Gabby Fraser first watched other people play video games online as a young teenager, but she never imagined streaming her own gameplay could be a viable career pathway.

The 26-year-old started broadcasting on Twitch from her home in South Australia’s Riverland in June and has already gained a following.

Before this, she worked in a wide variety of jobs — from industrial cleaner in the agricultural industry, to working in pharmacy for seven years — and also acquired two degrees.

But it was the ability to work independently and be rewarded directly for her effort that made streaming appeal to her.

“You don’t get rewarded for your good work ethic until they realise they’re going to lose you, and it shouldn’t be like that,” Ms Fraser said, of previous employers.

“If I work for myself, I am my own responsibility — I don’t need the company to recognise me.” 

Gabby Fraser describes her current gaming set-up as an investment for the future. (ABC Riverland: Timu King)

Turning Twitch into a career

Twitch is a website primarily associated with gaming and gaming streams but it has also been expanding into other entertainment categories, such as documenting travel. 

Ms Fraser decided to take the leap after other plans collapsed.

“My life took a complete nosedive so I was like, ‘You know what? We’re going to do it,'” she said. 

“I was supposed to move to Adelaide, and I had quit my job in preparation for that, so when everything fell through I was really just in limbo.

“I didn’t have anything else set up as a backup plan, so I said … ‘Why not now?'”

Gabby Fraser has experimented with different games and titles on Twitch. (ABC Riverland: Timu King)

Ms Fraser originally played a lot of single player offline games — like Baldur’s Gate 3 — to get around problems with internet speed in her regional town.

But these days she’s streaming a lot of Teamfight Tactics and League of Legends.

Ms Fraser recognises that streaming on Twitch may become a side hustle rather than her career long-term, but is optimistic about the future.

“I have been feeling really excited,” she said. 

“Getting away from feeling like I need to perform for the camera keeps me authentic.”

After its niche beginnings in 2014, Twitch is now one of the most visited websites in the world.  (Getty: Pavlo Gonchar)

Online gamers like celebrities and friends

University of Sydney senior lecturer Mark Johnson has always been interested in digital entertainment, but has made Twitch and the study of streaming his specific area of academic interest. 

Mark Johnson says streamers’ careers are not unlike those of actors. (Supplied: Mark Johnson)

Understanding the widespread appeal was once a particular focus, but the formerly niche website Twitch now ranks among the most visited online. 

“It can have the same appeal as watching sports on TV, or a world-class pianist play … you’re observing someone who is more skilled than you perform,” Dr Johnson said. 

“The platform is designed to keep people engaged and to encourage viewers to interact with their streamers. 

“The streamer occupies this dual role where we’re sort of celebrity and sort of a friend a very appealing person for viewers to speak to.” 

Dr Johnson said Twitch had a mixed record, like many other social media platforms.

“It can be extremely positive, it can be extreme negative and, like many things, ends up somewhere in the middle,” he said.