Meshael MR, a prominent female video game streamer from Saudi Arabia, had to confront stereotypes in order to reach the pinnacle of a male-dominated industry. Despite facing skepticism and criticism, she persevered and developed a large following on Twitch, where she now has over 160,000 followers. Meshael notes that in recent years, the industry has become more inclusive, with official competitive gaming teams for girls participating in regional and global events.
Meshael keeps her approach to streaming straightforward, allowing her audience to guide the content. She streams regularly and maintains a strong connection with her followers. Meshael was also featured in a MAC Cosmetics campaign for International Women’s Day, along with three other Saudi Arabian creatives. She sees this as a significant moment for her and for inspiring other girls and women to pursue their passions.
In a press release at the time, she stated: “I have had to stand out in an industry that was heavily male dominated in the region and express my personal views and opinions without any boundaries, which allowed me to build a strong relationship with my female followers.
“Being part of this campaign represents a moment for me in which I can reply to every single person who told me I couldn’t make it. I hope to inspire other girls and women to similarly follow their dreams.”
Meshael advises aspiring female streamers to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication, even in the face of adversity. She acknowledges that the beginning may be difficult, but encourages persistence and belief in oneself. “The most important thing is that you do something with passion and love. And in the end, you will reach what you wish for and more if you let passion lead you.” Meshael has blazed a trail for other women in the industry and is a role model for those seeking to make their mark in the world of video game streaming.
