Since December 2022, Kick has emerged as a popular alternative to Amazon's live-streaming platform, attracting notable Twitch personalities like xQc and Pokimane. As a result, an internet feud between these two personalities has been ongoing for the past few weeks. Joining the ranks of distinguished creators such as Adin Ross and Trainwreckstv, xQc's presence on Kick has further intensified the debate surrounding the two platforms, effectively dividing the internet.
While the discussion regarding Twitch and Kick is not a new one, recent developments on both platforms have added more fuel to the fire. Kick has successfully garnered a respectable audience by offering higher revenue shares for content creators and more lenient terms of service compared to Twitch, which takes a 50 percent cut. However, individuals like Pokimane and Hasan Piker strongly disagree with some of the foundational principles of Kick, and they have not been shy about voicing their opinions.
Pokimane Claims Kick is Against Her Morals
The feud between Pokimane and xQc started in June when it was announced that xQc had signed a $100 million deal with Kick. During a stream, a viewer asked Pokimane if she would switch to Kick for a $10 million contract. She responded by saying that she wouldn't compromise her morals and ethics for more money, and added that something about it personally made her cringe.
xQc, in response, questioned why Pokimane couldn't specify what exactly was deterring her from creating a Kick account. He stated that she needed to be more specific and not just mention morals and ethics. Pokimane's comments were partially related to the gambling aspects associated with Kick, which she believed was harmful to viewers and children. However, some people thought she was insulting the entire Kick platform.
In response to the tweet mentioned earlier, YouTuber and Twitch streamer MoistCr1TiKaL pointed out that Pokimane streams on Twitch, which is owned by Amazon. On June 22, he questioned the moral aspect of directly converting one's audience into Amazon Prime subscribers for Twitch viewing benefits. He further argued that Amazon, being an "evil company" with numerous human rights violations and exploitations, weakens Pokimane's stance on maintaining her morals and ethics.
On July 3, Trainwreckstv announced the availability of a new feature on Kick, allowing users to hide content. This development is likely a response to Pokimane and the frequent criticism aimed at Kick for its gambling-related content. While this solution doesn't completely resolve the issue, it does provide assistance to those who prefer not to be exposed to such content.
Following xQc's deal, Kick announced that Amouranth would also be joining their platform. Amouranth has been voicing her concerns about Twitch's unsustainable business model, claiming that it refuses to adapt. Therefore, it was expected for her to share her thoughts on the matter. During her Kick stream, Amouranth speculated whether Twitch was influencing Pokimane to make negative statements about Kick, suggesting that Pokimane was attempting to gain attention and relevance in a time where she lacks it.
Other smaller streamers have also expressed their opinions, stating that they have limited choice when it comes to deciding between the two platforms, especially if Kick offers higher payouts. On July 2, Twitter user MrARMBARS shared, "My initial [Kick] payment is approximately $185, whereas on Twitch it would have been around $98. Yes... this disparity determines whether we have enough money for groceries and gas for our family for an additional week or not..."
However, Pokimane expressed her desire for smaller streamers to be able to financially benefit from "whatever's happening on Kick." Nonetheless, she emphasized that she would rather maintain her dignity than earn any money. Despite her intentions, Pokimane has faced criticism for her remarks, with some perceiving her as a patronizing bully. MuKitty, a user on Twitter, pointed out that Pokimane seemed to be controlling her friends, such as Valkyrae, by dictating what they could say about the situation.
To defend Pokimane, Valkyrae, a renowned YouTube streamer, revealed private messages in which Pokimane expressed reservations about congratulating xQc due to Valkyrae's opposition to gambling streams. Valkyrae further explained that although her organization, 100 Thieves, hosts poker tournaments and she personally enjoys gambling, she chooses not to stream such content out of concern for influencing others into developing addictions.
This ideology sparked a further discussion on the issue of who and what streamers should be held accountable for. Ageoffun, a Twitter user, expressed the belief that streamers should only be responsible for themselves. They stated, "If I watch one of these kids playing whatever, and then I go gamble, that's my responsibility. No one has the right to take away my ability to make choices."
It appears that the ongoing debate between Twitch and Kick will not be fading away anytime soon, despite the adjustments that Kick has been implementing. The decision to continue providing a platform for controversial streamers like Adin Ross is still causing discomfort among some individuals. Twitch continues to maintain its position as the leading streaming platform, largely due to its larger viewership. While it is possible for both platforms to coexist peacefully in the future, it remains uncertain whether xQc and Pokimane can come to a resolution.
