What you need to know about Twitch through eyes of Saudi female streamers

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Updated 03 October 2021
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What you need to know about Twitch through eyes of Saudi female streamers

  • Saudi women are entering this platform strongly, achieving high ranks and attracting considerable viewership

JEDDAH: E-gamers are on the rise in the Kingdom, and Saudi female gamers are matching their male counterparts with their skillsets and tenacity.

The attention of e-gaming is growing among girls, especially with the appearance of platforms such as Twitch. Saudi female gamers are entering this platform strongly, achieving high ranks and attracting considerable viewership.

Twitch is an American platform that focuses on video game livestreaming, including broadcasts of esports competitions, and began gaining popularity in the Kingdom in 2017.

Arab News spoke to several Saudi women about their experiences on the platform. Catspawgirl is an avid gamer who live streams for five hours a day, and has been playing games such as Apex Legends and Overwatch since 2019. 

“Twitch is the best full-time platform in Saudi Arabia, especially if you are a fan of a certain game and want to watch people play it,” she said.

Pikaloli, another Saudi streamer, said that there is no fixed monthly amount of cash to be gained from Twitch; it depends on people’s interaction and visits to the stream.

Catspawgirl explained that to start an account on Twitch, you must first have a PC or a console, and a desire for streaming: “The first year will be very difficult. There will not be many followers and support, and this may be the reason that people lose interest in this hobby.”

Pikaloli said: “Before starting a Twitch account, it is preferable to prepare your screen layout design and remember to introduce yourself and the games you would like to stream to attract new followers.”

GAMING FACTS

• Mobile gaming is the leader with 19.3 million players.

• Console gaming comes 2nd with 13.9 million users.

• PC gaming comes in 3rd – not far behind consoles – with 13.4 million players.

• Laptop gaming grew by 57 percent in KSA and 49 percent in the UAE in 2020.

• In fact, 57 percent in the UAE and 55 percent in KSA would consider purchasing a laptop for gaming by mid-2021.

Catspawgirl talked about attracting the audience by having a unique appeal. “I like to change my look in every stream so the audience will come back to see what I will be wearing, and I usually change my hair color and have a different makeup look every day.”

She advised girls who want to enter the Twitch world to communicate with their audience and not stay silent — “just be spontaneous, show enthusiasm and communicate.”

Pikaloli has another way of attracting an audience — as the first Saudi Vtuber, which means she uses a virtual avatar using computer graphics and motion capture software technology.

“I don’t want to show my face and, as a content creator, I always try to be exceptional, so I decided to appear as a virtual character that simulates my movements and facial expressions.” 

Meshael MR, another Saudi Twitch streamer, said: “The streamer must have a future plan, enjoy every moment of the stream, find a unique feature in them and try as much as possible to stay away from problems and drama.”

She started streaming in 2018 and has more than 145k subscribers. She has supported other female gamers and has helped them to gain more skillsets.

“I really want to see the Saudi female gamer community grow. I know starting can be hard because of the social challenges but the acceptance is smoother now,” said Mashael.

Even with the added support from their communities, the gamers said that social media can be a difficult platform to break into, and break out of, too. There can be bullying, harassment, inappropriate comments, an unfortunate evil in the wide world of social networking.

KSA MARKET

• KSA is the 19th biggest gaming market in the world.

• Its gaming market has grown 1 percent year-on-year.

• There are more than 21.1 million gamers in the Kingdom.

• It is expected to generate $1.09 billion in 2021.

“Social problems are inevitable, especially as a girl who plays and loves to communicate, laugh and talk a lot with followers. Sometimes I am harassed, and I face a lot of bullying, but with the click of a button, we can hide all the bullies and go back to our game,” Catspawgirl said.

Pikaloli added, “I consider myself lucky that my biggest fans are from Saudi and the UAE. Sometimes I get cyber-bullied by boys saying that girls belong in the kitchen, but funny enough, they end up following me after they watch me play.”

The Saudi gamer Bador Alhtheill commented that female streamers are hungry for success and have what it takes to become the best in the world.

Sami Al-Alwani, another Twitch gamer, said: “Girls are enthusiastic about creating unique content for the world of games, and their numbers are remarkably competitive with the international streamers. They have a huge following of all ages, and they influence a lot of people.”

GCON, Girl Gamers and Development community in Saudi Arabia, hold events and tournaments in the electronic games sector and support the female gamer community.

“We started our forum in 2012 supporting women gamers. We have created and hosted many events.” GCON said in its mission statement. “We have 13 streamers in the forum, and we have many projects in the development and production of games, esports and entertainment.”

