Girls Who Tank....Again
Last year I had the pleasure to interview four "Girls Who Tank" SofiLein, Ritagamer, SwedishLadyC and Ims89. It proved very popular, so in continuing the series....I've found some more!
For the few who may not know you, who are you?
Hi, I’m Kandly, a Transylvanian gamer and English World of Tanks Community Manager at Wargaming Europe. If you follow our streams or YouTube channel, you’ve probably seen me before, either live or presenting the Weekly Ops.
Hello! My name is Desi a.k.a Despectra, I am 24 years old and I'm from Bulgaria. I am a growing Twitch streamer with a passion for tanks.
I am Dierin, most call me D or sometimes just Jess, female tanker with an incredibly dirty mind. 30 year old mom of two from Saskatchewan, Canada.
IGN grindlergaming but mostly known as Grinnie! 35 yr old Belgian that lives in California USA…Mom of two kiddos. I’m a dork who loves laughs and being silly, maybe sometimes a little bit of a potty mouth …
How long have you been a gamer, and who or what inspired you?
Kandly
Honestly, I don’t remember not being a gamer! I started very early on PC and PS1 and played lots of stuff, from Mario and Jazz Jackrabbit to Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Tarzan, Batman, racing games, building games… actually, everything I could get my hands on, because I didn’t really want to do much as a kid, except for that, playing with mud, and playing with cats, of course.
Desi
I've been a gamer for as long as I can remember honestly. Starting from the basic classics like "Heroes" and "Age of Empires" on the family PC in the living room, to owning your very first own PC and jumping onto "Counter Strike". Finally being able to afford a better PC at around 18 and just going with the gaming flow ever since, keeping it trendy.
Dierin
I've been gaming for about six years now
Grinnie
I’ve been a gamer since I was little, I had an uncle and aunt who had all the gaming consoles there were out there and no need to say I just loved staying at their place.
What games do you play the most?
Kandly
Although I’m still rather new to Tanks, I definitely enjoy playing it, but I come from a mostly SPRPG and MMORPG kind of background, so sometimes I go back to such games to “get my fix”. Nowadays I mostly play World of Tanks and World of Warcraft, but in the last few years I also used to play MOBAs and indie games on Steam. I have a ton of respect and appreciation for indie developers, but also for huge companies like Ubisoft and Blizzard. I’ve been playing their games since I was a kid and they will always have a very special place in my heart.
Desi
Right now I'm back to mostly playing WoT. I've only just recently got to play Mafia 3 and I was literally obsessed about it, hahahah! When WoT just gets too much for me (we all know that feeling) I usually escape to some relaxing stategy like Tropico, Cities or Age of Empires. Strategy games in general are my all time passion.
Dierin
The main game I play is World of Tanks but I have dabbled a little in other games. Dead Space was one my stream really enjoyed because it scared the crap out of me on a regular basis and I am currently really enjoying Destiny 2 also!
Grinnie
I love playing a variety games, mostly WoT, but also survival games and horror games … depends on the mood I’m in tbh.
You all stream World of tanks, who or what got you into wot, and why do you play it?
Kandly
I was working in gaming before and some of my colleagues were actually playing World of Tanks, so this is how I first heard about it. I knew what it was for quite a while and always thought it sounded cool, but at that point I had many other games in my schedule and didn’t really have time to start playing a new one. After that, I slowly got into it, due to – I have to admit – mostly spending time playing World of Warships in the beginning. Tanks was like a challenge to me, especially at first – and this is actually tied to what I am planning to do as a World of Tanks streamer in the future. I would like to talk to our casual players a bit more, because I am in no way an expert in the game although I’ve been playing it for a while – but I am here to remind people that this is absolutely fine and that it’s always an option to just be there for fun, to shoot at tanks and see them explode. It doesn’t have to be a numbers’ game for everyone and the awesome part about WoT is that you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it. I think I’m living proof of that.
