Valkyrae
{{Short description|American online streamer and YouTuber (born 1992)}}
{{about|the live streamer|the Norse mythological figure|Valkyrie}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox YouTube personality
| name = Valkyrae
| image = Valkyrae in 2023 (4x5 cropped).png
| caption = Valkyrae in 2023
| birth_name = Rachell Marie Hofstetter
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|1|8}}
| birth_place = Moses Lake, Washington, U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
}}
| organization = 100 Thieves
| channel_handle = Valkyrae
| years_active = 2014–present
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| subscribers = 4.09 million
| views = 774 million
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
}}
| silver_year = 2018
| gold_year = 2020
| module = {{Infobox Twitch streamer|subbox=yes
| channel_name = Valkyrae
| years active = 2015–2020
2025–present
| followers = 1.3 million
}}
| stats_update = February 6, 2025
| signature = Valkyrae sig.svg
}}
Rachell Marie Hofstetter (born January 8, 1992), better known as Valkyrae, is an American online streamer and YouTuber. She is a co-owner of the gaming organization 100 Thieves and founder and CEO of the media company Hihi Studios.
Hofstetter began streaming on Twitch in 2015. She had her breakthrough by playing the competitive online game Fortnite in 2018 and joined 100 Thieves as their first female content creator. In 2020, she switched streaming platforms by signing an exclusive contract with YouTube. Later that year, she saw significant follower growth and reached her peak viewership when playing the online social deduction game Among Us, which led to her winning the Game Award for "Content Creator of the Year" and the Streamy Award for best live streamer. She was also named "Gaming Creator of the Year" by Adweek in 2021 and was included on Forbes{{'}} 30 Under 30 list in 2022.
Early life
Rachell Marie Hofstetter was born on January 8, 1992, and grew up in Moses Lake, Washington.{{Cite magazine |last=Cruz |first=Christopher |date=May 24, 2024 |title=How Valkyrae's Imaginary Relationship With a Killer Clown Became a Streaming Hit |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/valkyrae-youtuber-gta-v-roleplay-interview-1235005962/ |access-date=August 14, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{cite web |last1=Bhatti |first1=Fariha |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Valkyrae surprised with a birthday party on Rust server |url=https://win.gg/news/6781/valkyrae-surprised-with-a-birthday-party-on-rust-server |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304000502/https://win.gg/news/6781/valkyrae-surprised-with-a-birthday-party-on-rust-server/ |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=WIN.gg |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Polhamus |first=Blaine |date=February 10, 2022 |title=How old is Valkyrae? |url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/how-old-is-valkyrae |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=Dot Esports}}{{Cite news |last=Magalong |first=Marga |date=May 4, 2023 |title=Livestreaming Phenom Valkyrae Is Redefining Celebrity On The Digital Landscape |url=https://vogue.ph/magazine/valkyrae-is-redefining-celebrity/ |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=Vogue Philippines}} She is of Filipino and German descent{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Lindsay |date=April 10, 2021 |url=https://asamnews.com/2021/04/10/most-watched-female-streamer-and-first-female-co-owner-of-100-thieves/ |title=Filipina American Valkyrae makes gaming history |website=AsAm News |access-date=August 30, 2022}} and has three brothers and one younger sister.{{cite web |title=Richard E Hofstetter Obituary |url=https://www.kayserschapel.com/obituaries/Richard-Hofstetter/#!/Obituary |access-date=February 20, 2023}} She cites her mother as the reason she became interested in video games, who encouraged her to pursue it as a hobby from a young age.{{Cite web |last=Periwal |first=Saahil Agnelo |date=May 8, 2021 |title='I wouldn't be where I am today': Valkyrae shares heartfelt message of appreciation for mother |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/i-i-today-valkyrae-shares-heartfelt-message-appreciation-mother |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=Sportskeeda |language=en-us}} She attended community college and worked a job at GameStop to support herself,{{cite web|last1=Hawgood|first1=Alex|date=April 7, 2021|title=Valkyrae Gets a Big Chair in the Gaming World|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/07/style/valkyrae-rachell-hofstetter-100-Thieves-Among-Us.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408001230/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/07/style/valkyrae-rachell-hofstetter-100-Thieves-Among-Us.html|archive-date=April 8, 2021|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=The New York Times}} later graduating with an associate degree in arts and science.{{Cite AV media |author=Amaz |title=Meet Valkyrae |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_AL41ZnEVM |time=:51 |date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=YouTube}}
Career
= 2015–2019: Early career, initial popularity, and joining 100 Thieves =
File:Valkyrae for 100 Thieves (cropped).jpg in July 2019.]]
