Why Did Wargaming Kick Me Out?

Summary

In this video, the creator explains their removal from Wargaming's World of Tanks Content Creator program, sharing the full context and communications. Despite producing mostly positive and constructive content, including coverage of the 2.0 update, they were terminated for allegedly misaligning with the program’s goals. The video delves into issues with Wargaming’s transparency, account management, and marketing-driven decisions, highlighting the tension between honest critique and corporate narratives. Emphasizing loyalty to the community over the publisher, the creator reflects on years of effort, constructive feedback, and engagement, portraying the situation as a case of censorship disguised as professional misalignment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator was removed from Wargaming's Content Creator (CC) program despite providing constructive criticism and positive content when the update was good.
• 😀 Wargaming claimed the removal was not due to criticism or rule violations, but because the creator's content did not align with the company's values and marketing narrative.
• 😀 The creator had been vocal about the game's declining state, monetization issues, and lack of meaningful updates over time.
• 😀 The creator initially collaborated positively with Wargaming, posting three videos highlighting the 2.0 update and new tanks, which received strong engagement from the audience.
• 😀 Wargaming accused the creator of undermining trust by frequently highlighting negative aspects of the game, even though feedback was constructive and within program rules.
• 😀 The creator argues that their content benefits the game and community, serving as organic promotion rather than criticism alone.
• 😀 Wargaming provided limited support for the creator, mainly press accounts and occasional drops, while most benefits of the program were directed toward larger Twitch streamers.
• 😀 The removal was perceived by the creator as censorship, punishing honesty and community-focused feedback rather than misbehavior or NDA violations.
• 😀 Despite the termination, the creator intends to continue making content about World of Tanks, focusing on both positive updates and constructive criticism for the community.
• 😀 The creator emphasizes loyalty to the audience over the game publisher, valuing authentic engagement and transparency over aligning with marketing narratives.

Q & A

Why was the narrator removed from the World of Tanks Content Creator (CC) program?

The narrator was removed because Wargaming claimed their long-term content strategy was misaligned with the program's values and goals, despite constructive feedback and compliance with program rules.

Did Wargaming remove the narrator for criticizing the game?

No, Wargaming explicitly stated that the removal was not due to criticism. Constructive feedback was valued and encouraged, but the narrator's content focusing on the game's problems was seen as conflicting with their narrative.

What events led to issues with early access accounts for the 2.0 update?

The narrator could not log into their press account for patch 2.0 during early access. Wargaming had revoked the account without notification, which caused delays in streaming and creating content.

How did the narrator respond to the 2.0 update despite the CC issues?

The narrator posted three positive videos about the new update, including tier 11 tanks and new features, expressing genuine enjoyment of the content and sharing constructive feedback.

What concerns did the narrator raise about Wargaming’s communication and NDAs?

The narrator criticized Wargaming for poor communication regarding account revocation and found it strange that the NDA was referenced as a potential threat, even though no confidential information was disclosed.

How did Wargaming’s drop campaigns affect content creators?

Drops heavily favored the largest Twitch streamers, inflating their viewer numbers artificially, while smaller creators and YouTube-focused creators received little support or recognition.

What was the narrator’s perspective on Wargaming ‘feeding’ them as a content creator?

The narrator argued that the community, not Wargaming, is what truly ‘feeds’ them. Wargaming only provided minor perks, like a press account and occasional drop campaigns, while most organic views came from content that positively portrayed the game.

How did the narrator view Wargaming’s decision in terms of censorship?

The narrator saw the removal as a form of censorship, punishing them for honest and constructive criticism while rewarding creators who aligned closely with Wargaming's marketing narrative.

What role does the narrator believe content creators play in the gaming community?

Content creators act as a bridge between the publisher and the player base, providing honest feedback, highlighting issues, and creating content that resonates with the community.

Despite removal from the CC program, will the narrator continue creating content?

Yes, the narrator plans to continue playing World of Tanks, making content about improvements, and sharing honest perspectives for the community, emphasizing loyalty to viewers over the publisher.

How did the narrator feel personally about being removed from the CC program?

The narrator felt hurt and undervalued, believing their honesty and constructive feedback were the reason for removal rather than any rule violations or misconduct.

What criticism did the narrator have about the state of World of Tanks prior to the 2.0 update?

The narrator criticized the game for lacking meaningful content, over-monetization, unaddressed ongoing issues, and a general decline in game quality that negatively affected the player experience.