One True King
One True King (OTK), legally OTK Media, Inc.,[4] is a gaming organization based in Austin, Texas.[5] The organization primarily focuses on online content creation and previously competed professionally in World of Warcraft.[6]
| Full name | OTK Media, Inc. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short name | OTK | ||||||
| Games | |||||||
| Founded | October 11, 2020 | ||||||
| Based in | Austin, Texas, U.S. | ||||||
| Owners |
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| Partners |
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| Website | www | ||||||
| Twitch information | |||||||
| Channels |
Associated channels
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| Followers | 215,000[1] | ||||||
| Total views | 104,000[1] | ||||||
| YouTube information | |||||||
| Channels |
Associated channels
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| Subscribers | 548,000 (main channel)[2] | ||||||
| Total views | 26,8 million (main channel)[2] | ||||||
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Last updated: August 17, 2022 | |||||||
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.[citation needed] 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."[7] 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.[8][9] The organization has also gained notability for not receiving major backing from corporations as opposed to traditional esports teams.[10]
Alongside the initial announcement of the group, the organization unveiled their professional World of Warcraft roster. The original roster consisted of Trill, Mes, Cdew, and Samiyam.[11] The team competed at Blizzard-sanctioned events for one season during the Shadowlands expansion.[12] 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.[13] 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.[14]
One True King won the "Best Content Organization" award at The Streamer Awards on March 12, 2022.[15]
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.[16]
On August 8, 2022, the group, along with YouTuber and Twitch streamer Cr1TiKaL, announced the founding of Starforge Systems, a technology company focused on building computers[17] that was quickly met with backlash due to the allegedly high prices of their products.[18] The company responded by decreasing their prices by $100.[18]
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 allegedly downplaying an incident of sexual assault, as well as racist and homophobic comments made from 2018 to 2019, came to light.[19][20][21] 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.[22]
On December 16, 2022, co-owner Rich Campbell announced his resignation from the organization in light of sexual assault allegations.[23]
On December 23, 2022, it was announced Schlatt would be leaving OTK in order to "fulfill his goals" for 2023, although he will still be involved in several of the group's projects.[24]
Philanthropy
One True King has held several charity streams benefitting 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.[25][26] The stream averaged 70,000 viewers.[27] A second charity stream for Games for Love took place on March 22, 2021, raising $600,000.[28] Their third charity stream took place over a two-day period from June 22–23, 2021, raising $593,596.[29]
In March 2022, One True King held two charity streams benefitting relief efforts for those affected by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, raising over $500,000.[30]
Members
Current members
| Name | Join date | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Asmongold | October 11, 2020 | Content creators, owners |
| Esfand | ||
| Mizkif | ||
| Tips Out | ||
| Nmplol | October 27, 2020 | |
| Sodapoppin | July 21, 2022[31] | |
| Cyr | October 11, 2021[32] | Content creators |
| Tectone | November 21, 2021[33] | |
| Emiru | January 2, 2022[4] | |
| BruceDropEmOff | March 27, 2022[34] |
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.[36] At cup 2, One True King made it to the finals of the North American bracket, losing to Kawhi 1–4.[37] At the cup 3, One True King made it to the semi-finals, losing to Cloud9 0–3.[38] 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.[39] 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.[40][41] They made it to the semi-finals, losing to Cloud9 and finishing the season at 3rd place.[42][43]
On June 11, 2021, Cdew announced via Twitter that the organization decided not to renew the teams' contracts for the upcoming expansion.[44]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Streamer Awards | Best Content Organization | Won | [45] |
| Esports Awards | Content Group of the Year | Nominated | [46] |
References
- ^ a b "OTKnetwork – TwitchTracker". Twitch Tracker. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ WE DID IT (THANK YOU FOR 100K SUBSCRIBERS) (video). OTK. May 20, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b "Emiru Joins OTK as Its Newest Content Creator". GlobeNewswire. 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.