While working at GameStop, Hofstetter began sharing her gaming hobby on Instagram, gaining a following. After being encouraged by her followers, she started live streaming on Twitch in 2015.{{Cite web|last=Fagan|first=Kaylee|date=June 11, 2018|title=This 26-year-old Fortnite streamer says she paid off her mom's debt with her Twitch earnings|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/rachel-hofstetter-valkyrae-twitch-earnings-debt-2018-6|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=May 17, 2019|website=Business Insider}} She later began uploading her gaming content to YouTube and had her breakthrough by playing the competitive online game Fortnite in 2018. That October, she became the first female content creator for the gaming organization 100 Thieves.{{Cite web|title=From the 11th Annual Shorty Awards: Valkyrae|url=http://shortyawards.com/11th/valkyrae|access-date=May 17, 2019|website=Shorty Awards}}{{Cite web|last=Peters |first=Jay |date=April 7, 2021 |title=Valkyrae and CouRage are now co-owners of 100 Thieves |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/7/22372759/valkyrae-courage-100-thieves-co-owners-nadeshot |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=The Verge}} In May 2019, she was nominated for the Gaming award at the 11th Shorty Awards.
= 2020–2024: Move to YouTube =
On January 13, 2020, Hofstetter left Twitch for an exclusive streaming contract on YouTube.{{Cite news |last=Park |first=Gene |date=January 13, 2020 |title=YouTube signs on exclusive streaming deals with 3 big gaming creators: LazarBeam, Muselk and Valkyrae |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/01/13/youtube-signs-exclusive-streaming-deals-with-3-big-gaming-creators-lazarbeam-muselk-valkyrae/ |access-date=February 22, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} In her first three months on YouTube, she averaged around 1,500 concurrent viewers.{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=James |date=October 19, 2020 |title=YouTube Exec Ryan Wyatt Says Valkyrae Is "The Fastest-Growing Livestreamer In The Entire World" |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2020/10/19/youtube-ryan-wyatt-valkyrae-among-us/ |access-date=February 22, 2023 |website=Tubefilter}} Her stream then experienced significant growth and, in late 2020, regularly peaked at concurrent viewer counts exceeding 100,000.{{Cite web |last=Banerjee |first=Sonu |date=January 14, 2021 |title=Valkyrae Surpasses Pokimane As The Most Viewed Female Streamer Of 2020 |url=https://www.talkesport.com/entertainment/valkyrae-beats-pokimane-as-the-most-viewed-female-streamer-of-2020/ |access-date=January 19, 2021 |website=TalkEsport |language=en-US}} This was driven by her playing the online multiplayer social deduction game Among Us and collaborating with popular streamers like Disguised Toast, Sykkuno, Pokimane, PewDiePie, and Cr1TiKaL, in addition to public figures like politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, musician Lil Nas X, and television personality Jimmy Fallon.{{Cite web |title=Forbes 30 Under 30: Rachell Hofstetter |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2022/games?profile=rachell-hofstetter |access-date=February 18, 2023 |work=Forbes}} Hofstetter became the fastest-growing female streamer of 2020 and surpassed Pokimane as the year's most-viewed female streamer. In December 2020, she won Content Creator of the Year award at the 2020 Game Awards.
On April 7, 2021, Hofstetter and CouRageJD joined the ownership group of 100 Thieves, alongside Dan Gilbert, Scooter Braun, Drake, and its founder, Nadeshot. As co-owners, they received equity in the company, which Forbes valued at $190 million at the time. In May 2021, she won Gaming Creator of the Year award at the 2021 Adweek Creator Visionary Awards. In December 2021, she won the Livestreamer award at the 11th Streamy Awards.
