Tyler "Ninja" Belvins, one of the most renowned names in streaming, is heading to YouTube. This comes after Microsoft announced the surprise closure of Mixer, which signed Ninja as a full-time streamer last year. The Redmond firm offered Mixer"s exclusive streamers, which include Ninja, Shroud, and others, the option to either move to Facebook or switch to another platform altogether.
Ninja teased the stream earlier today in a tweet and began streaming on Google"s platform alongside DrLupo, TimTheTatman, and Courage. Right now, it"s not clear whether this is an exclusive deal, or Ninja will stream on other platforms, like Twitch. This was Ninja"s first-ever stream on YouTube.
When Ninja left Twitch for Mixer, his move set off a vital shift in the streaming industry, as platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch all began signing exclusive deals with top-tier streamers. Although Ninja"s viewership declined after leaving Twitch, his cultural presence grew, as he has since launched an apparel line with Adidas, and became the first streamer to have their skin in Fortnite.