Twitch brings Pokimane, TimTheTatman animations to Times Square

Olivia Richman Published 25/05/2021

Twitch is releasing a series of animations to be shown on Times Square billboards. The animations show off popular streamers as “legends,” including Imane “Pokimane” Anys and Timothy “TimTheTatman” Betar. The videos all end with the tagline “where legends are made.”

Pokimane’s video is bubbly and fun with an animation style that could be inspired by Steven Universe. Pokimane has bright purple hair and is accompanied by her cat, Mimi. The short animation says Pokimane has the “superhuman ability to befriend everyone” as well as to “eat while gaming.” This includes eating spaghetti “when things got sus.” While breaking new ground and making new friends, Pokimane has also “silenced a few trolls.”

“When she reached the top of the game did she stop? Heck no. She broke right on through. Where will she go next? Only she knows. And Mimi probably knows too,” the video concludes.

twitch made an animation of me and it’s gonna be shown in TIMES SQUARE ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/LvTRafcACi
— pokimane (@pokimanelol) May 24, 2021

TimTheTatman’s animation looked a bit more like Regular Show or The Misadventures of Flapjack. The narration changes back and forth between an energetic narrator and a friendlier voice that speaks to TimTheTatman’s warm nature, which contrasts with his intense gameplay and appearance.

While Tim is a fierce competitor, he also helps at-risk kids. The video also highlights his personal out-of-game accomplishments, including having a son. TimTheTatman tweeted that his animation and lore were inspired by his Twitch chat.

Chat says I was raised by Orcas, and I don’t have any evidence to prove otherwise. Check out the legend of ME (according to Twitch chat)!

Oh, and guess what! Limited edition vinyl figures will be available for pre-order on Thursday at noon PST! ???? pic.twitter.com/tis5ZEbfcE
— timthetatman???? (@timthetatman) May 24, 2021

Streaming superstar Tyler “Ninja” Blevins also received his own animation. His anime-inspired animation sees Ninja fighting a larger version of himself, “his biggest competition.” The video mentioned Ninja’s decision to leave Twitch and join Mixer, stating that he came back more dominant than ever before.

My Twitch journey, animated for your viewing pleasure. The Legend of Ninja (according to Twitch chat).

Oh, and guess what! Limited Edition vinyl figures will be available for pre-order on 05.27 at noon PST! pic.twitter.com/5FIU05LYQr
— Ninja (@Ninja) May 24, 2021

The response to the animations has been largely positive. Fans and fellow streamers were impressed with the creative animations, which were catered to represent each streamer and their respective fans. Popular streamer and 100 Thieves co-owner Rachel “Valkyrae” Hofstetter even told Pokimane she was going to take a trip to Times Square just to see it in person.

It’s unclear when exactly the billboards will pop up in Times Square or how long they will be present there.

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.

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