The gaming clan FaZe held a show on Twitch to find a new member. 20 Twitch streamers from around the world participated, with prizes worth over 1.2 million euros at stake. The show was supposed to run for 15 days, 24 hours a day on Twitch. But now the show had to be cancelled: public opposition became too high. Several Covid cases had appeared in the house.
What kind of show was it?
- It was a sort of “FaZe searching for the next Twitch star,” mixed with Big Brother. The show was supposed to run for 15 days: it was planned to broadcast live from a warehouse on Twitch 24 hours a day starting from May 5. The first 130 hours were also shown – an average of 2800 people watched.
- In the show, 20 selected emerging talents competed against each other in a warehouse playing various games. The goal was to find the “next member of the FaZe Clan.”
- But Covid disrupted the organizers’ plans. After 6 days, the show had to be cancelled.
Also a way to entertain on Twitch. The most popular clip of all time on the streaming platform:
What were the prizes? There were several prizes:
- one million US dollars in cryptocurrency
- a sponsorship contract worth $250,000
- a Nissan GT-R
In addition, membership in FaZe and a bright future perspective. Because the Twitch streamers participating there can suddenly become stars overnight with massive marketing power behind them. After all, FaZe is the largest e-sports clan in the world.
Mix of Big Brother and “You do the stream”
What was played? It was a typical “elimination show,” as seen in reality TV:
In one match, 5 players were locked in portable toilets and then the toilets were lifted 3.3 meters into the air. The players had to solve a riddle in the portable toilet, thus unlocking a small window, and shoot a toy gun through the window at a target.
There were also typical scenes like those from the “Big Brother” house. Experienced FaZe members also acted as mentors or judges.
The candidates took turns in other times to design and moderate the stream themselves.
Highlights were uploaded on YouTube, such as this portable toilet game
3 Covid cases appeared after a few days
What was the problem? Early in the show, already on May 7, three players had to drop out because they tested positive for Covid.
This was seen by outsiders as unfair: Young streamers were dropping out for something they had no control over.
It was said that in the end, it would be the one with the best immune system who would win.
How FaZe reacted: The clan was initially resistant. They said the show could not be stopped because there were too many commitments. It was also not so bad if someone dropped out. People would not be forgotten.
For three streamers who dropped out, they simply brought in two new candidates: The show had to go on.
However, those who dropped out seemed inconsolable, having missed a big opportunity for their careers.
Covid case 4 led to cancellation
This brought about a rethink: Ultimately, FaZe had to yield to Covid. When on May 11 the fourth participant tested positive for Covid-19, it was said that the show would now be suspended. Suddenly, the health of the participants and staff became the top priority.
It is said that the show will continue when everything is safe. Then all 20 candidates and the 2 newly nominated will have a chance to participate in the show.
This is the reaction: After the clan was heavily criticized for the decision “The Show must go on,” it is now largely agreed that FaZe made the right decision.
However, it is also mentioned in the comments on Twitter that this could have been avoided with a two-week quarantine before the show. But hindsight is always 20/20.
We reported on the show a few days ago:
