Tyler “Ninja” Blevins Reflects on His Streaming Journey
Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, a prominent figure in the gaming community, recently shared insights into his streaming career and the challenges he faces amidst changing viewer trends. In an interview with the BBC, Ninja candidly discussed how “the internet and trolls” continuously highlight his decline in livestream viewer numbers.
Rise to Fame with Fortnite
Best known for his association with Epic Games’ battle royale sensation, Fortnite, Ninja skyrocketed to fame as the first Twitch streamer to achieve over 10 million followers. Throughout his career, he has also explored other popular multiplayer games like Call of Duty and Marvel Rivals, but Fortnite remains his signature title, even featuring him as an in-game character skin.
Viewer Engagement Decline
Despite previously holding the title of the largest streamer on Twitch, Ninja has struggled to recapture his past glory in recent years. Major milestones, such as his legendary stream with rapper Drake, stand out, yet recent years have been quieter in terms of viewership. Ninja noted the stark contrast in his audience size, stating, “I think I was pulling 100,000 viewers [per stream] consistently, but now, I think I get around seven or eight thousand combined from Twitch and YouTube, unless there’s a significant update on Fortnite or [Marvel Rivals].”
Impact of Online Criticism
Ninja expressed the emotional toll of ongoing online criticism, saying, “It’s literally every day that I’m getting berated online.” He attributes part of his decline to Fortnite’s waning popularity, which has affected his streaming numbers. Despite having a substantial follower base of 19.2 million on Twitch and 23.7 million on YouTube, the influx of negative comments continues to dampen his streaming experience.
The Streaming Landscape and Future Aspirations
Ninja transitioned to Microsoft’s Mixer platform in 2019, only to return to Twitch in 2020 while also establishing a presence on YouTube. Although retirement appears to cross his mind at times, Ninja remains committed to his passion, saying, “I still love it and have a community that is strong and stays with me. I’m a gamer and an entertainer at heart; it’s in my blood.”
Upcoming Charity Event: Gaming for Cause
Ninja recently announced a 24-hour charity livestream titled Gaming for Cause, aimed at raising awareness about skin cancer, following his own melanoma diagnosis in March 2024. He says, “Me and my wife were going to give to this cause no matter what because it’s important to us for the rest of our lives. It’s not just about donating money; it’s also about raising awareness.”
Join the Livestream and Support a Cause
As of now, the Gaming for Cause livestream is accessible on Twitch and YouTube, with a goal to raise $250,000. At the time of this writing, the initiative has already garnered $117,190 in donations. Fans can tune in to support the cause and witness Ninja sharing more about his experiences and journey in the gaming world.
For more updates and insights from Ninja, be sure to catch his intriguing discussions, including his stories about collaborating with celebrities like Kevin Hart on streaming projects.
