Scump & Methodz worried CDL could be trying to “soft launch” full YouTube switch

Jacob Hale
Scump speaking on OpTic podcast with Call of Duty League logo on top right hand corner

Former Call of Duty League pros Seth ‘Scump’ Abner and Anthony ‘Methodz’ Zinni have revealed their concerns with the CDL’s announcement that it will stream on both Twitch and YouTube going forward, suggesting it could be a move to go to YouTube permanently.

In February, Dexerto reported that the Call of Duty League was in talks with YouTube over a renewed three-year exclusivity deal, similar to what had been in place for the first three seasons of the CDL.

The report was widely met with anger from fans, especially due to the increasing success of the CDL on Twitch this season, with watch parties from the likes of Scump and Thomas ‘ZooMaa’ Paparatto amassing thousands of extra viewers. Because of that, Major 3 saw the CDL earn its highest viewership ever.

Following weeks of speculation online from fans, the CDL announced on Thursday, April 6, that fans are now able to watch the league on YouTube as matches will be streamed on both platforms starting from April 7.

While the news has left many fans excited, Scump and Methodz aired their concerns about the move.

“The one thing I hope that doesn’t happen from that, I hope that this isn’t them trying to make peace with the community,” Scump said. “Trying to make it seem like they’re on the community’s side, then [make] a full switch to YouTube.”

Methodz agreed, saying that it’s “Like a soft launch. They’re soft-launching YouTube,” he said, with Scump echoing that sentiment, adding that they could be “buttering us up.”

Whether this is actually the case remains to be seen, but it will be interesting for fans, players, and the league itself to see what the YouTube viewership looks like throughout Major 4, especially for the crowning LAN event in Columbus, Ohio.

About The Author

Jacob is Dexerto’s UK Editor and Call of Duty esports specialist. With a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing, he previously worked as an Editor at Ginx TV. Jacob was nominated for Journalist of the Year at the 2023 Esports Awards. Contact: jacob.hale@dexerto.com.