In 2022, she was named to Forbes
In February 2024, she won The Sapphire Award at the third annual Streamer Awards.{{Cite web |last1=Michael |first1=Cale |last2=Taifalos |first2=Nicholas |date=February 18, 2024 |title=Streamer Awards 2024: All results and winners for every category |url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/streamer-awards-2024-all-results-and-winners-for-every-category |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} In May 2024, Hofstetter's streaming heavily involved playing a character on the modded Grand Theft Auto V roleplaying server NoPixel. Later that month, she was named among Gold House A100 honorees. In July 2024, she participated in the MrBeast video "50 YouTubers Fight for $1,000,000".{{Cite web |last=Brigstock |first=Jake |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Who are all the influencers in MrBeast's 'biggest video ever'? |url=https://www.indy100.com/celebrities/mrbeast-biggest-video-ever-influencers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607015446/https://www.indy100.com/celebrities/mrbeast-biggest-video-ever-influencers |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=July 27, 2024 |website=Indy100}} In December 2024, she was nominated for The Sapphire Award at the fourth annual Streamer Awards.
= 2025–present: Return to Twitch =
By January 2025, Hofstetter's exclusive streaming contract with YouTube had expired.{{Cite web |last=Samples |first=Rachel |date=December 29, 2024 |title=After 5 years, Valkyrae is returning to Twitch |url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/after-5-years-valkyrae-is-returning-to-twitch |access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} She returned to Twitch on January 8, while celebrating her 10th streaming anniversary and her 33rd birthday.{{Cite web |last=DeSena |first=Gabby |date=January 2, 2025 |title=Valkyrae Explains Why Streamers Are Quitting YouTube Livestreaming |url=https://www.si.com/esports/news/valkyrae-explains-why-streamers-are-quitting-youtube |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Esports Illustrated On SI |language=en-US}} During her first week, she was the most-watched female streamer on Twitch, based on hours watched.{{Cite web |last=Shaukat |first=Rahman |date=January 16, 2025 |title=Valkyrae Reclaims Spot as Twitch's Top Female Streamer |url=https://gamerant.com/valkyrae-twitch-top-female-streamer/ |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2025 |title=Valkyrae becomes Twitch's top female streamer in just a week—STATS REVEALED! |url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/us/en/20250116/713167/valkyrae-becomes-twitch-s-top-female-streamer-in-just-week-stats-revealed.html |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Mundo Deportivo USA |language=en}}
On February 24, 2025, Hofstetter began a week-long IRL streaming marathon in Los Angeles with fellow streamer Brittany "Cinna" Watts titled Sis-A-Thon. Hoffstetter and Watts had planned on holding the marathon in January, but it was postponed due to the January 2025 Southern California wildfires.{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Adhiraj |date=2025-02-24 |title=Valkyrae and Cinna Subathon: Date, Time, Livestream Link, and More |url=https://deltiasgaming.com/valkyrae-and-cinna-subathon-date-time-livestream-link-and-more/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Deltia's Gaming |language=en-US}} On March 2, the final night of the marathon, Hoffstetter, Watts, and their guest Emily "Emiru" Schunk, were targeted by a stalker at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.{{cite news |last1=Tassi |first1=Paul |title=Streamers Valkyrae, Cinna And Emiru Attacked During Livestream |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/03/03/streamers-valkyrae-cinna-and-emiru-attacked-during-livestream/ |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=Forbes |date=3 March 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Chouhan |first1=Mahaksh |title=Valkyrae, Cinna & Emiru face stalker threat during Sisathon livestream |url=https://khelnow.com/gaming/valkyrae-cinna-emiru-face-stalker-threat-202503 |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=KhelNow |date=3 March 2025}} A man, who introduced himself as "Russell", had approached the live streamers and asked Emiru for her phone number, who declined but offered to take a photo with him. The man would change clothes and reapproach the women again over a half hour later, asking Emiru for her number after they got off the Ferris wheel. The man became aggressive after they told him no again, threatening to kill the streamers and requiring to be held back by Cinna's cameraman Rosii as they called for park security.