Desi
My boyfriend at the time was crazy about World Of Tanks and really wanted to introduce me to the game. It really didn't quite sound like something I would enjoy so I didn't try it straight away. Once I got to testing it out, well, I haven't stopped playing it ever since, 2 years now and counting. I absolutely LOVE the clan aspect to the game and being able to form a group of people who can learn to play together almost to perfection. Great friendships are also being built in a clan.
Dierin
My ex husband had tried to convince me to game with him for years and I always declined. Finally one day I got sick of being asked and agreed I would try this “stupid tank game” that he was obsessed about it and turned out I really enjoyed shooting and blowing things up! Eventually he got bored of the game so I took over his account and he went on to play other games. We now joke that the account was written in our divorce. Makes for a good laugh!
Grinnie
Growing up in a place where tanks was a huge part of the history (think battle of the bulge) tanks have always peeked my interest, I’ve went to Bastogne (the museum) on several occasions … when I saw WoT played one night I downloaded it right away … that was in 2014 !
Do you have a favourite tank in the game, and why?
Kandly
I like the IS-7, because it’s suitable for what I want on the battlefield, which is to not get myself in awkward situations by getting stuck, for example. It’s mobile, it has good survivability, and a nice gun. I love how it looks, but I find Soviet vehicles very beautiful in general.
Desi
I can't really name a certain tank that is my absolute favourite, but if I really have to then that would be the Object 907 as cliché as it may sound, hahaha! It has amazing manoeuvrability, great accuracy and such a decent armour - overall a beast! It was an absolute pleasure playing along on "Operation Gambit" with my current clan and being able to proudly show off this beast of a tank in my garage.
Dierin
I think my favourite tank right now is the Super Conqueror. I love the hull down capability of it, love the gun handling and just the overall feel of the tank.
Grinnie
Not specific a favorite tank (during the times I’ve played there have been so many changes and updates) but I can say I enjoy fast and agile tanks the most … scouts and mediums are my love in the game.
What is your favoured playstyle?
Kandly
I’d love to give you an answer that sounds cool, but my style is usually just going for flexible, well-armored tanks, so that I’m always more or less safe and can get out of nasty situations. I think that, for a new player, this is quite important. I like TDs and Lights in theory and I can’t wait to learn how to play them properly, but for now I mostly play mediums or heavies (not super slow ones, though).
Desi
If you've asked me this question an year ago I would've definitely said "Oh, only heavy tanks, I love those!", but things have changed so much from then. Over an year ago I had the opportunity to meet one of the best light tank players on the EU cluster - IlyaRed. Before meeting him I didn't even want to hear about light tanks, but he was kind and patient enough to show me the basics first and then advance to some really good light tank gameplay - he basically built a passion for lights in me. I'd have to say at this moment I'm having most fun playing my lights, but I am a bit better with heavies.
Dierin
I think I prefer heavy tanks the most since I end up getting impatient sometimes and need something that can take a hit or two.
Grinnie
Aggressive . I tend to say ok I’m going to snipe in this td this battle and end up … playing aggressive … so yea … there’s that.
Do you think players in stream chat talk differently to you as opposed to if you were a male streamer?
Kandly
It is true that sometimes people compliment me, but I even saw male colleagues receiving lots of compliments in chat! I distinctly remember someone telling one of the CMs he’s a very beautiful man, so I think this is something that generally applies to streamers. I also noticed that the audience can be a bit more forgiving if I make a mistake, but at the same time I think it’s because they know I’m not an old player and that I’m still learning, so I’m not sure if that happens because I’m a newbie, or because I’m a girl.
Desi
It happens, yes, but thankfully not very often. I've actually had some bad experience from viewers on stream just because I'm a female tanker. Why though is beyond me.
Dierin
I definitely think I’ve been treated differently by some because of my gender, but usually it is by trolls or other jerks that want to try and get a rise out of me.
