One True King

Content organization based in Austin, Texas
  • Asmongold
  • Emiru
  • Extra Emily
  • Cyr
  • Esfand
  • Mizkif
  • Nmplol
  • Willneff
  • Sodapoppin
  • Tips Out
  • Tectone
Partners
  • WePlay Studios
  • Mad Mushroom
  • Starforge Systems
  • Gamersupps
  • Seventy-Eight Strange
Websitewww.otknetwork.com
Twitch information
Channels
  • OTKnetwork
Associated channels
  • Asmongold
  • Mizkif
  • EsfandTV
  • tipsoutbaby
  • Nmplol
  • cyr
  • Tectone
  • Emiru
  • sodapoppin
  • ExtraEmily
  • WillNeff
Followers314,654[1]
YouTube information
Channels
  • OTK
Associated channels
  • Asmongold TV
  • Mizkif
  • Esfand
  • Tips Out
  • Nmplol
  • Cyr Twitch
  • Tectone
  • Emiru
  • Sodapoppin
  • ExtraEmily
  • WillNeff
Subscribers621,000 (main channel)[2]Total views39.8 million (main channel)[3]
Creator Awards
100,000 subscribers2021[4]
Last updated: April 5, 2024

One True King (OTK), legally OTK Media, Inc.,[5] is an American media organization based in Austin, Texas.[6] The organization primarily focuses on online content creation and has previously competed professionally in World of Warcraft.[7]

History

One True King, commonly referred to as OTK, was formed on October 11, 2020, by content creators Asmongold, Mizkif, Esfand, Rich Campbell, and Tips Out.[8] In their first video, founding member Asmongold stated, "We came up with this idea of making an org, and building the org around our friends – building the org around friendship in general."[9] The organization has been described by its members as being more of a media production company and lifestyle brand as opposed to being confined to any one game or section on Twitch.[10][11] The organization has also gained notability for not receiving major backing from corporations as opposed to traditional esports teams.[12]

Alongside the group's initial announcement, the organization unveiled its professional World of Warcraft roster. The original roster consisted of Trill, Mes, Cdew, and Samiyam.[13] The team competed at Blizzard-sanctioned events for one season during the Shadowlands expansion.[14] On October 27, 2020, the organization announced the addition of streamer Nick Polom, also known by his online alias Nmplol, as a content creator and co-owner.[15] In December 2020, OTK partnered with Complexity Gaming's World of Warcraft team in providing coverage of the game's Race to World First event, holding daily roundtable discussions about the race.[16]

On October 11, 2021, on the one-year anniversary of the organization, One True King announced that Cyr would be joining the organization as a content creator.[17] One month later, on November 21, 2021, One True King announced that Tectone would be joining the organization as a content creator.[18]

On January 2, 2022, One True King announced that Emiru would be joining the organization.[19]

One True King won the "Best Content Organization" award at The Streamer Awards on March 12, 2022.[20] On March 27, 2022, One True King announced that BruceDropEmOff would be joining the organization as a content creator.[21]

In June 2022, the group announced a partnership with content production company WePlay Esports as well as the unveiling of a Los Angeles-based content studio. The first event held under the partnership was the "OTK Games Expo", which showcased nearly 30 video games from various indie developers.[22]

On July 21, 2022 One True King announced that Sodapoppin would be joining the organization as a content creator and co-owner.[23]

On August 7, 2022, the group, along with YouTuber and Twitch streamer Cr1TiKaL, announced the founding of Starforge Systems, a technology company focused on building computers[24] that was quickly met with backlash due to the allegedly high prices of their products.[25] The company responded by decreasing their prices by $100.[25]

On September 20, 2022, co-owner Mizkif was placed on leave by the group after a series of clips and other content involving him, which included him downplaying an incident of sexual assault, as well as racist and homophobic comments made from 2018 to 2019, came to light.[26][27][28] On December 31, 2022, he was reinstated by the group, though he remains suspended from his board related duties as a result of his comments.[29]

