Rocket Beans: 'We are more Take That than Tic Tac Toe'

Rocket Beans, a foundational name in German internet television, is parting ways with one of its original members, Simon. The announcement marks the end of an era for the quartet, which includes Budi, Etienne, and Nils, who have been fixtures in the online media landscape for over two decades.

Simon's departure is a significant event for those who followed web videos and video games in the 2000s and 2010s. The Rocket Beans are recognized as pioneers who brought niche "nerd" topics, such as video games, television series, and comic books, into the mainstream German media. Their early work helped legitimize these interests.

The group's format, which often involved playing video games and engaging in casual conversation on camera, foreshadowed the rise of today's streaming platforms like Twitch. They created a blueprint for content creators who build audiences by sharing their gameplay and personalities live.

Their influence extends beyond just gaming content; they carved out a space for discussions on pop culture and entertainment that resonated with a growing online audience. The split signifies a major shift for the brand, which has been synonymous with its founding members for so long.