Grinnie
Maybe a little, since English isn’t my first language … I tend to slip up a little and pull a Grinnie … and insinuations are made (but in a good funny way, never so far i have had bad experiences ). I think it doesn’t really have to do with gender tbf, I think it is more how a streamer reacts on things being said in the chat … if that makes any sense.
Do viewers ever try to chat you up?
Kandly
They do, but as a Community Manager, I unfortunately don’t have time to answer all those who write me. Hopefully in the near future I will have more time for chatting. If not, I will make some, because I think communicating with the audience on a regular basis is super important and shouldn’t be ignored no matter what.
Desi
Oh, yes! And I really don't mind that as long as it's just light friendly chat. I would hate for someone to be trying to flirt with me while I'm trying to play, hahah.
Dierin
I have had many try and “chat me up”. I think probably due to my flirtatious personality, ends up getting me in trouble sometimes I suppose.
Grinnie
In chat there can be some love towards me, but I think mostly that’s meant in a good way you know like friends loving you… I tend to tell my viewers too how much I wuvvles them and I give hugglies when they come in ! I did have some weird whispers b4 indeed !
What is the strangest thing you have been offered whilst streaming?
Kandly
Honestly, I’m mostly being asked for a Defender.
Desi
Errrr, nothing strange so far, thank God!
Dierin
Strangest thing I’ve been offered while streaming – that’s a tough one as there has been MANY strange things. One time someone clipped me singing and posted it on youtube saying he wanted me to marry him and touch his man parts (creepy much?). I’ve had a few ask me in chat to move to their country and said they’d take care of me.
Grinnie
Hmz, now that I think of it …. Nothing so far, I haven’t really had a troll in my channel either (I guess I’m too scary lol) .....
Do you have any gaming idols?
Kandly
I don’t have any idols per se, but I try to learn from all the streamers I’m following. For now they’re obviously World of Tanks guys for the most part, but not too long ago I was also following people streaming World of Warships, World of Warcraft, Dota2, Heroes of the Storm, among others.
Desi
Gaming idols, hmmmm. I don't really watch big streamers or youtubers, so I wouldn't really say I have idols. I've made quite a few friends in WoT, which are amazing players, so I have them to look up to.
Dierin
I don’t really have any gaming idols, just some streamers that I really enjoy watching. JunkersHiryu is who really helped me get started streaming and has continued to help me to this day. I really enjoyed watching Poshybrid (RIP) even though he was really salty, he also really helped my stream out while he was around. I enjoy watching Skill4ltu just because he’s so mellow and despite having such a busy chat, he’s still able to play so darn well and answer questions, etc.
Grinnie
Not really, most ppl big or small that are streamers are just likeminded gamers !!! I love hanging out in a lot of streams, just because I love hanging around people
Do you think there should be more female streamers?
Kandly
Definitely! The more the merrier! <3
Desi
There's SO many and that's great! But I hate separating gamers into male and female - we all have the same passion!
Dierin
I always think there is room for more female tankers!!
Grinnie
Considering how the female streamers the last few years have been stepping forward… I’d say we are on the right track.
Do you enjoy the interaction with your viewers, does it make it hard to concentrate on gaming with all the chat?
Kandly
That’s my favorite part of the stream! It’s always interesting and refreshing to hear what the community has to say and I’ve always been impressed with how supportive they’ve been whenever we went live. Even in the beginning, when I first started, they were very kind to me and they accepted me quite fast.
Desi
I love interacting with my viewers. Ever since my channel has grown over 1k followers I've been getting regular viewers that are there on every stream and that is just fantastic! Knowing that you have people that are always there to support you and be willing to give you some of their free time is amazing. However it is so hard for me to focus on the battle and read the chat at the same time. I'm still learning how to do that, so my gameplay on stream drops significantly unfortunately. But I think the most important part of the stream is the chat itself.
Dierin
I can’t count the number of times I have drove off a cliff or done something incredibly stupid because I was busy reading stream chat, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the people that I’ve had the opportunity to meet through the stream and I wouldn’t change it at all!
