by Kick marks a significant shift in the streaming landscape. With a staggering $100 million deal over two years, Kick has managed to secure one of Twitch's biggest streamers and deal a substantial blow to its rival. As the platform gains momentum, it remains to be seen how Kick will navigate the challenges of profitability, maintain its lenient content policies, and continue to attract top-tier streamers.
For xQc, the transition to Kick opens up new possibilities and potentially diversifies his streaming career. As his fans eagerly anticipate his content on the new platform, the streaming community as a whole watches closely, analyzing the impact of this partnership and the dynamics of the ever-evolving streaming industry.