RIYADH: When she launched her YouTube channel last October under the pseudonym Geekshoard, Aya (who prefers not to give her family name) was determined to carve out a space for Saudi women in the male-dominated world of gaming, cosplay, and action-figure collecting. “The goal was to be more connected to the female gaming community in Saudi Arabia, which is not very big, and to bring a new perspective,” she told Arab News. She envisioned a space where women could connect over their shared love for games. She currently has more than 26,000 subscribers to her channel.
“(I am) encouraging ladies to be themselves more and be proud to be geeks,” she said.
The early days weren’t easy. Negative comments tested her resolve, but Aya refused to be discouraged. “I don’t think about it,” she said, adding that instead of letting the criticism get to her, she focuses on building connections.
“I got to know gamer ladies that were very friendly and lovely and built a small community. It was very nice to feel related to many people and feel connected to some.”
Aya sees gaming, anime, and cosplay as powerful forms of creative expression. “I would say just dive right in. Be yourself,” she said.
She believes that video games have helped strengthen her social and family ties, and she hopes to show the wider Saudi community that gaming’s sometimes-negative reputation is undeserved.
“I would love to show the Saudi community the beauty of video games and how peaceful and fun they can be,” she said. “I have set values for myself that I wouldn’t cross, and I remind myself of them every day to keep me going.”
Aya’s journey may reflect a larger shift in Saudi Arabia — one of the world’s biggest gaming markets, but one in which women remain underrepresented. Her efforts are helping to challenge stereotypes, inspire female gamers, and create a more inclusive space for them.
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