Latest news with #Twitch
Refinery29
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Sydeon Joins New Balance As Gaming Ambassador — And I'm Already Influenced
If you've ever peeped Sydeon's Instagram feed, you know her love for New Balance isn't just for show. So it tracks that the Twitch streamer and content creator has officially joined the brand as its second gaming ambassador — and she's already putting in the work. 'I have put all of my friends onto this shoe. It's the 1906L. It's like a sneaker loafer,' the creator and Twitch streamer tells me. 'It was one of the first things that I asked for when [New Balance and I] started talking about our partnership. I was like, 'Look, the shoe is sold out everywhere. I can't find it in any of the colorways. If you happen to have an extra one, like please.'' Her excitement is so convincing that mid-answer I find myself (somewhat unprofessionally) Googling this mythical mashup of footwear. Yes, it is cool. And now I want a pair, I tell her. Advertisement ADVERTISEMENT Authentic brand–creator partnerships are like a good outfit: effortless, memorable, and sells itself. For Sydeon, although she's made a name for herself streaming gameplay on Twitch, her content has always reflected her broader interests in fashion and lifestyle, whether she's cosplaying as Rogue from X-Men, giving a wig tutorial, or travel vlogging foodie adventures overseas. Which makes it that much easier for a brand like New Balance to sign on. 'New Balance has this really unique outlook on their brand and on culture and just craftsmanship and individualism and all those things,' Sydeon says, 'and I think that kind of lined up with me as a streamer as well.' Ahead, Sydeon shares her thoughts on personal style, makes the case that cosplay is fashion, and offers tips on how to successfully partner with brands. Refinery29: How would you describe your personal style and how does it align with New Balance? I like to mix a lot of different things. I really love both feminine and masculine pieces together so I'll wear a really cute frilly top and then baggy pants and sneakers. I also really just go based off of mood. Sometimes I want a sort of athleisure look and sometimes I want to be really feminine and have lots of floral pieces. So it's kind of all over the place, like, I would say, I am as a content creator. New Balance is just all about being authentic, being yourself, being an individual, and they have so many different pieces that fit that mold. You have something like a sneaker loafer and then you have your everyday walking shoe, and then you also have really functional things for hiking or for basketball or whatever it is. New Balance has something for everyone and I like to be a little bit of everything in my personal style. Advertisement ADVERTISEMENT More and more brands are getting into the world of gaming. Where do you see that intersection of fashion and gaming going? I think the intersection of fashion and gaming is really at the beginning of its peak. There are so many gamers and content creators who have such a love for fashion and a lot of gamers and content creators are becoming more mainstream. You see people who have loved games and have maybe been quiet about them in the past because it wasn't as cool, and you find out now that everybody has loved games as much as they have loved fashion and sports and stuff. It feels like it's become one of the mainstream things now, which is really exciting because you get opportunities like this with New Balance. I feel like some people who aren't in the world of anime or cosplay or gaming see cosplay as more costume than fashion or art. To those haters or skeptics, how would you defend cosplay as fashion? I think cosplay is self-expression in a very niche form. Oftentimes people look at cosplay and they're like, "Oh, you're just dressing up in costumes, but it's not Halloween." Yada yada. Cosplay for me and for a lot of other people is craftsmanship. It is sitting down for hours and working on something, building something from hand, from scratch, altering things and I think a lot of people kind of forego the idea cuz it feels like silly costumes, but it takes a lot of the same craftsmanship as fashion does. Some of my favorite cosplayers do cosplay in a way that really meshes well with fashion because they'll take their character and then [remake it]. What if this was casual? What if they were just wearing something on the street? What would they look like? Advertisement ADVERTISEMENT Who are some of your favorite cosplayers? One of my favorites since the dawn of time is Snitchery and she's one of my favorite people to watch change throughout the industry. I've been following her probably since like 2018 or something like that and I remember she used to do just portrait cosplay and now I'm seeing her at every world premiere for every movie and she always comes dressed according to the movie but in a fashion sense. Yeah! Then of course Stella Chu is another cosplayer I love. She's in LA and she's worked with me before on cosplay. She's really sweet and she's super talented. Like her warehouse is just full of 3D printers and stuff everywhere. I'd love to get your two cents as someone who has built a career off of creating and streaming. Once you've built that community, how do you branch out from your usual lane with a new partnership or a new project that's maybe outside of how your audience usually knows you? I think it's really important to explore a lot of different avenues and I think that I'm lucky that my personality just has always allowed me to do that. I think it's a little bit scary when it feels like, 'Oh, my audience is so used to me sitting down and playing the same game every day for 12 hours. What are they going to think when they find out that I've partnered with a brand like New Balance?' Where it's like, 'Oh, I didn't know you were interested in that kind of thing.' Except my community definitely knows. I talk about fashion and sneakers and stuff like that all the time. Advertisement ADVERTISEMENT But maybe if a community wasn't [aware], I think it's just fun to challenge yourself and challenge the people around you, your community, and I think you'd be really surprised how many people are interested in the same things as you. Because people are multi-faceted. They might enjoy gaming, but they probably enjoy so many other things and I think it's always worth taking the risk. And even if it doesn't work out, you tried something that was authentic to you and that's what matters the most. What are some tips you have for creators who are looking to work more with brands? For a creator who's looking to work more with brands, obviously being brand-friendly is one of those pretty important things. I think if that falls in line with who you are as a creator, then it's great to be on that route. I think that when you are yourself and your genuine interests are out there, brands will take notice. I'm not a brand, but if I were, I would probably be really excited if I saw someone who was genuinely excited about what I already do, you know? This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. For more stories like this, sign up for our Good Game newsletter . Advertisement ADVERTISEMENT
The Verge
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
The VTuber world is in crisis over ‘owed' donations
On July 21st, 6,669-year-old demon queen Ironmouse, posted an 11-minute video explaining that she is leaving her talent management agency, VShojo. Ironmouse is a VTuber, or 'virtual YouTuber' — a type of a streamer who doesn't typically show their human face, instead creating elaborate digital personas to create content. 'I recently found out that for the past couple of months, I have been misled by VShojo,' she said, breathily, in her video. 'I believe that I am owed a significant amount of funds which I have not been paid.' With her pink hair, purple eyes, and horns, Ironmouse is one of Twitch's biggest streamers. She currently has over 2.3 million followers on Twitch, and 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube. In 2023, she won a Game Award for content creator of the year. A year later, she would briefly overtake Kai Cenat as the most subscribed to Twitch streamer with over 300,000 subs. Her VTuber colleagues at VShojo have follower counts in the hundreds of thousands across Twitch and YouTube. Now, in the aftermath of Ironmouse's video, most of them have also quit the company, with some of them alleging unpaid wages. According to Ironmouse, her trouble with VShojo started with the conclusion of her 2024 subscription marathon on Twitch. During the event, Ironmouse raised over $500,000 for the Immune Deficiency Foundation, a cause she explained was important to her as she — the real person behind the Ironmouse persona — suffers from common variable immunodeficiency or CVID. The Verge has reached out to VShojo, Ironmouse, and the Immune Deficiency Foundation for comment. 'Because the money came from my Twitch revenue,' Ironmouse said in her video, 'It required VShojo to make the donation on my behalf.' She claims this has not been done and that's why she's decided to leave VShojo: 'And most importantly, the thing that hurts me the most is that the Immune Deficiency Foundation, which is the most important charity to me and also the reason why I'm here today, is owed over half a million dollars from Vshojo. […] I really want to tell you everything, but unfortunately right now I have been instructed by my attorney to wait for more of the legal procedure to unfold. So one day I will be able to tell you the full story. But for now, I just need to let you know that I will no longer be a part of VShojo.' 'As of right now, I am an independent VTuber,' she said. While a creator leaving a talent agency is nothing new, especially in the world of VTubers, the scope and scale of this departure has had a serious impact on both VShojo and the wider VTuber community. In the hours after Ironmouse released her video, 12 of the 13 VTubers listed on VShojo's website have officially announced they are leaving the company. On July 22nd, Kson, a yakuza-themed VTuber with 1.3 million followers on YouTube, did a livestream in which she announced she too would be leaving the company, also alleging unpaid funds. 'And the reason why is because VShojo hasn't paid a significant amount of money to me,' she said. Most of the other members of VShojo, who said they were leaving on their livestreams and social media, would not give explicit reasons why, suggesting they aren't able to due to legal reasons. Nearly all of them expressed heartbreak related to their departure and shock at Ironmouse's treatment. 'Yes, I'm leaving VShojo,' wrote Projekt Melody on X. '[I] put my everything into this comp[any]. But I'm beyond devastated at what happened and I never in a million years thought I'd be saying these words.' When VShojo was founded in 2020, it positioned itself as 'talent first' as a way to differentiate itself from other companies that had reputations for treating talent poorly. This attracted popular VTuber talent and huge numbers of fans. VTubers operate similarly to Twitch streamers but can have extra expectations and constraints set upon them if they are corporately sponsored by talent agencies. To understand VTubers, it's best to think of them as digital Japanese pop idols. Almost every aspect of a corporate VTuber — their sponsorships, social media accounts, finances, name, and more — is owned and controlled by their agency. In most circumstances, if a VTuber decides to go independent, they have to leave every aspect of their persona behind including all the channels attached to that persona and start over from scratch. VShojo stood out as a company because its clients were not beholden to those terms. 'I'm actually shocked,' said Biggles, an artist and independent Vtuber who told The Verge she's been a fan of VShojo talent since the company's beginning. 'VShojo was a dream for many.' Ironmouse's dream for the Immune Deficiency Foundation lives on however. After posting her announcement video as her usual persona, she initiated a donation drive to replace the allegedly unpaid funds. Through her community, her former Vshojo colleagues, and their communities, they've raised almost $1 from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Ash Parrish Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Creators Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
"Leave me the f—k out of this and let me go somewhere" - Kyrie Irving reveals things with the Nets fell apart because of a COVID-19 vaccine
"Leave me the f—k out of this and let me go somewhere" - Kyrie Irving reveals things with the Nets fell apart because of a COVID-19 vaccine originally appeared on Basketball Network. After three years of never really opening up about what went down during his time on the Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving finally broke his silence and revealed that it went as far as him demanding to be let go by the team. It was all because of Irving's refusal to take the New York mandated COVID-19 vaccine back in 2021, which led the team to suspend the point guard. "Even the people that I was in business with were pro-vaccine. And I'm like, 'Okay look, that's fine, just leave me the f—k out of this, let me go somewhere. I even told the Nets to release me, I said, 'Yo, can you please just release me so I can,' Obviously the money situation is a different situation, I'm f—king Kyrie, I say that very aware of my position, they weren't just going to let me clock out and go somewhere," said Irving via his most recent Twitch stream. Kyrie affected his team's chances Irving's refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine was one of the many off-court issues he had in the same season, which significantly affected the Nets' chances to contend for a championship. Back in 2021, New York Mayor Eric Adams mandated that all of the city's professional sports teams must require their athletes to be vaccinated otherwise they won't be allowed to represent their teams on their home court. Since Irving didn't want to follow suit, he missed a total of 35 games to start the season as well as roughly $380,000 per game. The point guard's absence then left Kevin Durant and James Harden to lead the team by themselves, which went better than expected. Still, the growing concern throughout the season was the missed time and opportunity to build much-needed chemistry and reps. Nets general manager Sean Marks knew that was the case but couldn't really do anything about it. "He has a choice to make, and he made his choice," Marks said. "Again, my job here is to make what we deem as the best decision and best choices for the organization moving ahead as a whole. They're not always ones that are going to be met with open arms and a thumbs-up. These are hard decisions. Just like I'm sure it wasn't easy for Kyrie either to have to make that [decision] to not be around his teammates."Irving wanted to stay true to his beliefs Irving, who admitted at that time that he was neither pro-vaccine nor anti-vaccine, made the decision not to take it because he felt it was a way to stay true to his beliefs. He didn't like the fact that he was being required to take it because that went against his freedom to make his own decisions. The former Nets guard wanted to take his time in deciding whether or not he was going to get vaccinated which ultimately cost him money as well as a chance to win a championship. Kyrie returned to the court by game 36 of that season, but only participated in the Nets' games on the road. He played a total of 29 games and averaged 27.4 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 37.6 minutes per game. Unfortunately for him and the Nets, they were eliminated as early as the first round by the Boston Celtics. Kyrie wasn't let go right away by the Nets but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks the following story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
2025 Gen Z slang guide: What ‘Rizz', ‘Delulu' and ‘Brat' really mean
Trying to decode Gen Z slang in 2025? You're not alone. Whether you're scrolling through TikTok, lurking on Reddit, or casually eavesdropping on a college campus, Gen Z has created an entirely new language. These slang terms are witty, weird, and wildly expressive, often blending irony, internet humour, and cultural references. If you're a millennial feeling lost, a brand trying to sound relatable, or just want to stay updated, this list breaks down the top 10 Gen Z slang words trending right now. Here's what they mean, how to use them, and why they're everywhere. Trust us, if you want to survive a group chat in 2025, you'll want to bookmark this. 20 Gen Z slang words to add to your dictionary in 2025 Rizz Meaning: Short for charisma or flirting skills. Use it like: "He's got mad rizz." Why it's trending: Gen Z's go-to word for charm, especially in dating contexts. Born from Twitch and TikTok culture, 'rizz' has become the ultimate measure of how smooth someone is, whether they're sliding into DMs or spitting game in real life. Delulu Meaning: A funny take on "delusional." Use it like: "I'm totally delulu about marrying my fav idol." Why it's trending: Originally fandom slang, it's now everywhere from group chats to viral memes. Being 'delulu' is kind of aspirational, it lets people poke fun at their unrealistic dreams while still manifesting them with full confidence. NPC Meaning: Non-playable character; someone who seems emotionless or generic. Use it like: "She was acting like a total NPC at the party." Why it's trending: Borrowed from gaming, the term is used to mock people who seem to lack originality or self-awareness. It's lowkey savage, highkey hilarious, and a favourite insult for TikTok roasts. Slay Meaning: To look amazing or do something perfectly. Use it like: "You slayed that presentation." Why it's trending: From outfits to TikTok dances, it's Gen Z's favourite hype word. Whether you're praising a killer look or celebrating a major win, 'slay' is the word that instantly turns heads and boosts egos. Ate (and left no crumbs) Meaning: To totally crush it. Use it like: "She ate that performance." Why it's trending: This phrase takes 'slay' up a notch. It's a dramatic way to say someone absolutely dominated, whether on stage, in a debate, or even just styling a fit. It's loud, proud, and meme-ready. It's giving Meaning: A stylish way to describe a vibe. Use it like: "It's giving main character energy." Why it's trending: This flexible phrase allows Gen Z to describe aesthetics, moods, or entire personalities in one quick quip. From fashion reviews to mood captions, it's become part of everyday lingo. Go touch grass Meaning: A way to tell someone to get offline and reconnect with reality. Use it like: "You need to touch grass, bestie." Why it's trending: A sarcastic way to call out people who spend too much time online. It's Gen Z's version of a reality check, served with humour and a touch of shade. Mid Meaning: Mediocre, not great. Use it like: "That movie was so mid." Why it's trending: It's the ultimate one-word review. Easy to say, brutal to hear. Whether used in comment sections or casual convos, calling something 'mid' is Gen Z's way of cutting through the hype. Corecore Meaning: A surreal, emotion-heavy TikTok trend mixing aesthetics, chaos, and feelings. Use it like: "That edit was so corecore, I cried." Why it's trending: A genre of video that blends clips, quotes, and moods to evoke deep emotions. It's artsy, strange, and often hits harder than expected. Gen Z's way of processing the absurdity of life through content. Brat Meaning: Playfully rebellious, dramatic in a cute or chaotic way. Use it like: "She's in her brat era and I'm here for it." Why it's trending: From TikTok edits to fashion trends, 'brat' energy is all about being bold, dramatic, and unapologetically attention-seeking, in the best way. It's giving confidence, sass, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. In the big 2025 Meaning: A melodramatic way to describe doing basic things dramatically, as if surviving modern life is an epic quest. Use it like: "I forgot my headphones and had to raw-dog the metro. In the big 2025." Why it's trending: This ironic phrase exaggerates daily struggles, turning minor inconveniences into tragic storylines. It's all about self-aware drama and coping through humour. Ick Meaning: A sudden turn-off that kills attraction instantly. Use it like: "The way he chews gave me the ick." Why it's trending: Hilariously relatable, this word is used to call out small behaviours that ruin someone's appeal. It's a staple of TikTok dating rants and is often paired with 'girl dinner' confessions or 'brat energy' moments gone wrong. Main character Meaning: Someone living life like they're the star of a movie. Use it like: "She walked in like the main character." Why it's trending: Everyone wants to feel iconic, and this phrase celebrates confidence, drama, and individualism. 'I'm just a girl in the big 2025' is the vibe. No cap Meaning: No lie / for real. Use it like: "That movie was amazing, no cap." Why it's trending: A classic slang that's still strong in 2025, often used to validate a statement or call out someone who's being extra. Girl dinner Meaning: A snacky, chaotic meal often made of random things in the fridge. Use it like: "I just had crackers, cheese, and olives, girl dinner." Why it's trending: Originally ironic, it became a whole vibe. Celebrates low-effort self-care in a hilarious, relatable way. Often shared with a dramatic voiceover: 'I'm just a girl...' Bet Meaning: OK, deal, or agreement. Use it like: "You down for sushi? Bet." Why it's trending: It's quick, confident, and effortlessly cool, one of Gen Z's most versatile affirmations. Ghost Meaning: To suddenly cut off contact with someone. Use it like: "He ghosted me after the third date." Why it's trending: Unfortunately timeless in modern dating. Ghosting is common and the slang for it has stuck around. Slaps Meaning: Something that hits hard, in a good way. Use it like: "This playlist slaps!" Why it's trending: Whether it's music, food, or memes, 'slaps' expresses instant approval with extra energy. TS pmo icl Meaning: Short for 'this stuff (or sh*t) pisses me off I can't lie.' Used when something is frustrating or infuriating. Use it like: "When your Wi-Fi lags mid-video call? TS pmo icl." Why it's trending: It's chaotic, expressive, and brutally honest. The acronym sounds like gibberish but Gen Z knows exactly what it means—and how to overuse it dramatically. I'm just a girl (in the big 2025) Meaning: A meme-ified self-deprecating phrase used to play the victim or act dramatically. Use it like: "I skipped lunch and now I'm spiralling. I'm just a girl in the big 2025." Why it's trending: Equal parts funny and melodramatic, it blends Y2K energy with current chaos. Often paired with sparkly fonts, sad music, or exaggerated selfies. Want to keep up with the evolving Gen Z dictionary? Bookmark this list, because a new slang drop is probably trending already, and if you blink, you might miss the next viral phrase. Also read| How to stop clothes from smelling in rainy season: Proven drying tips
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fortnite streamer Clix left stunned, asks 'Why the f**k did we spend $35,000' before banning 14-year-old donor
