An Escape From Tarkov streamer had to become serious during a typical stream after gunfire struck his home. What was supposed to be a fun night rapidly turned into a scary situation.
The person in question is a full-time college student by the name of 50calapr. The budding streamer, who has 463 followers, is best known for his sporadic plays of his current favorite game, 2017’s PC-only Escape From Tarkov, all of which are simply labeled “a nice time.” Players in this multiplayer tactical first-person shooter must make it to the extraction points alive while shooting other players and grabbing stuff in order to survive the enormous maps.
With its extremely high degrees of weapon customization, unique health bars for each limb, and lack of an ammo counter, among other elements to add to the realism, it stands apart from games in its genre. It’s understandable why a game like this might become popular, but occasionally for the wrong reasons.
Sadly, during 50calapr’s most recent stream, the graphic in-game violence quickly turned into actual violence. In a 32-second video that is becoming viral on Reddit, the streamer is getting ready for another raid by modifying his rifle when, just past the halfway point, gunfire can be heard off-screen. He scrambles and hides until the commotion stops, then he grabs his own rifle, cocks it, and runs for the door. Offline violence has happened on broadcast before, and it most likely won’t be the last. Several users have been physically or emotionally abused over the phone, arrested on camera, or even participated in the violence.
Fortunately, the Twitch streamer himself replied to the same Reddit post and stated that everything was fine. The shooting was apparently a drive-by and was probably motivated by drugs or gang activity. Such occurrences are regular in his region, but during this one, no uninvolved parties were hurt.
The only thing that was damaged was his apartment’s door, whose glass was shot out. 50calapr continued by saying that given the high rates of crime and low cost of living in his neighborhood, as well as the responsibilities he has outside of work and his meager salary, owning a gun is essentially a necessity. Many people use online spaces like Twitch to escape the grime and sorrow of life, and many video producers support this atmosphere by rarely sharing details about their private lives. But occasionally, the outside world finds a way in and ruins the fun.
