Pokimane taking month-long break from Twitch due to burnout

Olivia Richman Published 05/08/2020

The most popular female streamer on Twitch is taking a much-needed break.

Imane “Pokimane” Anys took to Twitter on August 5 to announce that she is stepping away from streaming to take a month-long break, something she hasn’t done for the past six years. Pokimane admitted that she’s been lacking motivation to create content because of the ongoing global health situation, missing her family, conventions, traveling, and meeting fans. This led to her feeling “burnt out.” 

“I recognize I’m very lucky to be able to work [during this time], however, I need to do what’s best for my mental health,” Pokimane explained. 

Pokimane said she’s looking forward to getting back into the “headspace” of wanting to create content for her fans. 

“Until then, I hope you use this message as a reminder to take care of yourselves,” Pokimane said, telling her followers to take a break from social media and find a new hobby. “Hang in there.” 

Other content creators gave Pokimane support for her choice, including Jack “CouRage” Dunlop. He noted that many content creators are going through the same struggles as Pokimane during the lockdown. 

I’m in the middle of a few days off that I basically had to force myself into,” responded fellow female streamer AnneMunition. “I think more streamers should do this sort of thing and I’m glad you are! Have a good time, take care of yourself.”

Pokimane is far from alone in feeling burnt out from streaming. Even before the current situation, top gaming influencers have discussed the never-ending grind of creating content and the stress it puts on them emotionally and mentally. Twitch streamers in particular are functionally punished for taking breaks due to the inevitable loss of subscribers that comes with even a few days off per month.

Hopefully this helps Pokimane feel refreshed and ready to return.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

View full profile

Read Also

Kick

Brand Risk announces BRP14: Full fight card, price, and date details Hannan Mundia Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions has just announced its BRP14 fight night event, and it will feature highly popular influencers such as Johnny Manziel and Bob Menery. Adin Ross' Brand Risk series of influencer fighting events has outlived the likes of Misfits Boxing and Kingpin. Some of the biggest previous matches included Charleston White vs. Kodiyakredd, and BRP14 hopes to up the stakes. Being the 14th event from this promotion ...

Esports Betting

Esports World Cup to move to Paris for 2026 as reports confirm rumors Michael Hassall The Esports World Cup 2026 will make the dramatic move to Paris, France, confirming a plethora of rumors that hit the esports scene earlier this month. A dramatic report from GamesBeat peeled back the veil on behind the scenes talks that had seen stakeholders informed that the event would move to the French capital for the 2026 edition. Now Esports’ largest event will seemingly head to Paris, ditching Riyadh, Saudi ...

News

EA announces FC Pro Mobile 2026 esports ecosystem with World Championship Titas Khan Electronic Arts has confirmed the launch of EA FC Pro Mobile, the official esports ecosystem for the mobile title. With the rising popularity of both mobile esports and FC Mobile, it was only a matter of time before an organized esports ecosystem came along. FC is already one of the biggest video game franchises of all time. EA has confirmed that the first season of FC Pro Mobile will conclude ...

News

The dreaded Nintendo Switch 2 price hike is here Zachary Roberts If there were complaints about the Nintendo Switch 2 pricing when it launched, things are about to get a whole lot louder. Nintendo has officially announced an incoming price hike for its latest console. However, prospective players still have the chance to get it at the old cost for a little while longer. From now until September 1, the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be available brand-new for $450 ...

GTA

When is the GTA 6 next trailer? Latest Trailer 3 rumors explained Zachary Roberts Looking for GTA 6's next trailer? Plenty of the world is, as anticipation for this title continues to rise. It has perhaps been the most anticipated video game of all time since its initial announcement, despite multiple delays. Every crumb of marketing is gobbled up. We've seen two trailers so far, with both doing an excellent job of building the hype. Naturally, a third one before the November 19 release ...

News

Will Half-Life 3 be released this year? Prediction markets are split Michael Hassall Half-Life 3 is one of the true unicorns of gaming, a sequel that could revolutionize the industry, conclude a decades-long narrative, and finally quash the slander that developer Valve can’t count to three. And yet there’s no official signs that the game is on the horizon. But with rumors swirling, teases and activity extracted by data miners, and Valve characteristically silent on all fronts, why do 24% of predictors on ...

GTA

Will will GTA VI be delayed (again)? The prediction markets don’t think so Michael Hassall Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA6) is on track to be one of the important gaming titles not just of 2026, but of this generation. With the game expected to set a new standard in the gaming industry, as well as a new pricing standard, anticipation for what many expect to be a game of the year, is high. The open-world crime action game is slated for release later this year, ...