Imane Anys, aka Pokimane, named Twitch Streamer of the Year by Shorty Awards in 2017, has announced that she’s taking a break from live streaming. A Twitch partner and ambassador with nearly 5.4 million followers, she said that the break is due to a recent feeling of burnout.
On Twitter, she confessed that she wasn’t feeling particularly happy or excited, which has affected her content output. She indirectly blamed the coronavirus pandemic - which has kept her from visiting family and friends, attending conventions, and meeting fans - for wearing her down.
Although she didn’t address it, Pokimane, 24, has also faced online criticism this year for supposedly lying about her personal life. Given the proliferation of cancel culture, she was quickly targeted online and has been the subject of countless hateful comments.
The streamer, who earns a minimum of $20,750 per month, or $250,000 a year, from her Twitch subscriptions alone, will reportedly take a month off to focus on her mental health and to reignite her passion for creating content.
Many of her fans have applauded her decision given that this year has taken its toll psychologically on almost everyone. Others have noted that putting your life out there for thousands to see can be exhausting. Pokimane is expected to return sometime in September.
A summer vacation shouldn’t be unusual in an industry that demands non-stop activity. If streamers and gamers don’t make a conscientious decision to take a break, they can be consumed by the continuous demand to produce or be part of the conversation.
According to Pokimane, she hasn’t had a month off since she graduated from high school six years ago and feels the need to take time away from her career and online expectations. Aside from the occasional snide comments, many have applauded her decision to take a breather.
Twitch streamers Valkyrae and Voyboy have told her to enjoy her time off, while YouTuber Carson King felt that she had made the right decision, noting that he had taken a break earlier this year and could appreciate the mental health benefits.
Source: Essentially Sports