Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat recently found himself at the centre of a controversy with gaming news outlet IGN. The dispute began when IGN published an article about Cenat’s 167-hour “Elden Ring” marathon, which included references to his past controversies. Cenat and his fans accused IGN of sensationalism and misrepresentation.
Background
Kai Cenat, a prominent streamer with over 10.5 million Twitch followers, recently completed a 167-hour marathon of the very famous difficult game “Elden Ring.” The live streaming got tens of thousands of viewers, peaking at 230,000 viewers. The marathon, marked by over 1,600 in-game deaths, resulted in Cenat defeating the game’s hardest boss, Malenia.
The Controversy
The situation escalated when IGN tweeted about Cenat’s marathon, mentioning his past controversies, including accusations of hosting parties where misconduct occurred and his involvement in a riot in New York’s Union Square. This tweet sparked outrage among Cenat’s fans, who felt that IGN unfairly connected these issues to his recent achievement.
The deleted IGN tweet was :
Cenat responded strongly on Twitter, posting, “FUCK IGN,” which quickly went viral, garnering significant support from his followers.
FUCK IGN
— AMP KAI (@KaiCenat) May 18, 2024
IGN later deleted the controversial tweet and revised the headline of the original article, issuing an apology. They stated that their intention was not to detract from Cenat’s gaming accomplishments but acknowledged the criticism and adjusted their coverage accordingly.
The gaming community’s response was mixed. Some supported Cenat, criticizing IGN for what they saw as a clickbait approach, while others felt that Cenat’s past actions were relevant to his public persona. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the responsibilities of gaming journalists and the balance between reporting and sensationalism.
Prominent figures in the gaming world also weighed in. Streamer Adin Ross, who had placed a $100,000 bet on Cenat’s performance, tweeted his support, while others called for more ethical journalism practices.
After nearly 167 hours and over 1,700 deaths, Kai Cenat has officially beaten Elden Ring
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) May 17, 2024
Cenat announced a brief hiatus from streaming to focus on his mental health following the controversy. The incident highlights the complex relationship between content creators and the media, emphasizing the need for respectful and accurate representation.
As the gaming community continues to debate the issue, it serves as a reminder of the influence public figures hold and the importance of ethical journalism in maintaining a positive and truthful discourse.