On December 16, 2022, co-owner Rich Campbell announced his resignation from the organization in light of sexual assault allegations.[30] On December 23, the official OTK Twitter account announced that Jschlatt would be departing the organization.[31] He will, however, continue as an advisor for the YouTube team[32] and have a stake in Starforge Systems.[33][34]

On January 24, 2023, BruceDropEmOff left the organization. Three days later, he was indefinitely suspended from Twitch, citing ban evasion.[35] On January 31, 2023, Emiru was announced as a new co-owner of the organization. She was previously in the organization solely as a content creator. It was also announced on the same day that ExtraEmily had joined the organization as a content creator.[36][37]

On June 12, 2023, One True King announced the launch of game publishing company Mad Mushroom during the OTK Games Expo.[38][39] On August 10, 2023, Mad Mushroom announced the appointment of Mike Silbowitz as its CEO.[40]

On February 5, 2024, One True King announced that Will Neff would be joining the organization as a content creator.[41]

Philanthropy

One True King has held several charity streams benefiting the non-profit organization Games for Love. Their first charity stream took place on November 23, 2020. Over $250,000 was raised through opening rare Pokémon cards.[42][43] The stream averaged 70,000 viewers.[44] A second charity stream for Games for Love took place on March 22, 2021, raising $600,000.[45] Their third charity stream took place over two days from June 22–23, 2021, raising $593,597.[46]

In March 2022, One True King held two charity streams benefiting relief efforts for those affected by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, raising over $500,000.[47]

Members

Current members

Former members

World of Warcraft

Shadowlands (2021)

In January 2021, the organization's World of Warcraft team participated in the first edition of the Shadowlands Arena World Championship. They finished 3rd among North American teams.[52] At Cup 2, One True King made it to the finals of the North American bracket, losing to Kawhi 1–4.[53] At Cup 3, One True King made it to the semi-finals, losing to Cloud9 0–3.[54] At the fourth and final cup of season one, One True King made it to the quarterfinals, losing to Charlotte Phoenix 1–3. The team finished second in the standings with 300 points, qualifying them for the Regional Circuit Championships.[55] One True King finished the circuit with 8 points, tying for the 3rd place spot in North America with Golden Guardians and advancing them to the Arena World Championship Season 1 Finals.[56][57] They made it to the semi-finals, losing to Cloud9 and finishing the season in 3rd place.[58][59]

On June 11, 2021, Cdew announced via Twitter that the organization had decided not to renew the teams' contracts for the upcoming expansion.[60]

Awards and nominations

Year Ceremony Category Result Ref.
2022 The Streamer Awards Best Content Organization Won [61]
Esports Awards Content Group of the Year Nominated [62]
2023 The Streamer Awards Best Content Organization Nominated [63]
Esports Awards Esports Content Creator of the Year Nominated [64]
2024 The Streamer Awards Best Content Organization Nominated [65]

