OTK Cuts Ties with Artesian Builds After Giveaway Controversy
The esports organization and streaming group OTK, also known as One True King, has officially ended its partnership with pre-built PC company Artesian Builds. The decision comes in the wake of a controversy surrounding a PC giveaway.
Artesian Builds recently held a PC giveaway where brand ambassadors were required to have the company’s banner on their Twitch accounts. However, when Twitch streamer Kiapiaa was chosen as the winner, CEO Katz changed the eligibility requirements and publicly criticized her channel and viewer metrics. Shortly after, Kiapiaa was disqualified from the contest. Many, including Kiapiaa herself, criticized the company’s behavior as condescending and unfair.
OTK, a streaming cooperative led by Asmongold, Mizkif, Esfand, and Rich Campbell, publicly announced the termination of their partnership with Artesian Builds. The esports organization, which is rapidly gaining popularity, had previously signed a partnership deal with the hardware company on October 11, 2020.
In a tweet, OTK stated, “OTK is, was, and will always be a collective of streamers working together to elevate one another and produce content that is greater than the sum of its parts. We look forward to continuing our mission of pushing the envelope of what it means to be a gaming organization, and we are deeply thankful for the community that has supported us through it all.”
Other streamers who were partnered with Artesian Builds have also criticized the CEO’s recent actions during their streams. NICKMERCS spoke out against Katz’s behavior but has chosen to remain affiliated with the brand for now.
Artesian Builds has issued multiple apologies since the start of the giveaway controversy, but the company has faced widespread negative feedback.