The streaming continues to evolve as major content creators seek platforms that prioritize creative freedom and revenue sharing. In a significant development for the industry, One True King (OTK), one of America’s largest streaming collectives, has announced a comprehensive partnership with KICK, the rapidly growing streaming platform known for its creator-friendly policies. This collaboration represents more than just another streaming deal—it signals a strategic shift toward audience-first content creation and marks the official launch of KICK Studios, a new production initiative designed to support high-quality creator-led programming.
The partnership comes at a crucial time for both organizations. OTK, which generated over 176.3 million hours of watch time in 2024, has faced significant challenges, including internal controversies, staff departures, and the exit of founding member Asmongold earlier this year. Meanwhile, KICK has been steadily building its reputation as a viable alternative to traditional streaming platforms, boasting 57 million active users and an industry-leading 95/5 subscriber revenue split. The timing of this announcement suggests both parties see mutual benefit in combining OTK’s content creation expertise with KICK’s creator-centric approach and growing user base.
This partnership extends beyond simple streaming arrangements, encompassing a year-long series of premium livestreamed events that will showcase OTK’s signature blend of gaming and lifestyle content. The collaboration also addresses practical concerns for content creators, offering flexible streaming schedules, personal partner managers, and ad-free viewing experiences for audiences. As the streaming industry becomes increasingly competitive, this partnership demonstrates how established creator collectives and emerging platforms can work together to deliver fresh, engaging content while expanding their respective reach and influence.
First Exclusive Event Launches Partnership
The partnership officially kicked off with “Project OTK,” a livestreamed event that aired on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 8 PM ET exclusively on KICK’s platform. Broadcasting live from Austin, Texas—OTK’s headquarters—the inaugural event featured several prominent OTK-affiliated streamers including Esfand, Cyr, Sodapoppin, ExtraEmily, and notably, Asmongold. Asmongold’s participation garnered particular attention given his recent departure from OTK’s leadership structure, though his appearance doesn’t constitute an exclusive streaming agreement with KICK.
One True King KICK (Image via Getty)The event format promises to include live creator roasts, interactive challenges with viewers, and a revamped version of OTK’s popular Game Day tournament. This inaugural broadcast serves as a proof of concept for the broader partnership, demonstrating how KICK Studios can support high-production-value content that maintains OTK’s authentic, unfiltered approach to entertainment.
Strategic Implications for Both Organizations
For OTK, this partnership represents a potential path to stability following a turbulent period marked by controversies and organizational changes. The collective faced significant challenges in 2024, including employee layoffs across production and marketing teams and the departure of key personalities. OTK CEO Tips Out emphasized the importance of finding a platform partner that allows creative freedom, stating that KICK’s vision aligned perfectly with OTK’s need for “an audience-first partner willing to just let OTK be OTK, hair down and all.”
KICK benefits from associating with established content creators who bring proven audiences and production expertise. The platform has already demonstrated its commitment to creators through its Partner Program, which has paid out $62 million to content creators. This partnership with OTK provides KICK with premium content that can help differentiate it from competitors while showcasing the capabilities of KICK Studios.
Future Content Plans and Industry Impact
The partnership encompasses plans for 10 events over the next 12 months, each designed to highlight different aspects of OTK’s content creation capabilities. While specific details about future programming remain limited, the collaboration is expected to influence how other creator collectives and streaming platforms approach content partnerships.
However, the announcement has generated mixed reactions from the streaming community. Some fans express excitement about the return of popular personalities and the promise of high-quality events, while others raise concerns about KICK’s reputation and its associations with controversial content creators. The success of this partnership will likely depend on OTK’s ability to maintain its authentic brand while KICK’s platform dynamics and audience expectations.