References

  1. ^ "OTKnetwork – TwitchTracker". Twitch Tracker. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  2. ^ "OTK's YouTube Stats". Social Blade. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  3. ^ "About OTK". YouTube. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  4. ^ WE DID IT (THANK YOU FOR 100K SUBSCRIBERS) (video). OTK. May 20, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2021 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "Emiru Joins OTK as Its Newest Content Creator". GlobeNewswire (Press release). January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 7, 2022. OTK Media, Inc. is an industry-leading gaming influencer network and media company that builds premium digital media content.
  6. ^ Drake, Alice (October 12, 2020). "Popular Twitch Streamers Form 'One True King' Organization". Game Rant. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  7. ^ Laerezh (October 13, 2020). "WoW: Asmongold, Esfand, and other big streamers create One True King, a new esports organisation". Millenium. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  8. ^ "One True King - New Organization Founded By Twitch Streamers Asmongold, Mizkif, And Esfand". TheGamer. 2020-10-11. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  9. ^ Minnie, Wessel (October 12, 2020). "One True King: What is the OTK org created by Asmongold, Mizkif, Esfand and more". GINX Esports TV. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  10. ^ Switzer, Eric (October 11, 2020). "One True King – New Organization Founded By Twitch Streamers Asmongold, Mizkif, And Esfand". TheGamer. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  11. ^ Hurst, Taylor (October 15, 2020). "Your Gaming and Esports Update". Medium. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  12. ^ Parker, Jason (October 12, 2020). "Asmongold and More Announce 'OTK' Esports Org". Esports Talk. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  13. ^ Spiers-Unwin, Ruby (October 12, 2020). "Asmongold and four others announce new World of Warcraft esports team". The Loadout. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  14. ^ Johnson, Nick (October 12, 2020). "Asmongold joins big streamers, YouTubers creating new org OTK". WIN.gg. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  15. ^ Galloway, Ryan (October 27, 2020). "Nmplol joins One True King organization". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  16. ^ Sacco, Dom (December 10, 2020). "'Competitive World of Warcraft is poised for a new renaissance' – Tips Out interview on OTK's Race to World First stream, Shadowlands and why they won't be signing a raid team". Esports News UK. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  17. ^ Galloway, Ryan (2021-10-12). "Cyr becomes newest member of OTK". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  18. ^ Galloway, Ryan (2021-11-22). "OTK welcomes Tectone as newest member". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  19. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (2022-01-03). "Emiru joins OTK as a content creator". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  20. ^ Young, Rory (13 March 2022). "The Streamer Awards Full Winners List". Game Rant. Valnet Inc.
  21. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (2022-03-28). "BruceDropEmOff joins OTK as content creator". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  22. ^ Epps, Ryan (8 June 2022). "OTK Media, WePlay Esports Team Up to Deliver a Games Expo Unlike Any Other". Tech Times. Archived from the original on 21 September 2022.
  23. ^ McIntyre, Isaac (2022-07-22). "Sodapoppin joins One True King as org co-owner". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  24. ^ Miceli, Max (August 8, 2022). "One True King creates new PC building company, Starforge Systems". Dot Esports. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  25. ^ a b Miceli, Max (August 9, 2022). "Starforge Systems makes changes to prices for PCs following fan criticism". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on October 24, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  26. ^ Parrish, Ash (20 September 2020). "Streamer involved in Twitch gambling saga now embroiled in sexual assault allegations". The Verge. Archived from the original on 2022-09-21.
  27. ^ @OTKnetwork (September 21, 2022). "Mizkif has been placed on leave and will be stepping away from his organizational duties pending the results of the investigation" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 2022-09-21 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Tsiaoussidis, Alex (21 September 2022). "Mizkif breaks silence on AdrianahLee 'cover up' claims, leaked slurs". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on 21 September 2022.
  29. ^ Snavely, Adam (1 January 2023). "OTK reinstates Mizkif after no 'direct evidence' of sexual assault cover-up was found by investigation". Dot Esports. Gamurs.
