The Sims franchise’s ability to let players tell their own story always made it perfect for streaming. A wide assortment of mods, an active community, and a colorful cast of characters means that no two streams have to be the same. Variety Twitch Streamer RoryPlays has caught onto this as a lifelong fan of the franchise and has made The Sims a big part of her work. We sat down with RoryPlays to talk about her love of streaming, video games, and The Sims.
EA: How long have you been playing video games?
I started playing when I was six. I was raised by my grandparents who were really into gaming. I started out very young playing Super Mario Brothers on my NES. Later my grandma introduced me to Tomb Raider, Grand Theft Auto, and American McGee's Alice. My grandpa and I shared a love of gaming and football with Madden.
What’s your earliest memory involving gaming?
My earliest gaming memory is being curled up next to my grandma exploring tombs in Tomb Raider and then spending hours with my grandpa on the couch playing Madden. He was a huge Green Bay Packer fan, I adored the Chicago Bears.
How did you first find The Sims franchise?
I was in college when The Sims was released and I had a huge term paper due. I was so stressed about writing it, I headed out to the store to find a new game to play, and I came across The Sims. I had never played a simulator before. I brought it home and I’ve been hooked ever since. 18 incredible years!
What’s your favorite The Sims expansion, game, or stuff pack?
The Sims 4 City Living holds a special place in my heart. Just before release, I was invited to Sims Camp at EA Redwood Shores to play the expansion before release. It was during this trip that I was invited to become a Game Changer and it was my first time at the studio. It was incredible walking through the front doors seeing the posters of the games I played with my grandparents. It was a full circle moment.
What inspired you to start streaming?
Three years ago I lost my grandmother to Pancreatic Cancer leaving me the sole survivor of my family. When she passed away, I received a small inheritance and I decided to build a gaming PC. Soon after that, I discovered Twitch and I wanted to try out streaming. As the parts came in and I began building the computer, my graphics card arrived with a free copy of the newest Tomb Raider. It was almost like I had my grandmother’s blessing. To this day, the streaming and content creation that I do is all a tribute to her.
What game did you have the most fun streaming?
As a variety streamer, I enjoy all sorts of games, but the ones I enjoy the most are ones that take my community and me on an adventure. If it’s a choice based game, I let them make all the decisions. If it’s a multiplayer game, we gather as a community and race each other in Mario Kart or team up in Warframe or Overwatch. Any game that brings us together as a community, as a family, I enjoy those the most.
How has the Game Changer program affected your work?
The Game Changer program has changed my life in so many ways. It’s brought me opportunities for discovering new games and traveling to different countries, but what means the most to me is the friendships I’ve made in this program. The friends I’ve made have become my family and for that, I’m so thankful to be able to be a part of the Game Changer Program.
Do you have any advice for women out there interested in streaming?
The path to every great adventure requires the courage to take the first step. Don’t be afraid to go for it. Believe that you can! You are capable of more than you know, and always remember that there are others out there cheering you on to succeed.
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