Asmongold has stepped down from his leadership roles at OTK and gaming PC company Starforge Systems following a storm of controversy over his comments on the Palestine conflict. The streamer was banned from Twitch for 14 days just yesterday after falling into a rant about the crisis in the Middle East in his last stream.
Surprisingly, Asmongold admitted to behaving in a “mean-spirited” and “psychopathic” manner, and acknowledged the need for serious self-reflection. His public mea culpa is quite uncommon for the streamer, who is known for his usually very unapologetic stance.
The streamer’s decision to step back from OTK and Starforge wasn’t just about his own actions. Asmongold also pointed the finger at his community, describing it as toxic and in dire need of change.
Asmongold’s journey from gaming icon to unhinged political commentator has been a rocky one. Over the past few years, his content has shifted from World of Warcraft gameplay to reactionary political takes, often associated with right-leaning perspectives. His community transformed together with his content, which further created an unhealthy feedback loop for Zack.
OTK—the gaming and entertainment organization he co-founded—now faces the challenge of damage control. Similarly, Starforge Systems, a PC gaming company linked to Asmongold, may feel the effects of this PR nightmare.
Fans are now asking if he will return to his gaming roots. It would surely be a good start to see his room cleaned for his comeback.