  30. ^ @OTKnetwork (December 16, 2022). "Today we learned of troubling allegations made against one of our founders, Rich Campbell. Rich has resigned from OTK effective immediately. OTK stands firmly against sexual harassment and assault and is committed to upholding its core values. We'd like to thank our community for the continuous support and share your disappointment" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ "Thank you, @jschlatt". 2022-12-23. Archived from the original on 2023-09-01. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  32. ^ @OTKnetwork (December 24, 2022). "Thank you, @jschlatt ❤️" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  33. ^ "Our Creators". Starforge Systems. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  34. ^ "@OTKnetwork @jschlatt We're excited to keep working together, @jschlatt!". 2022-12-23. Archived from the original on 2023-09-01. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  35. ^ Hale, Jacob (27 January 2023). "BruceDropEmOff indefinitely banned from Twitch for "evading suspension"". Dexterto.
  36. ^ Shaukat, Rahman (2 February 2023). "OTK Has Signed ExtraEmily". Game Rant. Screen Rant.
  37. ^ Campbell, Cody D. (31 January 2023). "Emiru Takes A Big Leap Into Co-Owner Of OTK". SVG. Static Media.
  38. ^ Reeves, Brianna (10 June 2023). "OTK Media expands with new indie publishing venture Mad Mushroom". Dexerto. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  39. ^ Snavely, Adam (2023-06-10). "OTK launches Mad Mushroom, an indie publisher that wants to make the next Among Us". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  40. ^ "Mad Mushroom Announces Mike Silbowitz as CEO, Leading the Charge to Revolutionize Indie Gaming". PR Newswire (Press release). Retrieved 2023-08-10.
  41. ^ Stubbs, Mike. "Will Neff Joins OTK As The Group Announces 2024 Content And Plans". Forbes. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  42. ^ Bald, Cameron (November 23, 2020). "OTK raises over $250k for charity during vintage Pokémon card unboxing stream". The Loadout. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  43. ^ Grayson, Nathan (November 26, 2020). "Twitch Streamers Are Opening '90s Pokémon Card Boxes Worth Thousands Of Dollars". Kotaku Australia. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  44. ^ Miceli, Max (November 23, 2020). "Who's benefited the most from xQc's recent Twitch ban?". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  45. ^ Michael, Cale (March 19, 2021). "One True King to open 1st Edition Fossil, Jungle, and Team Rocket Pokémon boxes for charity on March 22". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  46. ^ Galloway, Ryan (June 23, 2021). "OTK raises nearly $600,000 for charity during 2-day campaign". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  47. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (26 March 2022). "OTK streamers raise over $500,000 for Ukraine relief efforts". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group.
  48. ^ Stubbs, Mike. "Will Neff Joins OTK As The Group Announces 2024 Content And Plans". Forbes.
  49. ^ Shaukat, Rahman (2023-01-26). "BruceDropEmOff Has Left OTK". Game Rant. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  50. ^ "Where is Rich Campbell? OTK co-founder goes silent following sexual assault allegations". Dexerto. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  51. ^ "OTK confirm Jschlatt departure so he can "fulfill his goals" in 2023". Dexerto. 24 December 2022. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  52. ^ Lupasco, Cristian (January 18, 2021). "Here are the World of Warcraft Shadowlands 2021 AWC Cup One results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
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  54. ^ Miceli, Max (February 12, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands season 1, Cup 3: Scores and results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  55. ^ Miceli, Max (March 5, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands season 1, Cup 4: Scores and results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  56. ^ Entertainment, Blizzard (April 26, 2021). "Arena World Championship season 1 Finals are Here!". Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  57. ^ Chen, Amy (April 20, 2021). "WoW Arena World Championship Season 1 Finals recap". Upcomer. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  58. ^ Miceli, Max (April 30, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands Season 1 Finals: Scores and Results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  59. ^ Chen, Amy (May 4, 2021). "Method NA wins WoW Arena World Championship Season 1". Upcomer. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  60. ^ Dewland, Charles [@cdew_wow] (June 11, 2021). "Thanks for watching today guys. If you missed I decided to share that we found out our contracts will not be renewed later this year by OTK. Came as a shock to us and unfortunately we'll be once again looking for an org later this year" (Tweet). Retrieved August 15, 2021 – via Twitter.
  61. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (13 March 2022). "All 2022 QTCinderella's Streamer Award Winners". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group.
  62. ^ Sengupta, Suryadeepto (14 December 2022). "Esports Awards 2022 Finals: List of winners across categories". Sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda.
  63. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (20 February 2023). "All 2023 Streamer Awards nominees". Dot Esports. Gamurs.
  64. ^ "Esports Awards 2023: List of nominees". Twitter.com. Esports Awards. 27 July 2023.
  65. ^ Michael, Cale; Taifalos, Nicholas (18 February 2024). "Streamer Awards 2024: All results and winners for every category". Dot Esports. Gamurs. Retrieved 18 February 2024.