Dr Disrespect demands contract from Kick
Dr Disrespect, one of the most popular – and downright entertaining – streamers on Twitch, has issued a contract demand to Kick expressing interest in potentially joining the budding platform. The streaming stalwart’s demand comes hot on the heels of fellow streamer xQc’s mega-deal with Kick, which has sparked interest among other prominent creators and sparked a potential bidding war.
In a press release, Kick announces the signing of former Overwatch League player xQc, alongside a potential future contract with streamer Mr J. The platform, which launched earlier this year, proudly boasts of an “exclusive talent list available to creators,” with more announcements reportedly to come.
However, Dr Disrespect’s demand – which he models off his own personal meme, the ‘Contract Demand Cody edition’ – alludes to the ever-widening net Kick appears to be casting. The popular streamer goes so far as to specify the value of his potential contract with the platform, at $50 million (€44,450,000).
“As you all know by now, fellow Twitch streamer xQc has officially signed with Kick. In light of this, I would like to make clear my position,” Dr Disrespect writes on Twitter. “If Kick offers me a CONTRACT that is worth $50m (Million) dollars, I will consider joining.”
The note immediately follows an announcement that another prominent Twitch streamer, naCl, will be joining Twitch Showdown, which is also set to feature Dr Disrespect in its forthcoming Showdown Super Bowl event.
With his recent demand, however, Dr Disrespect highlights the ever-blossoming battle among streaming platforms to attract top talent and secure exclusive deals. In such a fast-growing industry, streaming platforms vie to carve out a space for themselves and differentiate themselves from the pack.
With his infectious, ‘Call of Duty’-inspired charisma, Dr Disrespect has built a massive following. One of the most recognisable figures in the streaming world, he would surely serve as a boon to a young streaming platform such as Kick – but for the hefty $50 million price tag.
“Let’s not forget that Dr Disrespect established himself as one of Twitch’s earliest legends during the platform’s early days,” explains Nalden, director of content at ExpressVPN, “but even established streamers like him now have the power to shape the future of the platforms they choose to join.”
With his demands, Dr Disrespect is signalling a willingness to explore new opportunities. Whether he decides to stay put – or follows fellow streamers like naCl in turning away from Twitch. With other up-and-coming competitive platforms, such as Viennli, raising their profile, Dr Disrespect’s potential move further intensifies the streaming platform battle.
With big numbers (Dr Disrespect boasts over 1.1 million followers on Twitch), big contracts, and big bargaining power, this recent development highlights the ever-evolving nature of the streaming industry.
Dr Disrespect’s potential move might spark a reworking of the deckchairs across different platforms – or even potentially put some at risk of getting kicked off, if you’ll pardon the pun. In a still rapidly innovating space, nothing is sacred. But one thing is for sure: The future of streaming will be entertaining.