- ^ Drake, Alice (October 12, 2020). "Popular Twitch Streamers Form 'One True King' Organization". Game Rant. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Laerezh (October 13, 2020). "WoW: Asmongold, Esfand, and other big streamers create One True King, a new esports organisation". Millenium. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ 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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Switzer, Eric (October 11, 2020). "One True King – New Organization Founded By Twitch Streamers Asmongold, Mizkif, And Esfand". TheGamer. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Hurst, Taylor (October 15, 2020). "Your Gaming and Esports Update". Medium. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Parker, Jason (October 12, 2020). "Asmongold and More Announce 'OTK' Esports Org". Esports Talk. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Spiers-Unwin, Ruby (October 12, 2020). "Asmongold and four others announce new World of Warcraft esports team". The Loadout. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Johnson, Nick (October 12, 2020). "Asmongold joins big streamers, YouTubers creating new org OTK". WIN.gg. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Galloway, Ryan (October 27, 2020). "Nmplol joins One True King organization". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ 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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Young, Rory (13 March 2022). "The Streamer Awards Full Winners List". Game Rant. Valnet Inc.
- ^ Epps, Ryan (8 June 2022). . Tech Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022.
- ^ Miceli, Max (August 8, 2022). "One True King creates new PC building company, Starforge Systems". Dot Esports. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b Miceli, Max (August 9, 2022). "Starforge Systems makes changes to prices for PCs following fan criticism". Dot Esports. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Parrish, Ash (20 September 2020). . The Verge. Archived from the original on 2022-09-20.
- ^ @OTKnetwork (2022-09-20). (Tweet). Archived from the original on 2022-09-20 – via Twitter.
- ^ Tsiaoussidis, Alex (21 September 2022). . Dot Esports. Archived from the original on 21 September 2022.
- ^ Snavely, Adam (1 January 2023). "OTK reinstates Mizkif after no 'direct evidence' of sexual assault cover-up was found by investigation". Dot Esports. Gamurs.
- ^ a b @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 harrassment 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.
- ^ a b Shavely, Adam (December 23, 2022). "Jschlatt and OTK part ways so creator can 'fulfill his goals' for 2023". Dot Esports. Retrieved December 24, 2022.
- ^ Bald, Cameron (November 23, 2020). "OTK raises over $250k for charity during vintage Pokémon card unboxing stream". The Loadout. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Grayson, Nathan (November 26, 2020). "Twitch Streamers Are Opening '90s Pokémon Card Boxes Worth Thousands Of Dollars". Kotaku Australia. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Miceli, Max (November 23, 2020). "Who's benefited the most from xQc's recent Twitch ban?". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ 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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Galloway, Ryan (June 23, 2021). "OTK raises nearly $600,000 for charity during 2-day campaign". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Polhamus, Blaine (26 March 2022). "OTK streamers raise over $500,000 for Ukraine relief efforts". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group.
- ^ McIntyre, Isaac (July 22, 2022). "Sodapoppin joins One True King as org co-owner". Dot Esports. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ Galloway, Ryan (October 11, 2021). "Cyr becomes newest member of OTK". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
- ^ Galloway, Ryan (November 22, 2021). "OTK welcomes Tectone as newest member". Dot Esports. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
- ^ "BruceDropEmOff Joins OTK as Its Newest Content Creator". GlobeNewswire. March 28, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ Galloway, Ryan (May 24, 2021). "One True King organization welcomes newest member Jschlatt". Dot Esports. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ 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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ 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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Miceli, Max (February 12, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands season 1, Cup 3: Scores and results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Miceli, Max (March 5, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands season 1, Cup 4: Scores and results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Entertainment, Blizzard (April 26, 2021). "Arena World Championship season 1 Finals are Here!". Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Chen, Amy (April 20, 2021). "WoW Arena World Championship Season 1 Finals recap". Upcomer. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Miceli, Max (April 30, 2021). "Arena World Championship Shadowlands Season 1 Finals: Scores and Results". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Chen, Amy (May 4, 2021). "Method NA wins WoW Arena World Championship Season 1". Upcomer. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ 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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Polhamus, Blaine (13 March 2022). "All 2022 QTCinderella's Streamer Award Winners". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group.
- ^ Sengupta, Suryadeepto (14 December 2022). "Esports Awards 2022 Finals: List of winners across categories". Sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda.