From being in the corporate world to starting a women’s blog all about tech and gaming, we spoke to Sam ‘Tech Girl’ Wright about how it’s been breaking into the gaming industry

Sam, fondly known as South Africa’s ‘Tech Girl’, started working at YFM, the South African youth radio station, after having completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and her Honours degree in Communication Studies. But after spending a few years in the corporate sphere, she turned her passion for gaming into a full-time gig. Now a YouTuber, blogger and shoutcaster, Sam has had a hand in – and hosted – some of the biggest gaming events and competitions in the world. 

You’re a gamer at heart with quite a repertoire as an esports host, And have your own blog and a podcast. Were you always into tech and gaming?
I grew up with a dad who was an avid gamer and very interested in technology. He was constantly tinkering with different things and kept abreast of the latest tech developments. When you grow up with an early adopter I think it just becomes natural for you to be the same. We were playing games from when we were very little or watching my dad play. When I was in high school I hid it from people though because being a fan of gaming and tech was considered ‘nerdy’. 

What motivated you to kickstart your career in tech and gaming?
I accidentally fell into it, to be honest. It wasn’t something I planned. I was bored in my corporate job and looking for a creative outlet so I started a blog. I loved technology and gaming so it just made sense that the blog would feature tech and gaming content. It grew from there and, as I found my voice, I became braver with talking about esports and making videos around it, which led to me eventually quitting my job and becoming a full-time esports shoutcaster and host. 

What are some of the major challenges content creators face in this industry?
Personally, being a woman in esports (when I started) was tough. There was a lot of negativity and it was hard to squash stereotypes that existed. I also struggled with access to new technology and games. South Africa is so far from the rest of the world and as our region is considered ‘small’ we were often forgotten when it came to international releases. I’m happy to say both of these issues are slowly changing – I’d prefer the change to happen faster, but I’m grateful for the change nonetheless.

As a woman, How has it been navigating your way in the industry, given some of the views surrounding women gamers? 
Not easy, is the short answer. I had to deal with so much negativity early on in my career. Ironically, not from gamers at large or the community, but rather other men working in the industry. They were extremely unwelcoming and I dealt with my fair share of abuse early on. Thank goodness there were a few men who weren’t like this, who saw my drive and talent, and helped me develop my skills. I also found endless support from other women in the industry, and still do. As I’ve grown in my career, the abuse from early on has died down, but I often hear similar comments about other women entering the space. Over the past few years women gamers and tech geeks have found their voice, and we’re slowly silencing the critics. 

What are some of your favourite moments in your career, blog, or just having fun with tech and games?
My favourite moment in my career was hosting the ESL stage at Gamescom in Germany for some of their esports activities. This was my first-ever international esports event. I’d been told that no one from South Africa would be hired for these big overseas events unless they relocated to Europe. So being able to reside in South Africa and be flown out for the job was a huge thing for me. I did what so many said couldn’t be done, and was able to experience it at one of the biggest gaming expos in the world. It was very special for me. As I’ve continued, and did a stack more international events, the real highlight is being able to tell stories about incredible players and being there at the start of their careers. It’s something special to be able to say you saw them as their upward trajectory started and had a role in commentating about their story. 

How do you try to manage feeling unmotivated to create content or host gaming sessions?
I think motivation is different for everyone. For me, I know I need to be energised if I want motivation. So I put a huge focus on fitness and nutrition. I know that sounds ridiculous, but creating content and hosting events requires you to think on your feet, be animated and your brain has to fire on all cylinders. By training hard physically and eating correctly, your body and brain is able to perform under stress. So I make time for exercise at least three times a week.I also really do try to get a decent night’s sleep in, but that can be tough when travelling! 

What advice do you have for anyone with an interest in gaming, but who may be afraid to get fully into it?
Just start playing. Remember, games are meant to be fun, it doesn’t matter if you’re not good or play on ‘Easy’ – if you’re having fun, that is all that matters. So pick up the controller and start jamming! 

Words by Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography: Courtesy images