There’s nothing we love more than highlighting women working in predominantly male fields, and completely killing the game. Sama is a prime example of a #girlgamingboss.
The Iranian gamer and streamer is based in Dubai, but has loved games ever since she was young. Her main platform is Twitch, a live-streaming platform for gamers where they can “broadcast” their gameplay by sharing their screen with fans and subscribers who can hear and watch them live. In only a year and a half, Sama was able to accumulate +5000 followers and an average of 25-30+ viewers per stream.
Impressive, amirite?!
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We spoke to the Persian kween about all things gaming, misconceptions towards ‘girl gamers,’ and her pro-title playing COD (AKA Call of Duty.) Scroll down to read the entire interview…
Cosmo ME: What is your first memory of gaming?
Sama: My first memory of gaming definitely has to be playing on my Sega at age of 6. I remember playing Crash Bandicoot – they don’t even make those consoles anymore!
C: How did you get into COD?
S: I was in the process of finishing up my University degree when my best friend and her boyfriend introduced me to Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. From that day on, I haven’t stopped playing it. Currently, I’m playing Warzone which is Call of Duty’s version of ‘Battle Royale.’
C: How did you decide to become a professional gamer?
S: When I started playing COD on Twitch whilst streaming, the support I got was unbelievable! I never imagined that not only would I make such good friends but also build a community that enjoyed viewing me playing. They were my biggest motivation to go pro!
C: How many hours a day do you have to play to keep your status?
S: Not playing for even a day is enough to have an impact on how I play. Hence, I have to at least play a good 3-4 hours per day. However, putting in the streaming perspective, I try to stream at least 5-6 days per week for a good 3-4 hours.
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C: Why do you play COD over every other game?
S: I really enjoy games that are first-person shooter games. I also like the game modes that COD offer, specifically ‘Search and Destroy.’ I played other games such as Rainbow Six Siege and PUBG but there is just something about Call of Duty that I enjoy. Now that it brought out Warzone as well, it has been a game changer in the Battle Royale world and for me.
C: If you weren’t a gamer you’d be…
S: If I wasn’t a gamer, I would still try to connect with people virtually through other platforms. I studied both management and psychology, so maybe I would have been working in Human Resources.
C: What is the biggest misconception about being a professional gamer?
S: The biggest misconception about being a professional gamer would be that a lot of people imagine gamers to be “unhealthy, lazy people” which is untrue. Gaming taught me patience, determination and to be consistent in order to improve my skills. Whilst streaming allowed me to meet amazing new people from all over the world.
C: What do you think about the term ‘girl gamer’?
S: I’m proud to be a girl gamer and I let my gameplay speak for itself. When I play with random players on Warzone, I don’t speak on my mic until the end of the game. Once they hear my voice, they get impressed by the fact that I’m a “girl gamer” since my skills are on an advanced level. I take pride over the term and shine a positive light.
Sama has proved to all of us that pro gaming should not be “gate keeped” to one gender. Especially when the games are more inclined to action and shooting themes.
So if you love playing Call of Duty, don’t let the negative comments stop you from going PRO!