Jump to content

One True King

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the gaming organization. For the novel by Soman Chainani, see One True King (novel).
One True King
Full nameOTK Media, Inc.
Short nameOTK
FoundedOctober 11, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-10-11)
Based inAustin, Texas, U.S.
Members
Partners
  • WePlay Studios
  • Mad Mushroom
  • Starforge Systems
  • Mythic Talent
  • Gamersupps
  • Seventy-Eight Strange
Websitewww.otknetwork.com
Twitch information
Channels
Associated channels
Followers314,654[1]
YouTube information
Channels
Associated channels
Subscribers621,000 (main channel)[2]
Total views39.8 million (main channel)[3]
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

[edit]

2020–2021: Founding and initial growth

[edit]

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]

One True King in October 2020 announcing Nmplol as their newest member and co-owner. From left: Rich Campbell, Mizkif, Nmplol (seated), Asmongold, Esfand, and Tips Out.

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] The group also announced its partnership with Artesian Builds, a pre-built PC company.[15] 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.[16] 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.[17]

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.[18] One month later, on November 21, 2021, One True King announced that Tectone would be joining the organization as a content creator.[19]

2022: New members, other ventures, and controversies

[edit]

On January 2, 2022, One True King announced that Emiru would be joining the organization.[20]

On March 2, 2022, One True King announced that they had parted ways with Artesian Builds, following the company's giveaway controversy.[15] One True King won the "Best Content Organization" award at The Streamer Awards on March 12, 2022.[21] On March 27, 2022, One True King announced that BruceDropEmOff would be joining the organization as a content creator.[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 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.[24][25][26] 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.[27]

On December 16, 2022, co-owner Rich Campbell announced his resignation from the organization in light of sexual assault allegations.[28] On December 23, the official OTK Twitter account announced that Jschlatt would be departing the organization. He will continue as an advisor for the YouTube team and have a stake in Starforge Systems.[29][30]

2023–present: Continued growth

[edit]

On January 24, 2023, BruceDropEmOff left the organization.[31] Three days later, he was indefinitely suspended from Twitch, citing ban evasion.[32] 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.[33][34]

On February 5, 2024, One True King announced that WillNeff would be joining the organization as a content creator.[35]

On October 16, 2024, Asmongold announced he was “stepping away” from his leadership roles at OTK and Starforge Systems following backlash over his comments on Palestinians affected by the Israel-Hamas war.[36][37][38]

Members

[edit]

Current members

[edit]
  • Esfand – co-founder, co-owner, content creator (2020–present)
  • Mizkif – co-founder, co-owner, content creator (2020–present)
  • TipsOut – co-founder, co-owner (2020–present)
  • Nmplol – co-owner, content creator (2020–present)
  • Cyr – content creator (2021–present)
  • Tectone – content creator (2021–present)
  • Emiru – co-owner, content creator (2022–present)
  • Sodapoppin – co-owner, content creator (2022–present)
  • ExtraEmily – content creator (2023–present)
  • WillNeff – content creator (2024–present)

Inactive

[edit]
  • Asmongold – co-founder, co-owner, content creator (October 16, 2024–present)

Former members

[edit]
  • Rich Campbell – co-founder, co-owner, content creator (2020–2022)
  • Jschlatt – co-owner, content creator (2021–2022)
  • BruceDropEmOff – content creator (2022–2023)

Timeline

[edit]

Businesses and partnership

[edit]

Starforge Systems

[edit]

On August 7, 2022, One True King, along with YouTuber and Twitch streamer Cr1TiKaL, announced the founding of Starforge Systems, a technology company focused on building computers[39] that was quickly met with backlash due to the allegedly high prices of their products.[40] The company responded by decreasing their prices by $100.[40] It was also announced that former Artesian Builds COO, now defunct pre-build PC company, Nick Dankner, will be the CEO of the company.[39]

WePlay Studios

[edit]

In June 2022, One True King 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.[41]

Mythic Talent

[edit]

In February 2023, One True King announced the founding of Mythic Talent, a full-service talent management company co-founded by OTK members Asmongold and TipsOut with William Lucas, a veteran of esports organization Tempo Storm and the AFK Agency, as the CEO.[42][43]

GamerSupps

[edit]

On May 17, 2023, One True King announced on Twitter that they're now partnered with GamerSupps, an energy drink company owned by former member Jschlatt.[44][45]

Mad Mushroom

[edit]

On June 12, 2023, One True King announced the launch of game publishing company Mad Mushroom during the OTK Games Expo.[46][47][48][49] On August 10, 2023, Mad Mushroom announced the appointment of Mike Silbowitz as its CEO.[50]

Shows

[edit]

OTK Schooled

[edit]

