Rachell ‘Valkyrae’ Hofstetter, a prominent figure in the gaming industry, has forged a remarkable career from her early enthusiasm for video games, which she first encountered at just six years old. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she shared the pivotal moment when her passion transformed into a thriving profession, leading her to amass over 11 million followers across various platforms.
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Valkyrae’s journey into gaming began while she was at a babysitter’s house, where she received a controller from her sitter’s daughter. “I just got addicted ever since. Just never stopped,” she recalled. What started as a childhood passion evolved into a professional venture, enabling her to live a life she once thought unimaginable.
Before her success in streaming, Valkyrae juggled multiple part-time jobs, including stints at a bank, an arcade, a carwash, and as a waitress, all while attending community college part-time. A role at GameStop provided a closer link to her interests, fuelling her determination to build a gaming-focused Instagram account where she shared information about new releases. Encouraged by her growing online presence, she received suggestions to explore live streaming on Twitch.
Initially intrigued by the simplicity of streaming—“You just go live. You don’t have to edit anything”—Valkyrae began her journey on Twitch over a decade ago. For a time, streaming was a side activity squeezed in between her shifts at other jobs. However, an unexpected analysis of her bank account revealed that her streaming income was outpacing her traditional salaries. This realisation prompted her to quit her banking and car wash jobs, although she continued working at GameStop for a while longer.
As her streaming career flourished, Valkyrae made the leap to full-time content creation, eventually amassing a vast audience and becoming a significant player in the gaming community. She remarked on the emotional impact of this shift, stating, “It’s insane how much it’s changed my life.” The financial success from her work allowed her to retire her mother comfortably, covering all her expenses, and even purchasing homes for both her mother and sister.
Valkyrae’s sphere of influence has expanded beyond streaming. She made headlines with a striking seven-page fashion spread in Vogue Philippines, a moment she described as surreal. Her talents have also led her to voice acting roles in projects like the animated film “Goldbeak” and a film titled “The Family Plan,” featuring Mark Wahlberg. Each new opportunity has enhanced her stature in the industry while maintaining her commitment to gaming.
In 2018, Valkyrae became the first female creator to join the esports organisation 100 Thieves, eventually taking on the role of co-owner. Today, she also leads Hihi Studios, a media company she founded to create original content across formats, including comics, webtoons, film, and television. She expressed her excitement about an upcoming video game project her company is currently developing.
Valkyrae’s aspirations go beyond the realm of streaming, as she envisions her company being involved in high-profile projects in the future. “One of my long-term goals, before I die, I would love for my company to be part of a project that wins an Oscar or an award someday,” she shared. Whether it’s through animated features or short films, she aims to contribute to something meaningful and innovative.
Despite her growing acclaim, Valkyrae is increasingly motivated to work behind the scenes rather than on-screen. “I want to be more behind the scenes,” she stated. Her goal is to be part of creative ventures that inspire and entertain rather than seeking the spotlight for herself.
Valkyrae’s trajectory from an enthusiastic six-year-old gamer to a titan of the streaming industry and creative entrepreneur illustrates the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions. For her, gaming was never merely a hobby; it has opened the door to an array of opportunities and achievements. “I know this is just the beginning,” she commented optimistically, “I’m gonna do this for the rest of my life.”