Gaming has dominated much of the social media and internet world, and Valkyrae, the gaming queen, is just one of the names most gamers would know.
The title of Gaming Queen Valkyrae is supported not only by her influence and engagement on social media, but also by actual numbers. In 2021, Valkyrae was the most watched streamer with 12.2 million hours viewed on Youtube Live Gaming, double Pokemane’s hours watched on Twitch.
For Valkyrae
Valkyrae, or Rachell Hofstetter off-screen, is of mixed descent. She is a Filipino-German who grew up in Washington. She now lives with her mother because her father passed away from cancer in 2017.
She attended a community college and then worked at GameStop. Valkyrae first shared her gaming hobby on Instagram and made the switch to Twitch.
This was a huge risk for her as Valkyrae shares that she only had 3000-4000 viewers when she first started.
Valkyrae’s broken family led her to early video game exposure to cope with and escape her reality.
Valkyrae shares the story of her father’s death and her relief when he was freed from the pain he had endured because of the treatments needed to cure his cancer. Valkyrae realizes that online streaming became a platform for her to help other people heal from their own journeys.
“Because of the things I’ve been through in my life, I talk about it openly on stream. And I think my openness about these things helps a lot of people watching. This is going to happen to everyone. I think sharing the way I look at things also helps people see things in a more positive light.”
Valkyrae, YOUTUBE – Anthony Padilla
Why game streaming dominates your feed
Connecting with other video gamers is one of the many benefits of playing video games since the inception of the industry.
Streaming has made it possible for millions of gamers to interact, play, watch and even connect with other gamers, especially their game idols.
Valkyrae’s streaming success started with her Instagram fans convincing her to try streaming on Twitch. Her own community of fans has grown since then.
Women in the game industry
Of her millions of viewers, 45% are women, which is insane for Valkyrae in a great way.
I want to be a role model for them and inspire them and let them know that gaming is literally just gaming and it’s okay. And that it should not be guarded because of who a person is.
Valkyrae, 100 Thieves
Valkyrae shares her regret for not streaming on YouTube sooner than she did. Her female audience apparently grew when she made the switch to YouTube; a fact she was most excited about.
Despite female gamers dominating most lists, the gaming world is not quite a friendly and safe space for female gamers and gamers from other minorities.
Reports of female gamers being harassed on platforms like Twitch and other streaming platforms have only increased.
With male counterparts reporting their content en masse and getting them banned or even questioning their intent to stream when none of the few of these particular cases and doubts happen to male streamers.
Unfortunately, despite women’s countless efforts across platforms, slut shaming still occurs in the digital world.
Female streamers have also shared about getting slutty shamed for their costumes or praised for being humble, while male fans or viewers shame other female streamers for their “revealing” costumes.
Overcoming obstacles for women in the industry
“No matter what you do to hide it, it never ends. There will always be trolls who judge based on your appearance, just say sexist things because I’m a girl and they think it’s funny.”
Valkyrae, business insider
Valkyrae is also not immune to this bullying. Valkyrae shared how she received sexist and racist comments from trolls, with someone harassing her for weeks with such slander using 30 Twitch accounts.
Valkyrae values her fans and the influence she has in the streaming industry, and tries just as much to partner with female gamers and create content that her young girl viewers would enjoy.
“I get thousands of emails and messages from people saying I’m helping people with their depression and anxiety just by playing Fortnite. I wouldn’t be doing it as long as I’ve been doing it if I didn’t realize the impact it would have on people. I’m just really happy with it.”
Valkyrae, business insider
100 thieves, music videos and more
Co-owner of 100 Thieves, becoming the first woman in the process, with fellow gamers and big names like Drake, Scooter Braun and more, Valkyrae has lived in the abandoned 100 Thieves content house.
“It kind of feels like a reset in real life and on YouTube,” she continued. “I’ve been gaming all my life, but now with the move I can focus on beauty, fitness and just about anything with 100 Thieves. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Valkyrae, Dexerto
Valkyrae is still partnering with 100 Thieves. With more time and personal space within her reach, Valkyrae has achieved more outside of the streaming industry.
Valkyrae has made videos featuring MGK and Corpse’s “DAYWALKER!” and “Build a B*itch”, “Inferno” and “Dolls” by Bella Poarch.
Valkyrae has also reconnected with her Filipino heritage with the help of her mother and fellow content creator and music artist Bella Poarch.
Just a few months ago, Valkyrae kept her fans on their toes by tweeting a teasing and cryptic tweet about a certain future project.
You are probably just as curious and enthusiastic as we are!
With Valkyrae’s streams, life vlogs and this mysterious project, her fans simply crave more of the positive energy and impact Valkyrae brings to her loyal fans.
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