Highlights
- Twitch bans Nickmercs for using a transphobic slur, marking his first ban.
- Twitch CEO acknowledges the need for clearer explanations of violations.
- Nickmercs can continue streaming on Kick while he's banned from Twitch.
Leading streaming platform Twitch has banned Nickmercs, a prominent streamer with over 6.7 million followers on the platform. Nickmercs, whose real name is Nicholas Kolcheff, is well-known for his engaging Twitch streams of various shooter games, including Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Counter-Strike. However, he is best known for his dedication to Call of Duty: Warzone, where he has built a loyal fanbase through his exceptional gameplay skills.
Twitch is well-known for its strict community guidelines and consistently takes action against those who violate them, regardless of their popularity or status on the platform. While some streamers face severe consequences such as permanent bans for more serious violations, most infractions result in temporary bans that last for a specific number of days. However, it is important to note that not all Twitch bans are perceived as fair by the community. For instance, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy recently expressed confusion and concern over a streamer's sudden and unexpected ban.
On June 28, popular streamer Nickmercs was hit with a Twitch ban. He has been streaming on the platform for over 10 years, and this is his first ban. The reason behind the ban was addressed by Nickmercs himself on Twitter, where he disd that it stemmed from using a derogatory word for transgender people. In a tweet addressing the ban, Nickmercs doubled down, saying that in the future he would use the term "mental health disorder" instead. The duration of his suspension remains unclear, but it is worth noting that violations categorized under hateful conduct typically result in 30-day suspensions by default.
Nickmercs Receives First-Ever Twitch Ban
It is notable that Nickmercs knew the reason behind his ban, as Twitch often does not regularly dis specific reasons for bans, even to the streamers themselves. This lack of transparency can lead to confusion and frustration among content creators who are left in the dark about the exact nature of their infractions. In April, Twitch CEO Clancy acknowledged this issue, stating, “I do agree that this is something where we can do better” by providing clearer explanations of violations. He also emphasized the importance of giving creators feedback to help them understand their mistakes and prevent them from happening again.
Getting banned on Twitch is undoubtedly a blow for both the streamer and his audience. However, in October 2023, Nickmercs signed a non-exclusive streaming deal with Kick.com, valued at around $10 million, allowing him to stream on both Twitch and Kick.
