Twitch has received backlash on Twitter after sharing a Black Lives Matter video that featured very few Black streamers. The video, which Twitch has since deleted, featured mostly white streamers, primarily DrLupo, talking about Black Lives Matter. Twitter User @2leftjoycons reuploaded the video.
I’m sorry, but this is maddening to me.
Twitch talks about the importance of #BLM
YET STILL
1. Has 90% of the talking done by white/nonblack people
2. Doesn’t promote any black streamers/content creators
Share and promote Black Twitch content, here or in retweets! pic.twitter.com/fMJ8DNq7yU— Uncle Fill™ (@2leftjoycons) July 9, 2020
Twitch followed up with an apology stating that the video was supposed to be focused on allyship, a message Twitch said it “didn’t make clear.” People took issue with the video promoting the message of supporting Black Twitch streamers without showcasing and promoting more of them.
We hear you. Our goal was to demonstrate the importance of allyship – a message we didn’t make clear. Only by working together can we create a positive change.
— Twitch (@Twitch) July 9, 2020
BlissKai and ZombaeKillz, two Black Twitch streamers featured in the video, expressed their feelings on Twitter.
It sucks that Twitch deleted the tweet but it had to happen.I want to see black gamers succeed & make a difference as well. My first ever huge thing from Twitch & I’m glad I even got a opportunity to see myself up there. Disappointed but Twitch just delivered the wrong it the way
— bliss (@blisskai_) July 9, 2020
why im not mad at that twitch video… it didnt show the same 5 black partners that hate being used as tools for diversity.. twitch dug around. it also celebrated the actual and very real allyship of some creators during this time. AND AND… white people listen to white people.
— ZombaeKillz (@ZombaeKillz) July 9, 2020
If you’re looking for more gaming content from Black creators, check out this roundup, featuring articles, videos, podcasts, and streamers.
Twitch dealt with controversy earlier in the week when it tweeted out a video celebrating LGBTQIA+ content creators that said “When the G in LGBTQIA+ also stands for gamer.” Twitch has deleted the tweet and put out a version without that graphic, but did not address the change.
Twitch put out a video on pride and this was one of the tag lines. People are already confused about what each letter means.
It was deleted pic.twitter.com/1H7FwE8F7G— iamBrandon (@iamBrandonTV) July 5, 2020
GameSpot has officially kicked off Play For All–a celebration of all things gaming. Join us as we bring you the summer’s hottest news, previews, interviews, features, and videos, as well as raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts and Black Lives Matter with the help of our friends from around the gaming world. Check out the Play For All schedule for more.