The Smosh Games Alliance (SGA) was a program launched by the creators of the Smosh brand to foster a community of aspiring YouTubers focused on gaming content. The initiative aimed to offer mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and visibility for smaller channels that shared a passion for video games. SGA allowed emerging creators to connect with the larger Smosh audience, thus acting as a springboard for up-and-coming talent.
However, in recent years, the Smosh Games Alliance no longer operates in the same capacity as it once did. The evolution of YouTube networks and shifts in the gaming content landscape, combined with corporate changes at Smosh, led to the discontinuation of this initiative. Let’s dive deeper into the history, purpose, and impact of SGA, along with answering some frequently asked questions.
History and Purpose of Smosh Games Alliance
Smosh Games Alliance was formed at a time when YouTube gaming was booming, and many networks sought to bring smaller creators into communities. SGA’s primary goals were:
Mentorship: Providing tutorials and advice to help smaller creators grow their channels.
Exposure: Highlighting top-performing videos from SGA members through Smosh platforms.
Community Engagement: Building a network of like-minded creators who could collaborate and learn from each other.
Initially, the program attracted creators with the promise of increased visibility through the Smosh Games YouTube channel, which was part of the broader Smosh entertainment empire. This initiative also tied into Smosh Games’ brand, which was known for shows like Game Bang and Smosh Summer Games, blending humour with gameplay.
What Was the Purpose of the Smosh Games Alliance?
SGA operated as a multi-channel network (MCN), giving smaller content creators a chance to collaborate with Smosh’s popular gaming brand. Through this alliance, creators could:
Gain visibility by associating with Smosh Games.
Participate in collaborative events and challenges that fostered networking among gamers.
Monetize their videos with Smosh’s ad infrastructure, in exchange for a small percentage of revenue.
Receive mentorship and resources from experienced creators in the gaming sphere.
This structure reflected a common trend during the MCN boom in the 2010s, where large content creators extended their influence by connecting smaller channels under one umbrella. SGA aimed to democratize access to YouTube fame by giving smaller channels support they wouldn’t have otherwise had.
Origins and Development of Smosh Games
Smosh launched its gaming division, Smosh Games, in 2012 with hosts including Mari Takahashi, David “Lasercorn” Moss, and Joshua “Jovenshire” Ovenshire. The channel initially focused on let’s plays, game reviews, and comedic gaming sketches. Popular series such as “Game Bang” and “Grand Theft Smosh” quickly earned a loyal audience.
To further amplify this momentum, Smosh introduced SGA in 2015. The initiative mirrored larger trends within the YouTube ecosystem, where MCNs like Maker Studios and Defy Media helped smaller channels thrive through partnerships with established networks.
Corporate Changes and SGA’s Discontinuation
Several factors contributed to the decline of the Smosh Games Alliance. In 2018, Defy Media, the parent company of Smosh, shut down abruptly, leaving all Smosh properties in limbo. For a time, the Smosh Games channel, like the main Smosh channel, was on hold. Eventually, Mythical Entertainment, owned by YouTube personalities Rhett & Link, acquired Smosh in 2019 and began revamping its content structure.
This corporate turbulence led to the discontinuation of SGA, as the Smosh team shifted its focus back to in-house content production. The Smosh Games channel has since continued to grow, focusing on humour-centric gaming shows with its primary cast rather than community-driven projects like SGA.
The Impact of Smosh Games Alliance
Even though the alliance is no longer active, its influence on gaming content creation remains. Many creators benefited from the exposure and connections they built during their time in the alliance. It fostered collaboration and mentorship at a time when YouTube’s gaming scene was still maturing, helping smaller creators grow in a competitive environment.
Several Smosh Games members, such as Mari Takahashi, Lasercorn, and Sohinki, have since pursued individual ventures but still occasionally appear on Smosh-related content, showcasing the close-knit nature of the community that SGA aimed to foster.
Was the Smosh Games Alliance Discontinued?
After the acquisition by Mythical Entertainment, Smosh prioritized core entertainment offerings over MCN management. With the challenges surrounding MCN models and shifts in the YouTube landscape, the alliance was phased out quietly. Although not explicitly announced, Smosh Games’ focus shifted back to in-house content, ending the SGA’s operations.
In June 2023, Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox (the founders of Smosh) bought back the company from Mythical Entertainment, marking a new chapter in Smosh’s history. However, there have been no indications that the Smosh Games Alliance will be revived under the new ownership.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the Smosh Games Alliance?
A: The SGA aimed to help smaller gaming content creators grow by offering mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and increased visibility on Smosh platforms.
Q: Is the Smosh Games Alliance still active?
A: No, the SGA program was discontinued following changes in Smosh’s ownership and the shift in focus toward internal content creation.
Q: How did Defy Media’s closure affect Smosh Games?
A: Defy Media’s shutdown led to a temporary halt in Smosh operations. Smosh was later acquired by Mythical Entertainment, which helped revive its content under a new management structure.
Q: Who are the current members of Smosh Games?
A: As of now, Smosh Games features personalities such as Mari Takahashi, Damien Haas, and Shayne Topp, with others like Lasercorn and Sohinki making occasional guest appearances.
Q: Can I still watch old SGA videos?
A: While SGA videos may no longer be actively promoted, some content related to the alliance may still be available on Smosh Games’ YouTube channel or through associated creators’ channels.
Conclusion
The Smosh Games Alliance was a remarkable initiative that empowered smaller content creators in the gaming space by connecting them with a broader community. Although it no longer exists, its legacy lives on through the creators who benefited from it and the lessons learned in building collaborative networks in the digital world.
Smosh Games itself continues to thrive, now focusing more on internally developed content, humour, and collaboration among its primary cast members. With continued evolution under Mythical Entertainment, Smosh Games is still a popular platform for gaming entertainment on YouTube, though it has pivoted away from community-driven initiatives like the SGA.
For anyone interested in the current activities of Smosh Games, their ongoing shows and guest appearances provide a nostalgic glimpse into what made the channel, and its community, so special.
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