FaZe Banks Thinks N3on’s AI Clone Could Be Worth $100M — How AI Is Changing Streaming
Rangesh “N3on” Mutama may have received widespread backlash following his decision to use an AI model for certain content, but FaZe boss Richard “Banks” Bengtson has compared the streamer to legendary TikToker Khaby Lame.
N3on was recently in the limelight after viewers noticed that a GTA 6 streamer NPC resembles him. The Kick streamer wasted no time in recreating the GTA 6 Netflix Extended Look in an IRL livestream, and N3on is even being recognized as the streamer from GTA in real life. However, N3on got embroiled in controversy when he announced that he would start using an AI model for his content. Several viewers and creators expressed outrage at N3on, but FaZe Banks thinks the Kick streamer has made a financially sound decision.
N3on is on a roll with AI clone; FaZe Banks impressed
AI is a sensitive topic in the streaming industry, with Twitch being a large example of how users express backlash to the use of artificial intelligence. N3on’s initial AI clone streams generated large viewerships, even crossing 20,000 average viewers. There was speculation that the numbers may be high because of initial curiosity. However, N3on has continued to use his AI model and has reportedly started generating even more views than ever before.
Image credit: N3on
The Kick streamer reportedly peaked close to 40,000 live concurrent viewers in a recent stream where he used his AI model. This is an interesting turn of events, as there was significant backlash from the community when N3on first announced that he would start using an AI model. Some viewers have expressed their surprise at such a high viewership, with some wondering if N3on is viewbotting and others claiming that the streamer is getting more viewers than a substantial number of real creators. FaZe Banks has also given his view on the situation, surprisingly supporting N3on rather than criticizing him.
In a recent stream, FaZe Banks reacted to N3on using an AI clone and questioned why anyone cares what the streamer is doing. He claimed that N3on likely received “a disgusting amount of money” from AI companies and compared him to TikToker Khaby Lame. Banks said that Khaby sold his likeness in a deal worth roughly $975 million, and suggested that N3on may be able to sell his AI clone for $100 million. FaZe Banks went on to claim that AI is inevitable, likely indicating that there will be more use of artificial intelligence in the streaming industry in the future.
☑️ My analysis: it’s unlikely viewers will shun real creators
There is no denying that AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, with some jobs even becoming redundant. However, streaming is a creation process that likely can’t just be left to a computer program, as viewers want a unique experience. N3on’s streams show that his content is seemingly working based on the viewership he is getting, but his AI content is similar to how vtubers create content. While viewers may see an animated model of a vtuber, there is a live person behind the stream.
More mainstream streamers will use AI models in the future, but it won’t be new, and the human element will still need to be there. An AI could potentially take over an entire stream but, unless things change drastically, it would be soulless and struggle to offer originality. So, streamers and AI will need to learn to co-exist.
Feature image credit: N3on, FaZe Banks
Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.
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