I love video games — playing them, learning their lore and watching others play. I’m sure we all like to watch something while we eat, and my choice of entertainment is YouTube; specifically, “Apex Legends” content.
One of my favorite content creators in this genre is Taylor Adams or @nmoose on YouTube. I have been subscribed to him for years, not only for his skill but for his humor and editing style.
After uploading “Apex Legends” videos for years he has finally decided to “retire” in a way. He uploaded a video titled, “The FINAL 39 Minutes of the #1 Mad Maggie,” explaining that he planned to release different content on Oct. 27.
“I built my entire community on ‘Apex,’ which is you guys, and I love each and every one of you for supporting me day after day,” he began. “But as a content creator, to survive and to keep thriving and to get your name out there and to do this for a longer term than just five years … I do have to step into some new games.”
Adams noted that the shift would not be permanent, and recognized that he would more than likely lose a lot of subscribers because of his switch to “Call of Duty” (CoD). To me, it does not matter what game he’s playing; I still enjoy his energy and wit.
Others, however, are not as kind. Many were quick to criticize CoD as a horrible, boring game, saying that Adams was stupid and ignorant for choosing to play it. Even his content creator friends had comments on their videos talking about this and disrespecting Adams.
It was because of these remarks that he uploaded another video on Nov. 3 addressing the state of his gameplay. He reiterated the fact that he loves the game, but in all honesty just needs a break — which is completely fair. Adams has uploaded “Apex Legends” content nearly every single day for the past five years; he is definitely more than deserving of a break. I personally get sick of the game after playing it for a week, so I can’t imagine having to play non-stop.
The biggest issue I have with this situation though is the hate comments. I think that a lot of people forget that their favorite content creators are just like us — they get sick, they get tired and they get bored. They need their rest just as much as we do.
But also, if you don’t want to stick around to watch him play CoD, then don’t! It is so easy to just click on another video and not leave a comment tearing him down! Social media has become such a competitive space, so it is natural for him to want to branch out in order to become a more versatile creator — after all, this is his job.
In the video, he adds, “I know I’m a content creator but I am still a human being,” which could not have been said any better. Will I miss his regular content? Absolutely. But do I need to leave a comment calling him senseless and idiotic? No.
People need to stop acting like creators on social media are obligated to do anything for their pleasure. If it’s not your style, move on. However, I do encourage people to try out some new things. I haven’t played CoD in quite some time, but I love Adams and want to support him on this journey, so I will continue to watch his videos; and if I don’t enjoy them, then I will simply wait for his return to “Apex Legends.”
ajones11@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @nmoose1, Instagram
