After TwitchCon Change in COVID-19 Policy Today, a number of content creators on Twitch have taken issue with the situation, expressing disdain or support for the platform’s decision.
After receiving immense backlash for its initially relaxed COVID-19 guidelines, TwitchCon San Diego today backtracked and implemented stricter health safety regulations that require attendees to wear masks and show either proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 to submit tests. Although Twitch made this decision to allay the concerns of concerned attendees and create a more inclusive environment, changing the guidelines of the live streaming convention only seems to have pushed the discourse further.
The initial announcement of TwitchCon’s new health guidelines was met with a largely positive reception, with both streamers and viewers grateful that the platform was addressing their users’ concerns. streamers such as xChocoBars, Dray from SoaR, and various other creators praised Twitch’s final decision. OTK co-founder Nmplol however pointed out the strong differences of opinion the tweet soon elicited.
Although this was initially a popular decision, many other creators responded with opposing remarks. Several FaZe streamers, including Swag, responded to the official announcement by simply declaring “L” under the post, while NICKMERCS later announced its own event in defiance of TwitchCon regulations.
Other streamers, like the ones that are emerging recently Knut, disapproved of Twitch’s decision. “I think that’s a bad decision,” wrote Knut. “But I will respect the rules as a mask doesn’t bother me for a few hours.”
While some of the platform’s most popular developers, such as Adin Ross, replied vaguely, leaving their opinions up to interpretation, others were more direct in their disapproval. Creator Wildcat wrote devastatingly“If you’re somehow still worried about Covid in 2022 and feel like you need a mask after getting triple quadrupled shots, maybe just don’t go to a convention or don’t leave your house at all.”
Countless creators have continued to engage with both the announcement of Twitch and each other, and while many of the platform’s biggest content creators have yet to say their input, it’s clear that this debate will likely continue until the final conclusion of TwitchCon San Diego.