More initiatives of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft
De
More initiatives of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft

Three Questions to: Sandra Friedrichs, Streamer and Mental Health Advocate

Sandra Friedrichs had been working in the games industry for years, before starting a new career as a streamer and using her platform to raise awareness for mental health topics. This year she won the title as Vice Miss Germany, which we took as an opportunity to talk about her mission and goals.

(c) Melina Hehemeyer
(c) Melina Hehemeyer
(c) Melina Hehemeyer

Since 2019, "Miss Germany" has no longer been a "beauty contest." Now it is all about women who take responsibility, are role models, and embody female empowerment. You are an active streamer in the games industry: why is it important to you that female role models in the games industry become more visible? As a streamer, do you feel there are different challenges or opportunities?

I recently posted a TikTok quoting the “Game Verband” study: every second German plays video games and half of all gamers are female. Well, I received comments like these:
“Dish Wash Simulator 2023 Grand Master” – “Show me a girl, who has real skills in gaming“

These comments demonstrate that we need more female role models: We need to break down the social belief of gaming as a "male niche" and develop gaming to a diverse space – as it is already, but not in the eyes of everyone!

As an independent streamer, I am unbiased. Even though my love for cozy games and role-playing games is unquestionable, I consider myself part of the whole gaming industry and want to include all genres in my mission. Sure, I get mocked by some for being a streamer and YouTuber as it is still not a real profession to some, but I don't mind them. I know that my mission is important and as you can see in the cited comments we still have a long way to go.
 

(c) Sandra Friedrichs privat
(c) Sandra Friedrichs privat

Your mission, first and foremost, is mental health awareness (in gaming). Is mental health awareness underestimated in gaming in particular? Why do you think that is?
Mental health has taken up little space in gaming, mainly because gaming has always been perceived as a niche. However, game addiction and, unfortunately due to some developments in the gaming industry, gambling addiction are issues that must be taken seriously and should be educated about. It is not about pointing fingers to anyone, but about the increase of self-reflection and self-awareness. If someone is playing video games 7-9 hours a day and completely turns away from reality, this is problematic and poses many risks for their mental health. This shouldn’t be glorified as a “hardcore gamer”.

At the Miss Germany competition, the winner is supported in founding a start-up or implementing a project of their choice (2023 winner Kira Geiss plans to start a nationwide youth-platform). Why did you choose a "safe space" for gaming communities – what do you want to achieve with that and what are your plans now that the contest has ended?

For me, there are two elements I want to achieve: education and a safe place.

First, I would like to educate with psychologists in the form of content and use the platforms where gamers hang out: Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube. With the experts, I want to address the negative and positive sides of gaming and propose solutions. This will never replace therapy, but it could be an impulse for many people to seek professional help.

Second, I would like to set up a Safe Place within this education series, where users can exchange ideas and tell their stories. In the long run, I would like to build a network with other content creators who share this vision. So that users know immediately: If xy is online or sharing content, I feel welcomed and safe there.
The bottom line is that it's important to recognize the issues and discuss them. That's exactly what I want to achieve.
 

(c) Miss Germany
(c) Miss Germany

Having worked in Hamburg's games industry before starting your own business streaming, what's your view on Hamburg as a games location and gaming city?

First of all: Hamburg is my absolute favorite city in Europe and I'm very happy that so many developers and publishers have settled in this beautiful city. Last year's Polaris alone was a brilliant event for Hamburg as a gaming city, which will hopefully become a long, great success story itself.

Unfortunately, Hamburg is expensive, which I had to experience painfully myself with an entry-level salary in the gaming industry. That's why there should be more local support, so that Hamburg can develop into an even bigger gaming city. It should be possible for everyone to live and work here, and not only for wealthy people that can afford a job in the games market at the moment.

 

More News

School Internship Games January 2025: Pupils discover games industry in Hamburg companies

During a three-week internship, 15 9th grade students from Hamburg gained insights into the various job profiles and companies in the games industry. We visited them for their final presentation and found out what they learned.

Portside Game Assembly: Ticket sales for brunch and party launched

With Portside Game Assembly, Gamecity Hamburg is welcoming studio heads and directors from successful indie game studios on a conference ship and other extraordinary locations in Hamburg on June 27, 2025. More participating studios are announced and the ticket sale for all events has started.

Senator's Roundtable 2025 at Hamburg City Hall

As in previous years, Dr. Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media, and Gamecity Hamburg invited executives from the gaming industry to the Senator's Roundtable 2025 at the Hamburg City Hall to discuss current challenges and topics within the industry.

The German Creative Economy Summit 2024. Photo by Jan-Marius Kampnagel

German Creative Economy Summit 2025: Program Highlights

On March 5 and 6, 2025, the German Creative Economy Summit will once again take place in Hamburg, the largest national industry get-together for the entire creative industry at the location Kampnagel. We have put together a few program tips for you.

Application open for German federal computer game funding

Tiny Roar release "Into the Emberlands" as full version

Hamburg-based indie developer Tiny Roar released “Into the Emberlands” as version 1.0.

OneManOnMars releases Leif's Adventure: Netherworld Hero

OneManOnMars will finally release the exciting 2D action adventure Leif's Adventure on December 19, 2024!

Recap 2024 and Outlook for 2025

It feels like just a week ago that we embarked on our projects and events for 2024 and just like that the year has come to an end again!

Games Lift: A beginning, not an end

Graduation is in the books. The Games Lift class of 2024 has aced their biggest test yet with flying colors. On the stage, the teams revealed what’s next for their projects.

Octofox Games release Wild Woods in Early Access

Funded by Gamecity Hamburg, the Coop-Adventure game Wild Woods by Octofox Games goes into Early Access on Steam published by Daedalic Entertainment on December 9, 2024.

German Developer Award 2024: Hamburg Studios win big

At the German Developer Award on December 3, 2024, "Closer the Distance" by Osmotic Studios won in the 3 categories Best Audio Design, Best Story and Innovation. The Ubisoft Newcomer Award went to "Map Map - A Game about Maps" by Pipapo Games, which is also represented in the Games Lift Incubator 2023 and the Prototype Funding 2024 of Gamecity Hamburg.

Games Lift: Honeybeak aim for the Sky

They may just be starting out, but already seem like a well-practiced team. With “ForeFeathers”, four fellow students demonstrate a special sense for puns – and cuddly penguins. Read more in our Games Lift Log.

More News
Cookies are used to make this website work and to enhance your experience.

To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our Cookie Policy. You can decide for yourself which categories you want to allow. Please note that based on your settings, not all functions of the website may be available.

Cookies are used to make this website work and to enhance your experience.

To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our Cookie Policy. You can decide for yourself which categories you want to allow. Please note that based on your settings, not all functions of the website may be available.

Your cookie preferences have been saved.