GCON is encouraging female gamers to join Twitch, since unlike on YouTube the streamers there do not need to have editing skills.


Experts discuss Saudi Arabia’s latest anti-trafficking measure

Updated 24 April 2024
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Experts discuss Saudi Arabia’s latest anti-trafficking measure

  • Symposium raised awareness of common patterns and recent developments in human trafficking, along with effective means of protection and prevention
  • Human trafficking encompasses sex trafficking, forced labor and domestic servitude, often involving women and children

RIYADH: Experts discussed Saudi Arabia’s latest efforts to combat human trafficking at an event in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The symposium, titled “Enhancing Cooperation in Combating Trafficking in Persons,” drew attendees from a variety of fields to review anti-human trafficking policies.

It also raised awareness of common patterns and recent developments in human trafficking, along with effective means of protection and prevention.

“At the Saudi National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, we aim to exchange experiences and foster coordination to combat human trafficking, prevent its occurrence, reduce its impact on victims and protect them,” said Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Human Rights Commission.

During a panel discussion titled “Normative and International Framework to Combat Trafficking in Persons,” Al-Tuwaijri warned that crises and conflicts around the world create a fertile environment for traffickers to exploit the vulnerable.

Human trafficking encompasses sex trafficking, forced labor and domestic servitude, often involving women and children.

Al-Tuwaijri said that human trafficking transcends borders. By working together across countries and regions, the international community can protect the vulnerable and uphold human rights, he added.

Per Saudi law, those found guilty of human trafficking in the Kingdom face up to 15 years’ imprisonment, fines of up to SR1 million ($266,000), or both.

Al-Tuwaijri highlighted the importance of bolstering international efforts to combat human trafficking through comprehensive legislation and enhanced case detection.

In 2023, anti-human trafficking organizations in the Kingdom conducted 41 training programs, aiming to raise awareness of vulnerabilities to trafficking within migrant communities. The training covered victim identification, best practices in screening vulnerable populations in detention centers, trauma-informed and victim-centered interviewing and assistance techniques, search procedures, evidence collection and criminal investigative processes during trafficking trials.

Abdullah Abu Thunin, vice minister of human resources and social development, said that significant efforts are being made in the Saudi labor market to combat human trafficking.

The ministry is activating a national plan to combat human trafficking, he added. The strategy is based on four main pillars: Prevention, protection and assistance, prosecution, and national, regional and international cooperation.

Abu Thunin said that the ministry has launched several programs to target human trafficking, including one scheme to improve contractual relationships.

“Through the authenticated contracts program and the wage protection program, more than 7 million contracts were signed by employees, obligating employers to pay workers’ wages,” he added.

The Friendly Settlement for Labor Disputes program also achieved a 77 percent reconciliation rate in labor disputes.

Abu Thunin said that compliance rates have increased in the Kingdom since the programs were launched.

Many government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Public Prosecution, the Human Rights Commission and the National Committee to Combat Trafficking, took part in the Riyadh symposium.

Numerous international organizations also attended, including the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Resident Coordinator Office.


AI heralds new era for art, music, Riyadh summit told

Updated 24 April 2024
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AI heralds new era for art, music, Riyadh summit told

  • Forum explored innovations linked with Web3, a new stage of the internet driven by the cryptocurrency-related technology blockchain
  • Web3 is expected to provide greater security, and give users more control over their data, opening new horizons for musicians and artists

RIYADH: Music has always been at the cutting edge when it comes to utilizing technological innovation, Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, told a forum in Riyadh.

Experts discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries during the Outer Edge summit held at The Garage in the Saudi capital on Tuesday.

The forum explored innovations linked with Web3, a new stage of the internet driven by the cryptocurrency-related technology blockchain.

Web3 is expected to provide greater security, and give users more control over their data, opening new horizons for musicians and artists, among others.

“Musicians have always experimented with every tool they could get their hands on,” Pacifico said during a panel titled “The Future of Creativity, including Music and Art.”

He cited the invention of the piano as an example, and said that artists would explore any medium or utilize any tool to convey their message.

“AI is everywhere, and is somewhat of a catch-all term for several technologies that converge around machines,” he said.

Pacifico encouraged artists to explore AI, adding that it is already integrated into many areas of their working life.

“We’ve already experienced AI in the creative space through algorithmic playlists on streaming platforms, backend processing, digital music production, and editing with software programs.”

The discussion also explored the intersection of technology and art, with speakers highlighting the potential for immersive experiences that merge the physical and digital worlds.  

