Jack “CouRage” Dunlop announced earlier today that he would be leaving Twitch behind for YouTube Gaming, while also establishing that the content creator and popular esports figure would remain a part of the 100 Thieves organization that has helped launch his brand to new heights. CouRage is one of the most familiar faces in the Fortnite community, but is also more of an all-rounder when it comes to content creation, especially with skits - he’s one of the most recognizable superstars thanks in large part to his sense of humor and ability to diversify his reach to a number of different areas.
One need look no further than CouRage’s on-going fake romance with Ariana Grande as evidence that he’s one of the most savvy content creators in the business. He also appears to be one of the most well-liked, frequently collaborating with a number of different stars. CouRage was teasing an announcement all day on his Twitter previously, and it sent the streaming world spinning. Many expected him to follow in the footsteps of Ninja, who left Twitch for Mixer this summer, and shroud, who left earlier this fall for the same platform. In all, three major streamers - the previously mentioned two and Gothalion - have all left Twitch for Mixer in the past handful of months, leading many to wonder what Twitch would do.
So far, the answer isn’t much, as the company lost another major star today. CouRage is departing Twitch for YouTube, and announced it on his Twitter in classic CouRage fashion with a lengthy skit that showed off the content creator’s acting chops. It’s another huge loss for Twitch, which is quickly bleeding most of its established stars to other platforms, and the first major impact for YouTube’s streaming platform. Many believe the current streaming services battle to be a two-party endeavor between Twitch and Mixer, but with CouRage’s move to YouTube, there’s a serious change that platform begins to gain some steam - not to mention the fact YouTube Gaming recently snagged Lachlan, too, making for a formidable first few signings.
CouRage will be streaming exclusively on YouTube Gaming, and will debut on the platform tomorrow on November 5, 2019. It will be interesting to see how CouRage’s viewership numbers fare and whether or not YouTube Gaming will help by offering the same kind of support that Microsoft has with Ninja and shroud, giving their fans free subscriptions for the first month of their time on the platform. Twitch has so far weathered the storm in terms of viewership figures even with these losses, but it’s hard to imagine there won’t be noticeable shifts in the near future with so many stars drawing eyeballs to competitors.
CouRage has never been one to do what everyone else thinks he should or is best, and that’s worked out for him pretty much perfectly throughout his career. This is yet another example of how he sets himself apart and isn’t afraid to make risky decisions. Given CouRage’s stature in streaming - and in pop culture at large - it’s also fair to wonder if he’s immediately made the case for YouTube Gaming as a potential destination for other streamers looking to depart Twitch, as CouRage now joins Lachlan on the platform.
Next: Dr Disrespect Says Ninja Joining Mixer Was A Bad Decision
Source: CouRage/Twitter
