Wasn't LGR removed from the program for criticizing the game too much ?
Depends what your definition of "removed" is. They sent him keys without him asking for them and then suddenly they changed to wanting contracts signed and selling your soul to EA. LGR said no thanks because it would call into question his integrity. If you read between the lines a little bit, it looks like they wanted more control over what people said about the game and LGR was never going to sign anything like that. It would be an easy way to force out anyone with ethics and make way for others who would parrot the company line. He did an interview for Simmed Up Magazine and he talked about the situation. I think its in one of the first couple issues.
I haven't noticed them being that annoying on other youtubers' videos.
It was because the video was longer. Youtube learned their lesson about loading short videos full of advertisements. People complained and watch time took a nose dive, so they backed off. Now Youtube loads videos that are over 30 minutes with lots of ads because of their "research" I guess. I'm betting people who sit down to watch a long video or livestream are more willing to watch ads, but who really knows?
If we are talking about 99.9% of the dreck on Youtube, I would agree with you. However, I want to help incentivize my favorite creators to continue making content instead of forcing them to sell out to companies. I'd rather watch a 30 second ad than a 3 minute sponsorship read, miss out on content because it's paywalled on Patreon or deal with constant merch shilling. But you do you.
Do Game Changers have to do in depth reviews and showcase the new content on the game as well? I feel like Kevin wouldn't be able to make a serious review video, I feel like its not his style of content, and I think I prefer his lighthearted and silly videos! in a way I think I'm glad hes not a gamechanger.
From what I have heard, you have to put out some kind of pre-release content if you take a key. I don't think there is any stipulation on what it has to be. I think creators go after reviews and showcases of new content because they are easy to make. Slap review on any old video showing off the pack and you get double or triple the views. I would say LGR and Carl are the only people who actually do reviews. Shame they have to put up with these game changer wannabes polluting their pond.