Alyce Rocha, known online as Alyska, is a full-time video game streamer who works from home. With a following of 585,000 across various platforms, she engages with her audience by broadcasting live gaming sessions. Rocha highlights the appeal of shared gaming experiences, stating that viewers are often interested in seeing someone else’s reaction to games they have played themselves.
Recent data indicates that women now comprise about half of the gaming demographic, challenging the stereotype of gaming as a male-dominated field. However, in the streaming sector, audiences remain predominantly male. Rocha aims to shift perceptions regarding the types of games that women enjoy, noting that while many women gravitate towards non-violent genres like puzzle and strategy games, she appreciates role-playing and action titles as well.
Despite being a recognized streamer, Rocha describes her work as challenging. Successful streaming involves significant effort, including managing multiple accounts across platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The gaming industry, which is now valued at over £13.7 billion in the UK, presents fierce competition for creators, with platforms taking substantial cuts from earnings.
In parallel, groups like Black Girl Gamers are fostering community and connection among female gamers. Originating from a small Facebook group, they have grown to over 10,000 members worldwide. Members express that gaming offers not only entertainment but also a supportive space to share experiences, which can be particularly helpful when facing challenges, including online harassment.
This shift in the gaming landscape reflects greater inclusivity, with a growing emphasis on community-building and shared emotional experiences, illustrating how gaming has evolved beyond a solitary pursuit into a collaborative social activity.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm21xy23npyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss