TheStockGuy exposes streamers for Saudi money scandal

xQc and Jake Lucky on foreign payroll.
Streamer talks about video game industry trends.
TheStockGuy making sure that the streaming community gets its justice (Image via
TL;DR
  • Top streamers like xQc and Jake Lucky are embroiled in a Saudi sponsorship scandal.
  • Legal and ethical concerns arise about undisclosed deals.
  • The community's suspicions are now confirmed by TheStockGuy.

Twitch’s Jason Frank, also known as TheStockGuy, claims that some popular streamers on Twitch and Kick have been accepting sponsorships from Saudi Arabia without disclosing it. The scandal centers around the recent Esports World Cup (EWC), with big names like xQc and Jake Lucky not being fully transparent of their involvement at the event.

Most people in the streaming community suspected that whoever covered the EWC in their stream received money from the hosts in some form. But Frank pinpointed the lack of transparency around that coverage as his criticism.

xQc seemed to play it safe by including “#ad” in his stream titles during the EWC. But not everyone was as transparent: Jake Lucky, a popular esports journalist and content creator, came under scrutiny for not disclosing his involvement.

This isn’t the first rodeo for Saudi cash in the streaming corral. Remember when Mizkif nearly saddled up for a Saudi deal? The internet went wild, and he backed out faster than you can say “oil money.” It’s a reminder that the community keeps a sharp eye on their favorite streamers’ moral compasses.

Failing to disclose paid sponsorships isn’t just a faux pas, it could land streamers in hot water with platforms and regulators. Twitch and Twitter have strict guidelines regarding transparency for paid content.

Saudi Arabia isn’t just tossing pocket change at streamers. They’ve pledged a whopping $38 billion to the gaming and esports industry over six years. That’s enough to make even the most principled creator do a double-take.

The community is split like a Fortnite build battle. Some argue that taking Saudi money is a one-way ticket to selling out your morals. Others point out how harsh it is to make a living as a streamer. The country will undoubtedly play a bigger role in Esports in the future.

One thing’s for sure: In the wild west of streaming, the sheriff’s badge is pinned on the viewers. As this story unfolds, it’s clear that transparency isn’t just appreciated—it’s demanded.

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