OTK Schooled is a quiz game show created and hosted by Twitch streamer and fellow OTK member Mizkif, produced by One True King,[51] that tests the knowledge of its contestants with school-related questions.[52] The game show is frequently compared to the American gameshow franchise Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?.[53] The game show gained popularity because of several cheating controversies that happened during the show.[51][52]

OTK Game Day

[edit]

OTK Game Day is a weekly sports show hosted by Twitch streamer and fellow OTK member Nmplol and One True King, where OTK members go up against other streamers in various physical team-based sports.[54]

OTK Parasocial

[edit]

On November 9, 2021, Mizkif and One True King announced a new game show called OTK Parasocial, a game show that appears to be in the style of Family Feud, an American television game show, prompting players to “guess the most popular answers to questions.”[55]

World of Warcraft

[edit]

Shadowlands (2021)

[edit]

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.[56] At Cup 2, One True King made it to the finals of the North American bracket, losing to Kawhi 1–4.[57] At Cup 3, One True King made it to the semi-finals, losing to Cloud9 0–3.[58] 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.[59] 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.[60][61] They made it to the semi-finals, losing to Cloud9 and finishing the season in 3rd place.[62][63]

On June 11, 2021, Cdew announced via Twitter that the organization had decided not to renew the teams' contracts for the upcoming expansion.[64]

Philanthropy

[edit]

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.[65][66] The stream averaged 70,000 viewers.[67] A second charity stream for Games for Love took place on March 22, 2021, raising $600,000.[68] Their third charity stream took place over two days from June 22–23, 2021, raising $593,597.[69]

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.[70]

On April 29, 2023, One True King and fellow OTK member Esfand organized a charity event called Charity Lift-A-Thon, featuring OTK members and other Twitch streamers lifting weights for charity, with a goal of lifting one pound for every dollar donated during the stream. They managed to raise more than $140,601 towards Games for Love.[71][72]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Ceremony Year Category Result Ref.
Esports Awards 2022 Content Group of the Year Nominated [73]
2023 Esports Content Creator of the Year Nominated [74]
The Streamer Awards 2022 Best Content Organization Won [75]
2023 Nominated [76]
2024 Nominated [77]

