Streamer xQc recently made headlines with a reported $100 million deal with the live streaming service Kick. The Canadian influencer switched from Twitch, which is owned by Amazon, to Kick, a new player in the industry. Staiy, a prominent German Twitch streamer, provides insight into the unique aspects of this deal.
According to Staiy, the goal of the $100 million deal was to generate global attention, and it succeeded in doing so. The media coverage surrounding the deal was extensive, with many outlets highlighting the impressive sum involved. However, Staiy believes that the full amount might not be paid out, with a portion likely being given as a fixed salary and the rest being allocated as “hourly wages” and bonuses.
Staiy also reveals that many streamer colleagues have received similar offers, although not at the same level as xQc. Staiy himself received an offer of $750 an hour with 100 guaranteed streaming hours per month on Kick through his agency. He is currently in negotiations for this deal.
A notable aspect of the Kick deals is that they do not require platform exclusivity. Unlike the deal between Microsoft’s streaming platform Mixer and Ninja, xQc and other streamers switching to Kick are free to continue streaming on other platforms. Kick actually recommends that streamers start their streams on Twitch and then transition viewers to Kick after a certain period of time. This approach distinguishes the Kick deals from previous exclusive contracts.
Staiy speculates that xQc’s contract likely includes a smaller guaranteed sum, potentially in the seven-figure range, with the rest being paid out as an hourly wage of approximately $10,000. The remaining $30 million mentioned in the media is seen as an incentive for gambling placements, which would serve as a bonus for xQc.
Kick is reportedly co-founded by Australian billionaire Edward Craven. The platform aims to provide higher earnings for content creators compared to platforms like Twitch. Kick launched in December 2022, two months after Twitch imposed restrictions on gambling games. Interestingly, Kick is said to be utilizing Amazon’s Interactive Video Service (IVS) as the basis for its streaming service. This partnership with Amazon allows the company to earn a share of Kick’s success. Additionally, the infrastructure provided by Amazon likely contributes to the familiar appearance of Kick and its ease of use for visitors.
Overall, xQc’s $100 million deal with Kick has generated significant attention, and its unique aspects distinguish it from previous contracts in the streaming industry. The future implications of this deal and its impact on the industry remain to be seen.
