This episode of Game Talk Live focuses on the recent efforts of Logan and Jake Paul to cash in on an entry to Twitch streaming and the amazing success of Epic Games' Fortnite. Host Mandie Roman is joined today by a panel of experts including Ricky Hayberg of the movies, gaming, and culture-centered ETC Show on Youtube, Twitch and YouTube partner and Kicking and Screaming Season 1 Winner Nati Casanova, and Gabby aka Katixxia, who has worked in and around of gaming for 7 years as a cosplayer and Twitch livestreamer.
With Jake and Logan Paul having taken to the idea of streaming Fortnite on Twitch, speculation has begun as to whether this is a real move for the Paul brothers or if its purely reactionary in response to the recent succes of Tyler "Ninja" Blevins in streaming and Fortnite. The panel discusses the Paul brothers' motives for involvement in the Twitch, gaming, and streaming communities.
Some of the specific matters discussed include whether or not Logan Paul's fans will abuse certain aspects of Twitch, such as subscription and pay abuse and elements of toxicity that the sudden influx of Paul's fans may bring over to the Twitch platform. The panel debates whether or not the entry of the Paul brothers into the Twitch platform may affect or hurt other Twitch partners in the community.
“I don’t have a problem with big #YouTubers coming over to #Twitch…but I do think that some communities can be extremely #toxic…I’m concerned with the #toxicity it’s going to bring to the platform." -@TheZombiUnicorn
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 21, 2018
Watch Live: https://t.co/XOEUJSZPqu#youtube #streamers pic.twitter.com/I974OBlCtH
With the more negative elements of the Paul brothers' entry into Twitch, the question comes up as to whether or not Twitch's management will keep Jake and Logan in check and ensure that they are forced to follow the rules like anyone else. Game Talk Live considers whether or not Logan Paul will be given leeway, or if his community will be kept in check to ensure that all rules are followed the same as any other streamer. The matter of whether or not Twitch invites controversial people into its community to build publicity is addressed.
Discussion also covers the number of eyes that will be on Logan Paul from moderators on direct behalf of Twitch to regular patrons who may watch purely to see if Logan Paul or his fans break the rules. The panel discusses whether or not Logan Paul may be under the microscope of scrutiny even more than most other streamers. Moreover, the topic of whether or not toxicity among Paul's community may bring about a pause from high-profile partners like Amazon who may back away if Twitch fails to maintain a standard of quality with Logan Paul.
"I guarantee you that people are going to be watching these #Streams out of spite, and ready to submit terms of service violations at the drop of a hat." -@RickyFTW
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 21, 2018
Watch Live Now: https://t.co/XOEUJSZPqu#loganpaulisoverparty #loganpaul #twitch pic.twitter.com/bbKrIyWz2e
In addition to Logan Paul's entry to Twitch, his brother Jake Paul created a Fortnite-centered streaming channel. However, he caught a bit of controversy for a video in which he announced he donated money to his "favorite streamer". Though Ninja was originally on the thumbnail, Jake Paul actually donated to streamers that were part of the Team 10 organization that Jake Paul owns.
The panel discusses the dishonesty of the situation and the reasons why Jake Paul would engage in such sketchy practices. Speculation on the reasons include using Ninja as clickbait to push the Team 10 brand and whether the "donation" to his own team can be used as a tax write-off, as well as whether the action was even fully legal. Ninja's reaction to Jake Paul's misuse of his image is also addressed.
“@jakepaul just donated to himself completely. They clearly had some kind of situation where #JakePaul was like, ‘Alright, I’m going to give you $200,000 and you’re going to give right back.” -@Katixxia
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 21, 2018
Watch Live: https://t.co/XOEUJSZPqu#PaulBrothers #Toxic #GamersUnite pic.twitter.com/hahDsIlGk1
The question comes up as to whether the Pauls are actually capable of bringing some good to Twitch. Their influence certainly puts more eyes on Twitch, but if the attention is all negative, is there any silver lining? With Jake Paul's recent actions, the panel considers whether or not the Pauls have already made a mistake and whether they should be given the benefit of the doubt.
Finally, with the money and influence behind the Pauls, the question comes up as to whether or not they could possibly build an esports organization. The panel discusses whether or not there is any motive in it for Jake or Logan. Despite their influence and money, would they even have the organizational skills to make it work? What could they do for esports if they chose to do it?
Today's episode has wrapped up, but you can catch it in its entirety in the video above. Be sure to check out the previous episode of Game Talk Live in which panelists the future of gaming and esports on mobile platforms.
