From Pokémon to Problematic: Twitch Bans Streamer’s “Gasm-style” Pokemon Emote
Have you ever wondered where the line is drawn when it comes to innocent fun versus inappropriate content on Twitch? Well, one Pokémon streamer found themselves in hot water over what they believed to be a harmless emote featuring a beloved Pokémon, Bonsly.
SBCoop, a Pokémon streamer, recently shared their frustration after Twitch removed their custom Pokémon emote. The emote in question featured a Bonsly, a small Pokémon resembling a bonsai plant pot, with a hole in its base. Innocent, right? Well, according to Twitch's moderation team, this seemingly innocent depiction was flagged for "imagery of sexual content or nudity" in a "gasm-style".
https://x.com/SBCoop89/status/1754571890247491988?s=20
Twitch has clear guidelines for emotes, especially for Affiliate streamers who have the privilege of customizing their channels with their own emotes. These guidelines are in place to prevent any content that could be deemed offensive or inappropriate, including sexual content, nudity, hate speech, and more. However, the case of the Bonsly emote raises questions about the interpretation of these guidelines and where the boundaries lie.
The Pokémon Card Reference
Interestingly, SBCoop's emote was a direct reference to a Pokémon card featuring the same Bonsly image. While some may argue that this connection lends legitimacy to the emote's innocence, others still find the depiction suggestive. The debate over whether Twitch's decision was justified or an overreach continues to spark conversation within the streaming community.
What's Next for SBCoop and Twitch?
As of now, it remains unclear whether Twitch will reconsider their decision or if SBCoop will need to redesign the emote to meet the platform's standards. Regardless, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and adhering to Twitch's guidelines, even when it comes to seemingly harmless content.
Navigating the world of streaming on platforms like Twitch can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope, especially when it comes to content moderation. The case of the Bonsly emote highlights the complexities and challenges that both streamers and platforms face in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all viewers. As the debate continues, one thing remains certain: every emote tells a story, and sometimes, that story can be more complicated than it appears at first glance.