{{cite news |author1=India Today Global Desk |title=Watch: Valkyrae, Cinna, and Emiru face stalker threat during livestream, netizens react |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/shows/story/the-buzz-valkyrae-cinna-and-emiru-face-stalker-threat-during-livestream-netizens-react-watch-video-glbs-2688294-2025-03-03 |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=India Today |date=3 March 2025 |quote=The trio quickly ran off and called security for help while repeatedly asking the stalker to stop the harassment.}} The streamers ended the marathon early and contacted the police, Hofstetter tweeting the following morning: "We are all ok and have been with police. We decided we are done with the marathon and need time to process! Thank you for all the love and support this past week, we had so much fun and hope you all enjoyed. That end of marathon brunch stream we had planned tomorrow with friends will be rescheduled for sometime in the far future :’) Please send love to emiru, Cinna, Rosie{{sic}} and Emily! Everybody is in shock but I’m so glad were{{sic}} together".{{cite news |last1=Shrivastava |first1=Aarnesh |title=Valkyrae breaks silence after she, Emiru, and Cinna got attacked on livestream, announces end of Sis-a-thon |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/streamers/news-valkyrae-breaks-silence-she-emiru-cinna-got-attacked-livestream-announces-end-sis-a-thon |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=Sportskeeda |date=3 March 2025}} Later that day, Hofstetter and Watts went live to address the incident and officially conclude the marathon.{{Cite news |author1=Rich Stanton |date=2025-03-04 |title=Three women livestreaming on Twitch harassed by man who then goes for them while making repeated death threats: 'This happens off-camera to women all the time' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/three-women-livestreaming-on-twitch-harassed-by-man-who-then-goes-for-them-while-making-repeated-death-threats-this-happens-off-camera-to-women-all-the-time/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}
Other activities
In September 2022, Hofstetter became an ambassador for the fitness apparel brand Gymshark.{{Cite web |last=Gutelle |first=Sam |date=September 12, 2022 |title=Thanks to a deal with Gymshark, Valkyrae can now be found on a Times Square billboard |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2022/09/12/rachell-hofstetter-valkyrae-on-times-square-billboard-gymshark/ |access-date=February 22, 2023 |website=Tubefilter}} In September 2024, she founded the media company Hihi Studios to "develop and produce IP for graphic novels, TV and film projects with a specific emphasis on anime-inspired content."{{Cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Gaming Streaming Star Rachell 'Valkyrae' Hofstetter Launches Anime-Focused Media Company Hihi Studios (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/rachell-valkyrae-hofstetter-anime-media-company-hihi-studios-1236157915/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} In October 2024, she launched her podcast Press Esc with artist Alyssa "Alythuh" Dios as her co-host.{{Cite web |last=Kabir |first=Sazid |date=October 14, 2024 |title=Valkyrae Launches Her Podcasting Journey with Press ESC |url=https://nomusica.com/rae-lisa-press-esc-podcast/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |website=No Musica |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Valkyrae |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Started a podcast with @Alythuh ! New episodes every Sunday 8am pt❤️ |url=https://x.com/Valkyrae/status/1844783539302125861 |access-date=December 12, 2024 |website=X (formerly known as Twitter)}}
= Acting =
In 2021, Hofstetter appeared in several music videos, including "DayWalker" by Machine Gun Kelly featuring Corpse Husband,{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=March 19, 2021 |title=Machine Gun Kelly Is a Street Fighter in Blood-Drenched 'Daywalker' Video: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/machine-gun-kelly-daywalker-video-9543401/ |access-date=February 18, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}} as well as "Build a Bitch" and "Inferno" by Bella Poarch.{{Cite news |last1=Haylock |first1=Zoe |date=May 14, 2021 |title=And Now, TikTok Star Bella Poarch Steps Into the Pop-Girl Ring |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/05/bella-poarch-build-a-bitch-song-video.html |access-date=October 27, 2021 |work=Vulture}}{{cite web |last1=Haylock |first1=Zoe |date=August 13, 2021 |title=Bella Poarch Welcomes You to Her Tower of Terror in the 'Inferno' Video |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/08/bella-poarch-drops-inferno-music-video-ft-sub-urban-watch.html |access-date=August 13, 2021 |work=Vulture |language=en-us}} In March 2022, she voiced acted as Hannya Squad member for the English dub TV series of Tribe Nine. In December 2022, she voiced Squad Commander Red in the animated TV series Sonic Prime.