Félix “xQc” Lengyel, one of the largest streamers on Twitch, has announced that he has signed with rival platform Kick in what is being touted as the largest streaming deal ever.
The two-year deal will see xQc stream on Kick moving forward, and no doubt he will jump straight in as the most popular content creator on the platform that is looking to capitalize on the growing frustrations with Twitch.
Brokered by xQc’s agent, Ryan Morrison, CEO of the Evolved Talent Agency, the deal is being referred to as the largest streaming deal ever. The two-year, non-exclusive, contract is worth nine figures, but the exact amount was not revealed.
“Kick is allowing me to try and do things I haven’t been able to before,” said xQc. “It should have been a difficult conversation with every platform in the space throwing offers my way, but after speaking to Kick and the team behind it, the choice was obvious.”
The deal is the first major streaming deal we have seen in a while. After Microsoft’s Mixer platform was shut down the competition between streaming platforms to secure the biggest stars died down. But with Kick entering the fray as a legitimate challenger to Twitch and YouTube, they are now putting their money where their mouth has very publicly been, to secure the top talent available.
Since launching just a few months ago Kick has repeatedly taken shots at Twich and branded itself as a more creator-friendly platform. It offers higher revenue splits with streamers and claims to offer them a say in the direction the platform goes in. However, links to a crypto-based casino have left some skeptical about using the platform.
“At Kick, we firmly believe in the capacity to reinvent, innovate, and progress,” said Ed Craven, CEO of Kick. “That is why we are excited about xQc joining our platform. This is a chance for him to truly reinvent himself in an environment where he is treated as an adult and recognized for his creative currency. It’s an exciting journey that xQc embarks on with Kick – an opportunity to revolutionize the industry and take control of his streaming future.”
While Kick still has a long way to go before it can truly challenge Twitch, its injection of cash is certainly not going to be a bad thing for streamers. Not only are these massive deals back on the table with the increased competition, but the higher revenue split could also give smaller Streamers an opportunity to continue to stream full-time, as many are facing some difficult choices given Twitch’s reduced payouts that are coming into effect.
“This deal sends a clarion call to thousands of creators worldwide – you now have a choice,” said Morrison. “This also shows what the ceiling is for digital entertainers. This is not only one of the largest deals in streaming history, but ranks amongst the top ever across sports, cinema, and music. I am proud to support xQc’s vision. Together, we’re pushing the boundaries of live streaming, fostering innovation, and ushering in a new era where the creator is at the heart of the experience.”
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