Escape from Tarkov developers banned on Twitch after mimicking suicide

The official Battlestate Games Twitch account has been banned from the platform after a member of a recent broadcast imitated a suicidal act on-stream.

Developers behind the popular First Person Shooter Escape from Tarkov, have been met with a ban on Twitch after violating the Community Guidelines.

Promoting a new content drop and major end of year update for the title, multiple developers were huddled on camera playing the latest version of the game before one member of the broadcast picked up a weapon and acted out pulling the trigger with the fake firearm.

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The reasoning behind the ban stems from an act carried out during a December 29 broadcast. A member of the development team wearing a balaclava picked up an unloaded pistol, cocked the weapon, and proceeded to pull the trigger with the barrel pressed firmly against the side of his head.

Labeled as ‘self-destructive behavior’ in the Twitch Community Guidelines, the individual in question acted in clear violation of the rules and inevitably got the official Battlestate Games channel banned.

“Any activity that may endanger your life or lead to your physical harm is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: suicide threats,” the official ruling outlines.

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Having asked a question to a fellow Russian developer on-stream, the individual was evidently frustrated at the existence of an expensive item of clothing in-game. 

“Yes, it’s for real. It will cost four million Roubles,” he responded, addressing the genuine cost of the cosmetic through the in-game currency that serves as a play on Russian Rubles.

Shaking his head upon hearing that the price was indeed displayed correctly, the balaclava-wearing man picked up a nearby weapon and pretended to shoot himself in order to convey his frustration. 

While the act was an exaggerated means of expressing emotions, the Community Guidelines underscore how jokes of such nature are still in direct violation. “We do not make exceptions for self-destructive behavior performed as a stunt or gag made in jest, or meant to entertain.”

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While the developers at Battlestate Games may be able to appeal the decision and ultimately have their official channel reinstated on Twitch, there’s no denying that a member of their team acted in clear violation of the Community Guidelines.

With no duration set in stone, Battlestate’s removal from the platform appears to be indefinite. 

Despite their official channel being banned amidst a surge in popularity for the game on Twitch, many popular content creators have been praising the title of late, including Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek, should put it on a higher pedestal than the recent launch of Halo: Reach on PC.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues and would like to talk to someone, please reach out to your local hotline:

• USA: 1-800-273-8255
• UK: 116-123
• Australia: 13 11 14

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