After a one-month streaming break, Twitch star Imane “Pokimane” Anys (26) returns. However, she doesn’t want to continue as before. In a YouTube video and subsequent stream on Twitch, Pokimane talks about her reasons and how things will proceed from here.
This is Pokimane
- With over 9 million followers, she ranks 9th on Twitch and is the only woman in the Top 10
- She is regarded as a family-friendly role model streamer and enjoys showcasing games like Valorant
- As one of the few women at the top, she also faces many attacks and hate
- Pokimane started on Twitch as a student and has been streaming full-time since she was 21, averaging 5-6 days a week on air
- In July 2022, Pokimane announced a break to recover mentally
- Now she is back, but there are limitations: Pokimane wants to stream less and focus more on other platforms
Pokimane returns to Twitch – but less frequently and irregularly
Here’s how Pokimane made her return: On August 28, over a month after announcing her break, Pokimane announced via Twitter that she would start streaming again on September 1. When the big day arrived, she initially released a video on YouTube.
In the video, Pokimane explained why she took the break and how things will proceed for her now. In the subsequent stream, she revisited the discussed points before moving on to her regular gaming program.
Here’s how Pokimane plans to move forward: The Twitch star explicitly stated that she does not want to stop streaming. However, it will be significantly less and irregular. Instead of streaming 6 days a week, she wants to be live only 2 to 3 times a week.
You can watch the full comeback stream on Pokimane’s Twitch channel.
Here’s what she wants to do instead: Fans don’t have to completely miss Pokimane. The streamer still manages several other social media accounts. She especially enjoys Instagram and TikTok.
Here’s why Pokimane is drawn to other social media: The streamer explains that she enjoys the feeling of being able to spontaneously post an Instagram story or a short video on TikTok and then continue with her day.
She stated that she does not want to wake up, rush to her PC, and play for 8 hours straight. Moreover, she has a higher percentage of female followers on other platforms, with whom she can exchange ideas about topics beyond just gaming.
With this step, Pokimane joins a growing number of content creators who wish to withdraw from the streaming giant Twitch and focus on other platforms.
Pokimane discusses the pressure that streamers are under
Here’s why she wants to stream less: Pokimane has been active as a streamer for nearly a decade. While it was new and exciting in the past, Twitch seems to be losing its allure for the now 26-year-old.
On one hand, this is due to the competitive nature of the industry. Pokimane states that she no longer wants to be under the pressure of having to chase every trend and stream more than the competition.
I have played pretty much every major trendy game. […] When I see something on Twitch now, I feel like I’ve already done it all.
Pokimane via YouTube
While there will always be games that can capture her heart, Pokimane says she now enjoys gaming outside of her streams more. This way, she can enjoy the games as she did as a child.
There is more to being a streamer than just gaming
Here’s what Pokimane says about full-time streaming: In her stream, Pokimane discusses the “dream job of a streamer.” It is not merely playing video games all day and getting paid for it. When she’s not live, she still constantly thinks about streaming.
Additionally, there is much more happening behind the scenes, such as meetings with partners. All of this is very stressful, and she no longer feels like she can give her all in the stream. On YouTube, she describes streaming as a “hamster wheel” that she doesn’t want to be a part of anymore.
Here’s what else is behind it: Pokimane also addresses another downside of life in the public eye: one is in a constant feedback loop from people telling them what they think of you. Especially as a woman, she receives many unsolicited opinions.
Due to this, Pokimane feels that one only does what people want from them. There is little room left to grow as an individual and to find out what brings one joy.
However, withdrawing from streaming is anything but easy for Pokimane; she became visibly emotional, and a tear or two was shed. She fears disappointing her fans with her decision.
Thus, Pokimane certainly does not want to completely stop streaming; she wants to keep this part of her identity. However, gaming and streaming do not have to be everything. Instead, she wants to have the freedom to create the content she enjoys.
Is this happening to others as well? Other Twitch streamers are also discussing the working conditions of full-time content creators. While American jorbs couldn’t cope with success and developed anxiety, the case of German streamer Kalle Koschinsky shows a structural problem.
Twitch is increasingly criticized for its seemingly arbitrary ban policies and the algorithm that invites self-exploitation. Do you think the streaming platform can continue like this, or does something need to change fundamentally? Feel free to leave a comment with your opinion.
Formerly the king of Twitch, Ninja might also soon leave the platform, at least if we believe his cryptic hints.
