Being a streamer on Twitch is becoming increasingly popular due to the promising earning potential it offers. Anyone with an internet connection, a webcam, and gaming skills can start streaming and interact with hundreds of other viewers. Unlike YouTube, Twitch does not require streamers to have a clickbait-y thumbnail, but in various ways, Twitch streamers can still attract viewers and earn significant donations.
However, just like YouTube, Twitch is tightening regulations for its streamers. Anyone who engages in actions or language deemed inappropriate will face appropriate penalties. The following streamers have made poor decisions that nearly destroyed their careers almost instantly.
Joedaddy505’s Violent Behavior While Streaming
Joedaddy was a fairly popular streamer on both Twitch and YouTube before he self-destructed his rising career in 2016. Joedaddy was known for playing NBA 2k16 and quickly made an impression on many viewers, but with just a 6-minute audio clip revealing an argument with his girlfriend while live streaming, Joedaddy lost everything.
After getting caught up in conversation during the stream, Joedaddy left his desk and went to another area of his home, and viewers began to hear him berating a woman, while she was screaming, crying, and pleading for Joedaddy’s forgiveness. No images were leaked to accuse this streamer of hitting the girl, but the sound of her crying, her pleas, and Joedaddy’s insults were enough for everyone to understand what was happening.
Following the incident, Joedaddy posted on Instagram to explain: “Yes, I was drunk, but she was the one who hit me first and insulted me, my actions at that moment were unavoidable.” But Twitch took a hard stance, stating that they would contact law enforcement if deemed necessary. Joedaddy subsequently deleted his account and lost everything.
ZilianOP Deceived His Fans
Angel Hamilton, known as ZilianOP, earned quite a bit of money as a full-time streamer primarily playing Diablo and World of Warcraft. Hamilton led a comfortable life, receiving generous donations from viewers during his 12-hour streams, but it turned out this streamer had deceived all his supporters.
Everyone knew that ZilianOP had to use a wheelchair. Sometimes he made donation requests, claiming he would use the money for his medical expenses. This appealed to the sympathy and compassion of many, and many viewers happily supported this streamer. However, in 2013, during one stream, viewers saw ZilianOP standing up and walking normally; he later deleted that video and claimed he had just fallen out of his wheelchair while trying to stop his dog from spilling water on an electrical cord. Hamilton’s girlfriend, Panthoria, was also streaming with ZilianOP at that time and quickly diverted viewers’ attention by talking about something else. But none of this could fool the live audience, fans felt betrayed, and Twitch quickly banned ZilianOP and Panthoria, calling the incident “a slap in the face to the actual disabled members of the Twitch community.”
Overwatch Pro xQc Is Extremely Toxic
Felix Lengyel is a professional Overwatch player known as the most toxic player in the world after his actions.
The trouble with Lengyel’s Dallas Fuel, known as xQc, began when he became a painful loser, despite not playing poorly in that match and giving it his all. However, what was condemnable was Felix’s continuous use of vulgar language and derogatory remarks about gender.
Following this incident, Felix faced a hefty fine and a suspension from competition. But things got worse when xQc not only showed no remorse but continued his toxic behavior by calling casters “cancerous” and later making racist remarks towards reporters. The continuous troubles led to xQc being kicked out of the Dallas Fuel team. He still streams Overwatch now but certainly no longer enjoys support.
Roxicett Went Overboard
As we mentioned, Twitch is doing its best to avoid becoming a cam site where streamers try to monetize their appearance. But sometimes incidents occur that make this goal difficult to achieve.
The incident caused by female streamer Roxicett while playing RuneScape is an example. This girl received a streaming ban from Twitch after turning her live session into a Gamer Girls Gone Wild video. Although she offered explanations for being inebriated and not being in control, it was hard for Twitch to overlook Roxicett pulling up her shirt and pants to show off her body live. This was a regrettable incident for this female streamer, as it turned her entire career into a bubble.