Custom PC builder Artesian Builds got demolished on Twitter last week after a small streamer complained that the company denied her a sweepstakes prize based on the size of her Twitch following. Giveaway sponsor Intel was displeased with Artesian, as was a considerable portion of the internet: The streamer’s complaint was retweeted over 8,000 times. Artesian’s CEO later apologized, but the company may nevertheless have sold its last PC.
A few days ago, Artesian said it was looking into a “potential employee-led buy-out of the company.” Now it’s shutting down indefinitely.
“We are sad to announce that, effective now, we are freezing/suspending all activities,” Artesian wrote on Twitter. “Ongoing is analysis by outside counsel for reorg. to ensure fair treatment of clients, creditors, and employees. We expect more info by month’s end. We are open to assistance/investment.”
Artesian is based in San Francisco, and stands out from other custom PC builders for its commitment to building every order live on Twitch. The company also runs an “ambassador” program which pays streamers for referrals and grants them entry into ambassador-only PC giveaways, which also take place live on Twitch. It was one of those giveaways that led to Artesian’s undoing last week.
Before a giveaway drawing, Artesian CEO Noah Katz warned that not every member of the ambassador program would be eligible to win, saying that the winner would have to meet “strict” criteria.