References

[edit]
  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. ^ a b Polhamus, Blaine (2022-03-02). "OTK cuts ties with Artesian Builds after giveaway controversy". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  16. ^ Galloway, Ryan (October 27, 2020). "Nmplol joins One True King organization". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ Galloway, Ryan (2021-10-12). "Cyr becomes newest member of OTK". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  19. ^ Galloway, Ryan (2021-11-22). "OTK welcomes Tectone as newest member". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  20. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (2022-01-03). "Emiru joins OTK as a content creator". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  21. ^ Young, Rory (13 March 2022). "The Streamer Awards Full Winners List". Game Rant. Valnet Inc.
  22. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (2022-03-28). "BruceDropEmOff joins OTK as content creator". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  23. ^ McIntyre, Isaac (2022-07-22). "Sodapoppin joins One True King as org co-owner". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  24. ^ 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.
  25. ^ @OTKnetwork (2022-09-20). "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.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ Snavely, Adam (1 January 2023). "OTK reinstates Mizkif after no 'direct evidence' of sexual assault cover-up was found by investigation". Dot Esports. Gamurs.
  28. ^ Arias, Jackie (2022-12-17). "Rich Campbell Leaves OTK After Sexual Assault Accusations". Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  29. ^ Snavely, Adam (2022-12-24). "Jschlatt and OTK part ways so creator can 'fulfill his goals' for 2023". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  30. ^ "Our Creators". Starforge Systems. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  31. ^ Shaukat, Rahman (2023-01-26). "BruceDropEmOff Has Left OTK". Game Rant. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  32. ^ Keever, Marc (2023-01-27). "BruceDropEmOff Has Been Banned from Twitch". Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  33. ^ Shaukat, Rahman (2 February 2023). "OTK Has Signed ExtraEmily". Game Rant. Screen Rant.
  34. ^ Campbell, Cody D. (31 January 2023). "Emiru Takes A Big Leap Into Co-Owner Of OTK". SVG. Static Media.
  35. ^ Stubbs, Mike. "Will Neff Joins OTK As The Group Announces 2024 Content And Plans". Forbes. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  36. ^ Diaz, Ana (2024-10-17). "Asmongold's Twitch suspension and exit from OTK, explained". Polygon. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
  37. ^ Andy Chalk (2024-10-16). "Asmongold steps back from OTK and says 'I need to fix my f***ing life' after racist rant about Palestinians: 'I have been slowly devolving into the most mean-spirited, rude, nasty, callous, psychopathic version of myself'". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
  38. ^ Stedman, Alex (2024-10-15). "Asmongold's Twitch Channel Banned Following Racist Rant About Palestinians". IGN. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
  39. ^ a b Miceli, Max (August 8, 2022). "One True King creates new PC building company, Starforge Systems". Dot Esports. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  40. ^ 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.
  41. ^ 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.
  42. ^ "OTK streamers Asmongold, TipsOut co-found new management firm Mythic Talent". Tubefilter. 2023-02-24. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  43. ^ Miceli, Max (2023-02-24). "One True King is starting another company to help content creators". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  44. ^ OTKnetwork (May 17, 2023). "OTK x @GamerSupps 👑 We are very excited to announce @GamerSupps is now an official partner of OTK!! We're pumped to be working with their team and, of course, farm @jschlatt for twitter likes again". Twitter. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  45. ^ Webber, Aaron (December 23, 2023). "Who Owns Gamer Supps". 247wallst. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  46. ^ 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.
  47. ^ "OTK gets into game publishing with Mad Mushroom". Tubefilter. 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  48. ^ Dealessandri, Marie (2023-06-12). "OTK launches publishing label Mad Mushroom". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  49. ^ Fragen, Jordan (2023-06-10). "OTK launches creator-led publishing label Mad Mushroom". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  50. ^ "Mad Mushroom Announces Mike Silbowitz as CEO, Leading the Charge to Revolutionize Indie Gaming". PR Newswire (Press release). Retrieved 2023-08-10.
  51. ^ a b Polhamus, Blaine (2022-03-30). "Mizkif discusses cheating on Schooled! quiz game show, says streamers don't want to be perceived as dumb". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  52. ^ a b Nash, Payton (2022-03-31). "Asmongold on OTK Schooled! cheaters: 'It's so annoying'". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  53. ^ "How to save OTK Schooled, one of the greatest collaborative efforts in streaming". InvenGlobal. 2022-05-16. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  54. ^ "ExtraEmily "knocked out" Emiru during OTK's game day". Dexerto. 2023-03-19. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  55. ^ "How to watch OTK's new Parasocial streamer show starring Mizkif". Dexerto. 2021-11-15. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  56. ^ 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.
  57. ^ Miceli, Max (January 29, 2021). "WoW Arena World Championship Shadowlands season one, Cup 2: Scores and results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  58. ^ Miceli, Max (February 12, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands season 1, Cup 3: Scores and results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  59. ^ Miceli, Max (March 5, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands season 1, Cup 4: Scores and results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  60. ^ Entertainment, Blizzard (April 26, 2021). "Arena World Championship season 1 Finals are Here!". Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  61. ^ Chen, Amy (April 20, 2021). "WoW Arena World Championship Season 1 Finals recap". Upcomer. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  62. ^ Miceli, Max (April 30, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands Season 1 Finals: Scores and Results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  63. ^ Chen, Amy (May 4, 2021). "Method NA wins WoW Arena World Championship Season 1". Upcomer. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  64. ^ 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.
  65. ^ Bald, Cameron (November 23, 2020). "OTK raises over $250k for charity during vintage Pokémon card unboxing stream". The Loadout. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  66. ^ Grayson, Nathan (November 26, 2020). "Twitch Streamers Are Opening '90s Pokémon Card Boxes Worth Thousands Of Dollars". Kotaku Australia. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  67. ^ Miceli, Max (November 23, 2020). "Who's benefited the most from xQc's recent Twitch ban?". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  68. ^ 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.
  69. ^ Galloway, Ryan (June 23, 2021). "OTK raises nearly $600,000 for charity during 2-day campaign". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  70. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (26 March 2022). "OTK streamers raise over $500,000 for Ukraine relief efforts". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group.
  71. ^ "OTK Lift-A-Thon Raises Over $125,000 for Children's Charities". InvenGlobal. 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  72. ^ "After raising $140,000 by pumping iron, OTK gets 'Elevated' with latest talent search". Tubefilter. 2023-05-04. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  73. ^ Sengupta, Suryadeepto (14 December 2022). "Esports Awards 2022 Finals: List of winners across categories". Sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda.
  74. ^ "Esports Awards 2023: List of nominees". Twitter.com. Esports Awards. 27 July 2023.
  75. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (13 March 2022). "All 2022 QTCinderella's Streamer Award Winners". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group.
  76. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (20 February 2023). "All 2023 Streamer Awards nominees". Dot Esports. Gamurs.
  77. ^ Michael, Cale; Taifalos, Nicholas (18 February 2024). "Streamer Awards 2024: All results and winners for every category". Dot Esports. Gamurs. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=One_True_King&oldid=1254290276"