Grinnie
Uh man, the chat … that’s the whole reason I stream <3 I love chit chatting with ppl !!! As in it has happened plenty of times I'm so into a conversation with ppl that ive drowned myself, flipped myself over or haven’t moved in a match for like 2 mins before I realize ooh yea im in battle oopsie.
I ask this to all streamers I speak to, what do you think you bring to a stream that is different to other streamers?
Kandly
When streaming from work, I’d like to build more of a connection with our casual players and have fun streams. I don’t really like it that much when I have to be in a very serious stream, because I like joking around and not caring about the small stuff. In the end I think we’re all here to have fun.
When streaming from home (I plan on doing that at some point) I’d like to allow myself to be a bit more natural when it comes to how annoyed I can get, because it’s usually hilarious when it happens and it’s a shame to not let people see that. It wouldn’t work at all with our WoT Twitch channel, but I think it would as my own thing. Imagine weird references, a bit of stand-up comedy, cool music, and someone who gets really funny when pissed.
Desi
Oh, wow, I could swear you've promised the questions would be easy! Hehehe I give them a chill place - somewhere we can all hang out at and laugh at me jumping off a cliff while reading something in chat. I've formed a little friendly group of streamers and I'm looking forward to growing that into a joined regular team battle session for example for all of our viewers. I want to make some form of a community out of my streamer friends's followers and mine and will work towards that.
Dierin
I have a pretty laid back and sarcastic personality combined with a unique sense of humor. I feel like I’m pretty easy to get along with and my stream is very welcoming. I am not the greatest player but still above average so I feel I can show a different perspective of the game by having fun and not focusing entirely on stats.
Grinnie
I don’t consider myself a very good streamer, what brings a lot of ppl into my streams is that they can kick of their shoes and feel at home, no matter what, it feels like hanging out with a bunch of friends …they can be honest at all times and feel respected and loved … idk not really different then most streamers I know.
I’m sure there are many things but what would be the main thing you would change in world of tanks?
Kandly
You’re absolutely right, I have lots of ideas. I would make the game a bit more lighthearted and add lots of PvE content. I’d like to be able to derp around a bit more, without all the pressure of performing well in a random battle. Would be nice to just shoot some AI tanks with friends and complete historical scenarios, for example, or even play 8-bit mini-games in the garage when you get bored of all that. This is mainly what I would go.
Desi
First of all - a maximum of 3 artillery per battle, really? This is probably the most common issue since it makes the battle almost impossible and definitely SO frustrating. Then the usual issues like weird matchmaking, introducing new and new tanks more and more overpowered and not thought-through, so on and so forth.
Dierin
If I could change anything in World of Tanks it would probably be the toxicity. Not sure what exactly brings it out but I’ve had to deal with a lot of it myself, and the game would be far more enjoyable if people didn’t feel the need to go around harassing others.
Grinnie
Skilled mm maybe ? make the teams a little bit more balanced like they did in team battles a few years ago ? It would b better for everyone.
Is there anything you would like to say to your followers and fans?
You guys really rock. Your acceptance, love, and support brightened many of my days until now– so I’d like to thank you for that. You guys are vocal, funny, engaged, and yes, a bit crazy sometimes, but that’s ok, because we can all be crazy together in World of Tanks! Roll out and never stop watching our streams, because we’ll be doing our best to make them better and better for you each and every time.
THANK YOU! Thank you for being there for me through my journey into streaming. Stay awesome!
To my followers/fans, I love you guys!! You are the entire reason I am still around and I am so very grateful for all the love and support you have shown since I’ve started streaming! You guys rock!!
Yes, I do… you guys are AMAZABAWLLZ AND AWESOMESAUCEM …. And never forget! Grinnie lervs u my grinions.
Thank you girls for your time, it was my pleasure to speak to you all!! Best of luck with all that you are doing.
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