Saudi women gamers.When Aya, known online as “GeekShoard,” launched her YouTube channel in October last year, she set out to carve a place for Saudi women in the male-dominated world of gaming, cosplay, and action-driven characters.
Her mission was clear: to connect with the small but growing community of female gamers in Saudi Arabia and introduce a fresh perspective. “My goal was to stay more connected with Saudi Arabia’s women gamers’ community—which is not very large—and to introduce a new vision,” Aya told Arab News.
The early days were tough. Aya faced harsh criticism and negative comments that tested her patience. However, she refused to quit. Instead, she shifted her focus to building genuine connections. Today, her YouTube channel has more than 26,000 subscribers.
“I encourage women to come forward, be themselves, and take pride in their creativity,” she says. Aya believes cosplay—dressing up as anime and video game characters—can be a powerful form of self-expression.
She also credits video games with strengthening her family and social relationships. By building a community of supportive female gamers, she hopes to show that the negative stigma around gaming is misplaced.
Aya’s journey reflects a wider transformation in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the world’s largest gaming markets but still has limited female representation. Her efforts are helping challenge outdated stereotypes, empowering women to embrace creativity, and fostering a more inclusive space where gamers can connect freely.
