Paluten

Patrick Mayer has built something remarkable in the German gaming scene under his online persona Paluten. What started as a simple Let's Play channel in 2012 has evolved into a multimedia empire that captures the imagination of millions of young viewers across the German-speaking world.

**The Hamburg native didn't stumble into success overnight.** His first video, a Need for Speed: Most Wanted playthrough, launched what would become over 8,000 videos spanning more than a decade. But it wasn't just the quantity that set him apart—it was his ability to craft genuine stories within the gaming world. His crown jewel, the 380-episode "Minecraft FREEDOM" series, transformed simple gameplay into an epic narrative featuring himself and Edgar, his beloved pig mascot. The series became legendary among German gaming fans, drawing collaborations with household names like GermanLetsPlay, Zombey, and Rewinside.

**What makes Paluten particularly fascinating is his knack for world-building.** He didn't just play Minecraft; he created an entire universe within it, complete with characters, storylines, and merchandise that fans could actually purchase. From cuddly toys to drinking bottles, he turned his digital creations into tangible products that kids could hold onto. This business acumen has reportedly earned him around €3 million, according to tech magazine Chip's 2023 estimates.

**His brief but intense Twitch career offers another interesting chapter.** From August to December 2020, he dove headfirst into live streaming, peaking at over 20,000 concurrent viewers on his very first day. While his Twitch adventure was short-lived, he cleverly repurposed that content for his second YouTube channel, "Team Paluten," originally created as a vlog channel in 2014 but never used for its intended purpose. Now it serves as home for his reaction videos and stream highlights.

**The numbers tell an impressive story of sustained growth.** Reaching 5 million YouTube subscribers in August 2023 made him the most-subscribed gaming channel in the German-speaking region—no small feat in a crowded market. His daily upload schedule has kept audiences engaged for over a decade, proving that consistency paired with genuine passion can build lasting success. What's particularly noteworthy is how he's maintained relevance with younger audiences while growing up alongside his original fanbase.

**Beyond gaming, Paluten has ventured into book writing, expanding his creative reach into traditional publishing.** This diversification shows an understanding that digital success requires multiple revenue streams and creative outlets. His Munich-based operation continues to churn out content that feels both professional and personal, a balance many creators struggle to achieve.

At 37, Patrick has successfully navigated the tricky transition from young YouTuber to established content creator, proving that authenticity and storytelling can sustain a career well beyond viral moments and trending games.