A recent incident involving a popular Twitch streamer and a game developer looking for work has sparked outrage in the gaming community. The incident took place at the annual Games Expo put on by OTK (One True King), a well-known streaming group made up of well-known streamers like Asmongold and Sodapoppin. The event, held on June 4th, drew a large number of streamers, including Lirik, who observed and livestreamed Lirik’s inflammatory comment.
Questioning the Presence of an Experienced Designer
During the event’s “Dev for Hire” portion, Lirik was surprised to see Sean Wissler, a designer with an astounding 21 years of expertise. Lirik, in a fairly brusque tone, remarked that Wissler should try using LinkedIn instead, referring to him as These comments soon drew the attention of viewers, creating a discussion concerning streamers’ conduct and awareness of jobs and job searches.
Backlash and Support
Many viewers, especially Reddit members, disagreed with Lirik’s comments. Multiple commentators praised Wissler, emphasizing his enthusiasm for the sector and criticizing Lirik for being harsh and insulting to someone looking for a job. The incident sparked a heated debate within the gaming community, with some criticizing top streamers’ entitlement and separation from the realities of the labor market.
A Change in Tone
Lirik apologized for his words during his June 4th stream, realizing the gravity of the situation. He said his statement was shortsighted and ascribed it to the difference between a recent graduate and a senior developer with 21 years of expertise. Lirik thought that the experienced developer must have developed major industry contacts to acquire a job, which fueled his resentment and prompted his impetuous statements.
Streamers and the Job Landscape
This incident highlights the growing divide between streamers and the modern employment market. With top streamers earning large sums of money just by airing brief adverts, they may unknowingly get alienated from the difficulties experienced by individuals seeking jobs in traditional businesses. However, the incident has enhanced attention for the Games Expo event, potentially leading to more opportunities and prospects for game developers looking for work.