{{Cite web |last=Henley |first=Stacey |date=2023-12-11 |title=Valkyrae Interview: As Acting Calls, Why Streaming Will Always Be The Priority |url=https://www.thegamer.com/valkyrae-interview-the-family-plan-streaming/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=TheGamer |language=en}} In 2023, she made a cameo appearance as herself in the action-comedy film The Family Plan.{{Cite web |last=Asarch |first=Steven |date=2024-02-12 |title=Valkyrae On The Family Plan, Working Retail, And How To Stream Authentically |url=https://kotaku.com/valkyrae-rachell-hofstetter-family-plan-apple-interview-1851243875 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Kotaku |language=en}} In January 2025, she voiced the lead character, "Ratchet", in the animated film Goldbeak. In April 2025, it was revealed that Hofstetter had filmed a 30-second cameo for A Minecraft Movie, but the scene was cut; in the final release, she only appears in the background of a shot.{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2025-04-07 |title=Streamer Valkyrae Cut From A Minecraft Movie: 'I Would Much Rather Not Have That 30 Seconds Than Be Sued' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/streamer-valkyrae-cut-from-a-minecraft-movie-i-would-much-rather-not-have-that-30-seconds-than-be-sued |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=2025-04-07 |title="I Would Much Rather Not Have 30 Seconds Than Be Sued": Valkyrae Confirms Her Cameo Was Cut From A Minecraft Movie |url=https://www.thegamer.com/a-minecraft-movie-valkyrae-cameo-cut-jason-momoa-mistreats-crew/ |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}
= Charity works =
On April 6, 2021, Hofstetter participated in an Among Us charity livestream held by The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon with several notable celebrities such as Gaten Matarazzo and Noah Schnapp of Stranger Things, American hip-hop band The Roots members Questlove, Black Thought, and Captain Kirk Douglas, and fellow streamers and YouTubers Sykkuno and Corpse Husband. The event raised over $25,000 for Feeding America.{{Cite web |last=Lockyer |first=Chris |date=April 7, 2021 |title=Stranger Things stars join YouTubers and Jimmy Fallon for charity Among Us stream |url=https://news.sky.com/story/stranger-things-stars-join-youtubers-and-jimmy-fallon-for-charity-among-us-stream-12268289 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Sky News |language=en-GB}}
In June 2022, Hofstetter participated in a Minecraft charity tournament held by the MC Championship with several other creators to raise money for The Trevor Project. Hofstetter also donated $10,000 towards the charity.{{Cite web |last=Fay |first=Kacee |date=June 22, 2022 |title=MC Championship Pride (MCC) 2022 raises over $145,000 for The Trevor Project |url=https://dotesports.com/news/mc-championship-pride-mcc-2022-raises-over-145000-for-the-trevor-project |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}} In late November 2022, Hofstetter donated $15,000 towards No Kid Hungry during Ludwig Ahgren's charity event.{{Cite web |last=Biazzi |first=Leonardo |date=December 7, 2022 |title=Why did Ludwig get a Twitch tattoo? |url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/why-did-ludwig-get-a-twitch-tattoo |access-date=May 4, 2024 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Sam |date=December 8, 2022 |title=YouTube Streamer Ludwig Gets Twitch Logo Tattooed on Himself |url=https://gamerant.com/ludwig-twitch-logo-tattoo/ |access-date=May 4, 2024 |website=Game Rant |language=en}} In December 2022, Hofstetter participated in "Thankmas", an annual charity livestream event hosted by YouTuber jacksepticeye, to raise money for World Central Kitchen. The event raised over $10 million in donations.{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2022 |title=Jacksepticeye's latest 'Thankmas' charity stream crossed the $10 million mark |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2022/12/13/jack-septic-eye-thankmas-10-million-charity-raise-jack-black/ |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Tubefilter |language=en-US}}
Hofstetter donated $10,000 towards the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2023 |title=Twitch, YouTube Streamers Raise Big Funds For Syria-Turkey Earthquake Relief |url=https://kotaku.com/twitch-streamers-youtube-syria-turkey-earthquake-hasan-1850084424 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}
= RFLCT and controversy =
On October 19, 2021, Hofstetter announced the launch of her skincare brand, RFLCT. The brand, primarily geared towards gamers and those who put in heavy screen time, claimed that users are susceptible to skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to blue light and that their products protect against it.
