Twitch has informed Russian streamers that their options to receive payments are limited. They are adhering to the international sanctions against Russia imposed due to the invasion of Ukraine. The streamers are now worried about their livelihoods. They lost it overnight as their last source of income via Paypal closed on Sunday.
This is what Twitch says: The Washington Post has obtained an email sent to Russian streamers by Twitch, informing them that they will no longer receive money (via twitter):
Payments to the financial institution associated with their Twitch account have been blocked as a result of the situation. Twitch complies with the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other governments due to the situation in Ukraine.
These sanctions may affect or restrict how they access payments, how they monetize their streams, or how they can financially support other creators.
It is then stated that Twitch understands how frustrating and difficult the situation is. However, they assure that they want to pay the streamers once they find an “alternative financial institution.” If it is allowed, they want to transfer the money to them.
Paypal joins sanctions – This is bitter for Twitch streamers
What does this mean? Ultimately, the email says: If the streamers have their money in one of the banks affected by international sanctions, that is, in a Russian bank, they can no longer access their money.
This wasn’t a major problem until recently because Russian streamers could switch to Paypal. But the payment service Paypal has also joined the sanctions over the weekend, making it now practically impossible for Russian Twitch streamers to earn money through Twitch and make a living.
Streamer says: Livelihood was gone overnight
Here are the reactions: The Washington Post spoke with some streamers who stream from Russia.
A female streamer says:
- She feared that something like this could happen, but did not expect it to happen so quickly and overnight over the weekend.
- The last 12 days have been some of the most stressful of her life, the Twitch community has helped her stay sane.
- If she runs out of money for her VPN, she will be cut off from the independent internet and will not be able to learn what is really happening in the world, but is limited to propaganda.
A streamer named Decc says:
- He wants to continue streaming, even if there is no money to provide distraction to people.
- He has not yet been affected by the sanctions, but feels that the payment restrictions on Twitch are now the beginning.
– Ukraine Live Blog (via Zeit)
– War in Ukraine (via nzz)
– Solidarity with Ukraine (via Federal Foreign Office)
Important note: If you are troubled by dark thoughts due to the current situation: You are not alone. Please seek help. For example, through the telephone counseling service at 0800/111 0 111 or the online counseling, where you can also use a chat. It is free and valid nationwide.
Streamer says: He had to flee Russia, sanctions still affect him
One of the largest Russian streamers with an average of 14,500 viewers, Alexey “Jesus AVGN” Gubanov (featured image) says:
- He had to flee from Russia to the USA because he opposed Putin.
- Nevertheless, he is now affected by the sanctions, many companies that used to advertise have left the Russian market, and his Visa and Mastercard will soon be blocked.
- He believes there is a real possibility that Russia will simply shut down Twitch.
The Post quotes him:
“For many years, I was against Putin’s regime, for which I had to flee my home country, and I still have to account for the terrible actions of Putin, even though I live in another country.”
Alexey “Jesus AVGN” Gubanov
Ukrainian Twitch streamers are particularly suffering from the consequences of the war against their country:
