Jack ‘CouRage’ Dunlop has opened up about his streaming “fears,” saying he’s struggling more than ever to hit ‘Go Live’ and play games in front of his fans because of viewership concerns.
CouRage’s move to YouTube was seen as a lucrative step for the former Call of Duty caster. Having lived, breathed, and played competitive games for the better half of two decades, his passion for gaming knows no bounds.
However, CouRage has been worn down by recent titles like Modern Warfare, and it’s killing his love for streaming. He’s struggled to go live recently in fear of being forced to play specific games or lose viewers.
CouRage has gone live on YouTube 63 times since moving to the Google-owned platform on November 4. While he used to stream almost everyday on Twitch, the streamer has only gone live, on average, once every two days on YouTube.
“I’ve played competitive multiplayer games everyday for the last 13 years, [but] in the last two months, I’ve really struggled to sign on and play them though,” he admitted on Twitter on February 29.
One of the main reasons for his hardship as of late is skill-based matchmaking. Modern Warfare, Apex Legends, and even Fortnite employ skill-based matchmaking in casual lobbies to some extent, and it’s left CouRage on edge every time he logs on.
“I think it’s the skill-based matchmaking that has worn my brain out. There is no moment to chill,” YouTube’s leading man explained.
I’ve played competitive multiplayer games everyday for the last 13 years…
In the last two months, I’ve really struggled to sign on and play them though
I think it’s the skill based matchmaking that has worn my brain out. There is no moment to chill
Might be time for a change
— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) March 2, 2020
“Lately, if I don’t see friends online, then I just freeze up and don’t know what to do.
“I can’t play these skill-based matchmaking games by myself or else I turn incredibly toxic because it’s like I’m competing for the damn Olympics in every single one of my lobbies.”
On top of that, he fears that if he strays from the usual programming of Fortnite and Call of Duty, his loyal fans might split away to other streamers like Michael ‘shroud’ Grzemiek, who is known for playing a wider variety of titles.
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“I want to play God of War of stream,” said CouRage. “I want to play CS:GO on stream. I want to play other games that interest me on stream. But I’ve realized I actually do have a “fear” of playing other games and having less viewers.”
I want to play God of War on stream.I want to play CS:GO on stream.I want to play other games that interest me on stream.
But…I’ve realized I actually do have a “fear” of playing other games and having less viewers.
— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) March 2, 2020
He apologized to those exact same fans for being “so disinterested in playing games” and not being in the public domain as much as he once was. However, he’s looking to break free, and he’s not going to care about numbers, statistics, or opinions.
“Soon, I’m going to test the waters with new games. I hope you’ll support me.
“If any creators want to collaborate on fun new ideas, then please do reach out. If you are a die-hard viewer of mine, then send over what you want to see from me.
“I want to love signing on stream again. I’m going to figure out how to do that.”
Let me teach you super smash and Overwatch.
You teach me CS:GO
We play party games together
Let’s open Pokémon cards
Literally down for anything that involves friendship. Honestly, viewers want that too.
— papa fish (@jordanfisher) March 2, 2020
CouRage’s messages of concern have brought the community out in force to motivate the YouTuber to keep doing what he loves.
From Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez inviting him for a few games of CoD, to Benjamin ‘DrLupo’ Lupo, Jordan Fisher, and more giving him some good game ideas, it seems like CouRage’s community is ready for their favorite streamer to branch out.
