Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Kick is going into business with a controversial creator crew. Through its nascent Kick Studios arm, the Stake.com-backed streaming hub is partnering with Austin-based OTK for an exclusive event series.
The first event on the docket will take place on June 13 at OTK HQ. Per a press release, several OTK streamers are confirmed to appear during the broadcast, including ExtraEmily, Cyr, Sodapoppin, Esfand, and Esfand’s fellow OTK Co-Founder Asmongold. The two parties announced their partnership a few days after Asmongold made his debut on Kick.
“OTK has long been a leader in digital media innovation and an incubator for some of the best casual gaming and lifestyle talent. We’re thrilled to join forces with them to propel livestream content to the forefront of entertainment media under our KICK Studios banner,” said Kick CMO Akhil Sarin in a statement. “Authentic in-real-time content, organic must-see moments for viewers, and undeniable growth for creators—that’s the future.”
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Though OTK may have some bright spots in its future, its past is decidedly checkered. Launched in 2020 by a handful of Twitch’s top draws, the organization initially shot to the top of the streaming world thanks to its fun, low-key vibe.
By 2023, numerous scandals had soured the mood. Allegations against OTK Co-Founder Mizkif led to his ousting from the org’s board, though the claims were later found to be unsubstantiated. Funnily enough, one of the people who led the crusade against Mizkif was Trainwreck, a founding member of the Kick team who will now be working with Mizkif’s former OTK chums.
Last year, things went from bad to worse for OTK. Longtime member Tectone resigned from the org amid allegations of sexual abuse, and Asmongold found himself in hot water after making hateful comments about Palestinians on his stream. An ensuing exodus saw creators like Will Neff cut ties with OTK.
At that low point, OTK set the stage for its resurgence. A March 2025 pact allowed it to fast-track its creators onto Kick, circumventing preexisting prerequisites. Now, OTK and Kick are doubling down on streamer events, despite warning signs about how difficult it is to make money in that business.
A partnership with OTK is in line with Kick’s previous maneuvers. In the platform’s early days, it recruited streamers who had run afoul of Twitch rules. Kick’s status as a haven for bad boys has caused some PR headaches for the company, especially after claims of nasty behavior at last year’s TwitchCon.
In spite of all that dicey press, Kick is growing fast and looking to shake its reputation as a new home for rule-breakers. It just so happens that OTK is out for redemption as well, which may be why the alliance between the two parties makes so much sense. The event series will “roll out over the next year,” so stay tuned to Kick if you want to get in on the fun.
