EuroEclipse
Khim, Head of Research and Biz Dev at Apptessence, interviews the streamer EuroEclipse.
In our third installation of streamer interviews we take a look at the perspective of a 5 year veteran of the charity streamer space, EuroEclipse. His involvement in charity streaming since the 2017’s gave us a really interesting view of the industry.
Without further delay lets get into it.
EuroEclipse
Khim: So for our readers, who are you?
EuroEclipse: Who am I? I’m just some dude. My name is Rich. Most people know me as Euro or EuroEclipse on Twitch. Many in my community call me by my real name, and I think it’s awesome. I’ve been a broadcaster since 2011. Much of that time, I was active duty military, but I’ve since retired.
Khim: So what got you started with charity streaming?
EuroEclipse: Funnily enough, I’ve always volunteered in various capacities since I was young. I’ve always had a want and a need to help others. Seeing how I can either bring joy or much needed help to someone through my actions is very fulfilling, in my opinion.
Me turning my platform on Twitch into a community for charity actually started in 2017 when I started to learn more about the industry and began working with companies and developers. My first campaign was less than successful. But, as we always say in the charity space, every dollar counts - even if it’s just one dollar. It was by happenstance that I met my now longtime friend Ryan - he goes by HAVOK on Twitch. He enjoyed my content and wanted to help me understand the industry even more and knew I had a passion for charity. I did an event for Able Gamers under his guidance and together we raised $1,200. Then more and more events started coming, and I haven’t looked back since.
Khim: You alluded to companies and developers you've worked with in the past, any interesting stories there?
EuroEclipse: Yes, actually. I’ve worked with a lot of companies and have made many friends, whether I continue to use their services or products or not.
I won’t call out any specific people or companies, but the interesting part about it all is that there is a partial misconception amongst some people who are not partnered with Twitch or any companies that nobody will work with you. While there are some companies out there that refuse to speak to anyone without that check mark, there are many more out there that will. People can reach out and build relationships and partnerships with companies on a mutual beneficial level, whether it be for personal or charitable gain.
Khim: Are there any charitable organizations you’re working with now? And how has the experience been like?
EuroEclipse: Currently, the biggest organizations that I work with are ALSAC / St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with their St. Jude PLAY LIVE! events and Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Let's Game. I love what they stand for and their mission.
Khim: Oh yes St.Jude, I’ve been hearing many great things about them from many different streamers, funny stories too about how reaching different milestones can make the stream halt for a quick hot sauce break.
EuroEclipse: Ah… yes. The infamous hot sauce hot wheel. Many broadcasters and streamers have their own milestones and incentives. Everything from hot chip challenge, dinosaur hands to the cupcake surprise. I’ve done my fair share of wild things for charity incentives. Do you know how hard it is to smash an egg on your head?
Khim: In your experience, is there much interaction between the streamers and the charities?
EuroEclipse: I believe that the most successful charities, such as St. Jude and Jimmy Fund, interact with their fundraisers. While they can’t always hang out in every stream all the time, their interaction with folks and their technical support and community teams are huge in terms of making broadcasters feel like they’ve made an excellent choice in organizations to support. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have things like the Slap Chart, courtesy of Ken from Jimmy Fund.
Khim: The slap chart? sounds painful hahahaha
EuroEclipse: The Slap Chart is a rating scale of how much something slaps. Meaning, how tasty was the thing we ate? Where does it rate on the slap chart? And yes, sometimes it’s painful if the thing we ate was hot sauce.
Khim: Let’s rewind time a bit, have there been any notable changes in charitable streaming and charities over the 5 years you've been doing charity streaming?
EuroEclipse: As far as the changes, yes. Organizations have been attempting to get into the streaming space after seeing the success of some of the organizations like St. Jude, Jimmy Fund, Able Gamers, Extra Life, and so forth. They’ve been hiring content managers to try to figure out how to replicate the same successes. Some are doing good, some not so much. I’m friends with some of those content and stream managers, and they tell me that it’s basically an old mentality that hurts the organizations. They don’t understand video games, creativity streams, or live streaming and content creation. Think back to just even 2010. I can’t recall anyone ever talking about playing video games for charity. We still had competitions and tournaments and live broadcasts of fighting games, board games, etc.. It’s exciting to see how things are evolving. Even Zach, the mastermind behind the St. Jude PLAY LIVE!, can relate. When he was sitting in a meeting trying to figure out how to get more charitable donations and he suggested to reach out to gamers, people thought he was crazy. Now look, gamers and creators raised more than $45M for their cause and have become one of the biggest contributors to allow them to continue their research, provide care, and do the amazing things they do across the globe.
