Tyler "Ninja" Blevins returned to Twitch earlier today in a surprise Fortnite stream with fellow content creator Benjamin "DrLupo" Lupo, but the streamer cautioned fans that this wasn't anything official yet - just more of a case of him missing the ability to hang out with his friends while producing content online. Ninja shocked the world a year ago when he announced his departure from Twitch to join Microsoft's ill-fated Mixer project, but his status as a streamer has been up in the air since Mixer was officially shut down and shuttered over to Facebook Gaming.
Since then, reports have emerged regarding Ninja and other Mixer streamers, with many of them suggesting that the lack of action isn't because there aren't offers - obviously, as in the case of Ninja and other heavyweights like Michael "shroud" Grzesiek, but even for smaller ex-Mixer creators, too. Instead, it's more likely a case of content creators who have lost their platform of choice being cautious about choosing their next home. There is no bigger get in the streaming world than Ninja, however, and it feels as though that entire sector of video game content creation has been temporarily suspended while everyone waits to see his next move.
While Ninja returned to Twitch today, however, it wasn't a permanent decision. The former Twitch partner and current Fortnite megastar fired up his stream with very little advance notice, then took some time to explain his appearance on Twitch. Ninja suggests he missed streaming with his friends on that platform, and also alludes to the upcoming release of a shoe collaboration, which the return was essentially free advertising for. Ninja took to Twitter after the stream to celebrate its success, with a tongue-in-cheek reference to how Twitch essentially nuked his previous status following his departure:
While some were interested in whether or not Ninja back on Twitch meant a deal had been made and just not officially announced yet, industry reporter Rod "Slasher" Breslau suggested this wasn't the case when he discussed the event on Twitter. According to him, negotiations are still very much underway for both Ninja and shroud - the two biggest ex-Mixer stars without platform commitments yet - and the stream today wasn't indicative of a deal being reached.
Ultimately, the return of Ninja to Twitch is a major event, even if it ends up being a one-off. The platform is where he built his name and became one of the most important current figures in video games, and even after a year on Mixer, it's hard not to associate Ninja with Twitch or vice versa. Given the response of his fans - and his general demeanor, which seemed quite excited and happy - there's a good chance Ninja on Twitch isn't a one-time deal, but negotiations will decide whether that's true, with an official announcement about his future likely to come soon.