Saudi artist Khaled Makshoush, who works with digital pixel designs, is optimistic about AI applications in the creative realm, saying that that he sometimes uses the technology as a source of inspiration and a tool to enhance his artistic processes.

He said that some people view AI negatively because it can generate art based on the work of other artists.

“I would generate an image with AI to be inspired by what elements or colors to incorporate into a painting.”

Makshoush said that because he is quite indecisive, “an AI assistant who can advise me based on my previous artworks would be very beneficial.”

Melissa Wiederrecht writes JavaScript code to generate her artwork, and uploads her creations on web3.

The algorithmic and generative artist said that one exciting aspect of Web3 is its potential to showcase artwork in new and innovative ways. Artists can use blockchain technology to create unique digital pieces, secure ownership rights, and sell their work to collectors.

“For example, I’ll have AI pick five random colors; then maybe I’ll say pick a random sample of points, then throw some color around, and choose a style of mine,” she said. 

Wiederrecht said that she can write an algorithm that generates infinitely different pieces of art from the same code.

“They all look similar, like they belong to the same collection, but they’re all completely unique,” she added.

Pacifico concluded by saying: “I want to see that bedrock that we’re putting in place enable generations after us to have much greater access to the freedom of expression and circular economy required to enable access for more expression for all.”


Saudi Environment Ministry launches first urban farm inside stores

Updated 24 April 2024
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Saudi Environment Ministry launches first urban farm inside stores

  • Initiative allows customers to obtain fresh food products grown in the Kingdom.
  • The ministry aims to launch about 600 to 1,000 farms in the retail system across all markets in the Kingdom over the next five years

Riyadh: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched an urban vertical farm project for food markets and stores, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative, the first of its kind in the region, allows customers to obtain fresh food products grown in the Kingdom.

The ministry’s undersecretary, Ahmed Al-Eyada, attended the launch of the project, which was implemented by a leading bioagriculture company.

Danube markets in Riyadh is hosting the first vertical farm in the project. Commercial display units in the market contain a variety of plants and agricultural products, such as lettuce, coriander, parsley and broccoli — many of which were previously sourced from abroad.

The ministry aims to launch about 600 to 1,000 farms in the retail system across all markets in the Kingdom over the next five years. These farms are intended to meet 20 to 40 percent of domestic demand for agricultural products and vegetables.

Vertical urban farms in stores aim to preserve natural resources, maintain ecosystem balance and promote sustainable productivity. By shortening supply chains, they also reduce loss and waste, and introduce a new farming model suited to local farmers and businesses in the Kingdom.

The initiative offers multiple benefits for consumers by providing high-quality vegetables and fruits that retain their freshness and nutritional value for up to five times longer than traditional methods, the SPA reported.

Urban farms also promote job localization and greater income potential. Furthermore, they help overcome logistical challenges associated with transporting agricultural products to consumers.

Vertical farming not only conserves agricultural land but also reduces labor and water usage by 80 to 90 percent compared to traditional farming, providing a year-round high-yield agricultural environment.


Saudi Arabia’s King Salman admitted to hospital for routine checkup

Updated 24 April 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s King Salman admitted to hospital for routine checkup

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has been admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah for routine check up, state news agency (SPA) reported.

The tests were expected to last “a few hours”, the Royal Court said, as cited by SPA.

King Salman attended on Tuesday the weekly cabinet meeting.


King Khalid Foundation, TATA sign pact to promote sustainable digital practices

Updated 24 April 2024
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King Khalid Foundation, TATA sign pact to promote sustainable digital practices

  • University students urged to present proposals for ‘Sustainathon’ contest

RIYADH: The King Khalid Foundation has signed a cooperation agreement with TATA Consultancy Services to promote sustainable digital practices among university students in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative is called “Sustainathon” and aims to help students design projects that would assist in this field, according to a statement released by the foundation on Monday.

For three months, the King Khalid Foundation and the TCS will be running online seminars to help “Sustainathon” competitors with their proposals.

At the end of the period, the students will be required to present their ideas to a panel of judges.

Prizes will be awarded based on adherence to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as practical applications.

During the signing ceremony, the King Khalid Foundation was represented by its CEO Princess Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Saud. The TCS was represented by its President and Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa Sumanta Roy.

The King Khalid Foundation and the TCS aim to develop cooperation between stakeholders in the private and not-for-profit sectors through information exchange and the sharing of expertise.

The King Khalid Foundation was established in 2001 as an independent national non-profit body. Its vision is to develop a prosperous society rooted in equality and sustainability.