Popular Fortnite streamer Cody 'Clix' Conrad made headlines after he found himself in an unexpected moral dilemma. Discovering the staggering amount the young viewer donated to streamers, Clix's broadcast took a sharp turn. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It led to Clix shocked reaction and a swift ban of the donor, leaving the entire streaming community buzzing. The incident, highlighting a complex and murky relationship between streamers and supporters within the digital age, has now sparked heated debates across social media. Clix gives a shocking reaction to the young donor's reasons for donation The entire situation unfolded as streamer Cody Conrad, popularly known as Clix, learned that a fan named Lucaslev (as shown in the video), who claimed to be just 14 years old, donated more than $35,000 in a month. As per the reports, a significant sum was donated to Clix himself. Clix, who was left visibly stunned, was more surprised as he discovered that the teen claimed that he earned $18,000 in profit in the year, and now he wishes to quit the activity that generated such amazing income, after he spent all the money. Showing his disbelief at its peak, Clix said, "Dude I don't wanna like promote refunds but like bro bro why the f**k did we spend $35,000?" The boy in question here gave a nonchalant response to Clix, saying, "Because I don't need it." It seemed like the boy had already sealed his fate. To laugh off such massive expense, which was made by the young donor, became the prompt Twitch chat ban reasons of the donor. This interaction between Clix and the donor became a viral clip, and it fuelled instant controversy. Fans react with outrage, confusion and expectedly questions The clip ignited a huge firestorm of reactions all across social media, and particularly on X. Fans and observers ensured to voice their opinion. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While some slammed Clix for not going ahead and refunding the amount, others blamed the parents of the teen. Some even went ahead and questioned Clix's motives. A X user doubting the sincerity of Fortnite streamer Clix argued, "Fucking idiot says I dont want to promote refunds. If you truly care just say refund this..' While a few felt the ban was quite a necessary lesson for the kid: "Nah. Let the kid learn. Fuck em. Where are his retarded parents?" "Best to let him learn the hard way the kid seems like an idiot who'd just do it again immediately," remarked another. Apart from questioning Clix donation controversy and blaming parents, some discussions even sparked on the origin of the funds in question. A user in the regard commented, "How did a 14 year old do that without any supervision?" "Where'd this kid get his hands on $36k?! His parents got $36k just lying around somewhere?" said another questioning on 14-year-old donor Fortnite contribution. Another tweet read, "what 14 year old has access to 36k in one month without alerting any parents?!" Moving beyond questions about parents, many started pointing to the entire act in itself. A user asked, "I guess im too would anyone donate to a streamer? Do you get anything in return??" "Why do people donate money to streamers?" came another question. A user even said, probably, "streamers must have some magic I don't know about... why do people donate?" As the comments keep flooding in, several users even demanded an action beyond a Twitch ban. "if you're going to ban him you should also return all of the money," a user stated. "This is only a W if he refunds the money because this sounds like a case of child using parents bank card," said another, trying to understand whether would it be right to refund? A sarcastic comment even kicked in. While the user did accept that the entire act was impressive, it went ahead to say, it could have been more impressive if the money was returned, but then, 'Doubt that will happen." Comments like, "Bro waited until he got over 30k to say anything," "And he waited the guy to give him 36K ? That's a bit late innit ?" even highlighted some concerns on the act of Clix. It showed that, while the Fortnite donations ethics was definitely right at the time, why would Clix do it only after he received significant benefit out of it? But this was not the end. The comments are still flooding in, and they are all shocked, confused and full of judgements. Now, who is right and who is wrong, we don't know, but the community for sure is out there judging Clix. How well he handles the entire situation, only time will tell. Beyond banning accountability and ethics in streaming The entire incident brought uncomfortable questions about responsibility. While Clix did take action to ban the minor, the amount of donations he himself received from the boy raises some red flags about an oversight. Was the money earned by the teen, or did he have improper access to it? The immediate lack of refunds, despite the shock of criticism on Clix, is drawing him major criticism. For a prominent figure like Clix himself, who is one of the most successful streamers of Fortnite, the entire situation underscores an ethical tightrope walk in viewership monetization. It shows young fans' potential vulnerability and often-blurred line between compulsion, appreciation and financial recklessness within the high-stakes world of content creator donations high-stakes world. The polarized reaction of the community reflects ongoing debate on streamer accountability when faced with some viewers' generosity, particularly from minors.
