When Jack “CouRage” Dunlop joined YouTube Gaming, many believed it would propel him to new heights. After all, he was joining an up and coming platform that was signing new streamers left and right. However, since joining YouTube, CouRage has stopped streaming every day, only going live a few times a week. This is a complete swap from when he was on Twitch and broadcasted live nearly every day. While the platform might have something to do with it, CouRage has revealed skill-based matchmaking is mostly to blame.
Skill-based matchmaking causing CouRage to rethink going live
CouRage’s rise to stardom began when he joined Twitch as a Call of Duty caster and wager match enthusiast. Gaining popularity for his infectious personality and hilarious commentary, CouRage quickly joined the ranks of Twitch’s finest streamers.
He moved on from Call of Duty to play Fortnite, amid other multiplayer titles. To this day, he still considers Fortnite his go-to game as do his circle of friends like Tyler “Ninja” Blevins.
However, recently, Fortnite has been a bit of a slog for CouRage to play solo. Since skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) is in the game, the 100 Thieves creator is constantly matched up with high-level players. This has made the streamer extremely hesitant to go live when he has no one to hop on with.
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.
— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) March 2, 2020
As CouRage states, he’s built his career off playing multiplayer titles, particularly shooters. So, seeing as skill-based matchmaking takes a lot of the fun out of playing solo, the streamer states a change may be in the works. Though, it might be easier said than done.
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
This has been an issue with other streamers in the past. Many are afraid to veer away from the game that made them popular due to the possibility of losing viewers. However, it seems if CouRage wants to break out of the funk he’s currently in, this fear may have to be overcome.
Apologies if I haven’t been on stream as much. In the last 20 years of my life, I’ve never been so disinterested in playing games.
BUT – I think it’s because I’ve locked myself in a box. Soon, I’m going to test the waters with new games. I hope you’ll support me.
— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) March 2, 2020
The 100 Thieves star is a giant personality, so it shouldn’t be a problem for him to switch to a single-player game every now and then. He did manage to find massive success with last year’s Sea of Thieves and Grand Theft Auto 5 streams. Hopefully, CouRage is able to make the switch smoothly so we can see him go live more often.
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