Even with the organizations I’ve mentioned, watching them grow and evolve as the years go by is amazing. More involvement from their teams, more incentives to give to their top raisers, alerts and overlays for the streams, informational pamphlets and talking points, and overall just things to excite creators and broadcasters so they understand on a deeper level what they are helping.
The charity community of Twitch has grown together to become a welcoming family too. I’ve met many great people who have been streaming and streaming for charity for a long time. I’ve also helped newcomers into the space, and countless others do the same.
Khim: Sounds like a really tight knit family you've got there.
Speaking of community lets switch it up and talk more about you and your community. How would you describe your community? and if there are any interesting stories to tell I'm all ears.
EuroEclipse: My community is great, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. There was a point in time where I had a large viewership, but never made partner. I took some time off from stream for health related issues, and the people that came back with me have become family. At this point, I’ve learned that the numbers don’t matter, because everyone in my community has supported me through the entire journey to help us reach our goals. Oh, and I hate my community because they love to watch me suffer. They made me eat a cupcake with crickets in it. Who does that? I mean, I was super excited for a cupcake because someone donated to charity and I took a big bite… It keeps me up at night. But, seriously, I love my community and game constantly with them. I never set out to be the stereotypical broadcaster. I don’t stream to become famous. I’m just a dude looking to game and chat. You all out there are my therapy.
Khim: Thats awesome! I do love me some fried crickets here though, it is an acquired taste.
EuroEclipse: So I’ve heard. Just something about them being in a sweet cupcake when you don’t expect it.
Or a giant scorpion…the crunch is what haunts me.
Khim: The ol'cricket surprise
During your streaming career have you seen changes in the industry you've liked or even hated? Take for example, I've talked with streamers that have enjoyed and abhorred the bath tub meta that lasted for a spell, what would be yours?
EuroEclipse: Hate is a strong word. Thankfully, there’s nothing that has reached that point for me. Dislike? Yeah, of course.
The tub streams are still around, and I find it hard to comprehend how that fits into a charity for kids. They’re popular, though. That’s for sure, and I can’t knock someone for raising money for a good cause no matter their chosen method - as long as it’s legal and doesn’t violate Twitch terms. So, I don’t dislike the tub streams or people that watch them. You do you.
What I actually dislike is the, and I’m going to use some damning language here, the darker side of charity fundraising. What I mean by that is people who do it for fame and notoriety, and not as a selfless cause to help others in need. I’ve seen people cancel events with charities because it didn’t benefit them as a streamer. That’s shitty.
But, doom and gloom aside, I’m loving the family and closeness that has developed amongst streamers. I love seeing the new causes and things to stand up for.
Khim: Now if you were to give some advice to streamers who are opening up to charity streaming or looking to get involved in charities, what would be your advice as a veteran of this space?
EuroEclipse: My advice for anyone who wants to get into the charity space, on a broadcaster side, and I’m going to quote Shiv Palpatine and Shia Lebouf here, “Do it.” You never know what you and your community or the Twitch community is capable of. You can do great things. Every dollar really does count, every outlet and voice matters to bring awareness. So, if you stream for a cause you believe in, just do it. $0 or a $1M, just do it. The simple fact that you tried means more to the organization and everyone than you know. Spreading the word about your chosen cause is invaluable.
As far as organizations wanting to step up, do not be afraid to hear new things and be told that you’re wrong. You may not understand gaming, but that’s ok. Your willingness to grow and evolve with it is best. Don’t compare yourself to other organizations that are already doing it. You’re not them. What makes you excited for your organization and non-profit? You might find a whole group of people that want to raise money for you and you just don’t know. Gamers aren’t just some nerds in their parent’s basement. Many are doctors, lawyers, IT professionals, and politicians. Think outside of the box and show us what makes you different and how you’re benefitting the world.
Khim: That was beautiful.
Final question!
The stage is now yours, speak to the camera and world with any closing statements you would want to be included in the piece or any other details about you and or your community and things that are currently going on!
EuroEclipse: We’ve got many things going on in our community. Charity things aside, we are rebuilding what is and always was a great place for people to just come hang out, unwind, and just game. Dad jokes, puns, terrible game play and just overall really nice and amazing people await if you want to join us in our community. Know this, I’m a veteran. The F-bomb has been known to fly out at random. But, you’ll be welcomed by us with open arms.
Also, with all of the craziness happening in the world, no matter your political beliefs or ideology, the world needs love, kindness, and compassion.
I’m going to send you all off with a quote from Tilian Pearson, “I’m calling on my future friends.” For everyone out there who can “give me a reason not to slow down.” I’m looking to you. This world is yours and what you make of it.
https://www.twitch.tv/euroeclipse