RFLCT received backlash due to insufficient evidence supporting the claim;{{Cite news |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=October 20, 2021 |title=Streamer Valkyrae faces backlash for new gamer skincare range |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-20-streamer-valkyrae-faces-backlash-for-new-gamer-skincare-range |access-date=October 22, 2021 |work=Eurogamer}}{{Cite web |last=Polhamus |first=Blaine |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Valkyrae's new skincare line sparks controversy |url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/valkyraes-new-skincare-line-sparks-controversy |access-date=October 20, 2021 |website=Dot Esports}} according to Kathleen Suozzi, the director of the aesthetic dermatology program at Yale University, unless someone was already prone to melasma or hyperpigmentation, they were unlikely to suffer any consequence of sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time.{{Cite news |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |date=October 22, 2021 |title=YouTube streaming star Valkyrae launches skin care line to controversy, ethical questions |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2021/10/22/valkyrae-youtube-rflct-blue-light-skin-controversy/ |access-date=October 23, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Hofstetter responded by stating that "all of the hate, doubt, concerns, and criticisms are all warranted and valid" and that she was "very upset and confused" with the lack of information on its website, promising additional information supporting the products would be made available.{{Cite web |last=Alford |first=Aaron |date=October 21, 2021 |title=Valkyrae finally breaks her silence over RFLCT blue light controversy |url=https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/15447/valkyrae-finally-breaks-her-silence-over-rflct-blue-light-controversy |access-date=October 21, 2021 |website=InvenGlobal |language=en}} She was later informed that the research conducted by RFLCT supporting the products—which she had been given access to during development—could not be released to the public.{{Cite news |last=Alford |first=Aaron |date=October 23, 2021 |title="The research isn't fake:" Valkyrae stands by RFLCT blue-light product amid controversy |url=https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/15465/the-research-isnt-fake-valkyrae-stands-by-rflct-blue-light-product-amid-controversy |access-date=October 23, 2021 |work=InvenGlobal}}
Hofstetter then expressed a desire to part ways with RFLCT but was contractually bound.{{Cite web |last=Katuwal |first=Arun |date=October 24, 2021 |title=Valkyrae Feels Trapped in RFLCT Contract — Drama Explained |url=https://hollywoodmask.com/p/valkyrae-rflct-contract-drama.html |access-date=October 26, 2021 |website=HollywoodMask |language=en}} On October 30, 2021, RFLCT ceased operation of its website and online store. A statement on the website read: "While we believe in the formulations created, after further reflection, have decided to move forward on new paths, effectively terminating the RFLCT brand."{{cite web |last1=Bolding |first1=Jonathan |date=October 30, 2021 |title=That controversial gamer skincare line is no more |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/that-controversial-gamer-skincare-line-is-no-more/ |access-date=October 30, 2021 |website=PC Gamer |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Polhamus |first1=Blaine |date=October 30, 2021 |title=Valkyrae's skincare line, RFLCT, is no longer available |url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/valkyraes-skincare-line-rflct-is-no-longer-available |access-date=October 30, 2021 |website=Dot Esports}}
Personal life
Hofstetter resides in Los Angeles.{{Cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Ripan |date=April 20, 2023 |title="W Roomies" - Internet Goes Crazy to See TinaKitten Move In With Valkyrae and Her Streamer Roommates |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/esports-news-w-roomies-internet-goes-crazy-to-see-tinakitten-move-in-with-valkyrae-and-her-streamer-roommates/ |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=EssentiallySports |language=en}} From 2016 to 2021, she was in a relationship with fellow streamer Michael "Sonii" Sherman. From April 2023 to July 2024, she lived with fellow streamers Leslie "Fuslie" Fu, Miyoung "Kkatamina" Kim, and Christina "TinaKitten" Kenyan, collectively known as "The Roomies".
Hofstetter endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election.{{Cite news |last=Park |first=Gene |date=October 22, 2024 |title=Bernie Sanders to stream with Pokimane and Valkyrae in support of Harris |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/video-games/2024/10/22/bernie-sanders-pokimane-valkyrae-stream/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}
Filmography
= Film =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ List of film roles ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Role ! scope="col"| Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row"| 2023
| Herself | | align="center"| {{Cite AV media |url=https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-family-plan/umc.cmc.6o6y3wel2lez2tkdu2cv8dzd1 |title=The Family Plan |type=Motion picture |publisher=Apple TV+ |year=2023 |time=Closing credits |url-access=limited}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| 2025
| Goldbeak | Ratchet | Voice role (English dub); direct-to-video |
= Television =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ List of television appearances and roles ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Role ! scope="col"| Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| 2022
| Hannya Squad Member | Voice role (English dub); episode: "Chiyoda Tribe Showdown" | align="center"| {{Cite web |last=Saksena |first=Sanchay |date=April 12, 2022 |title=Corpse Husband, Valkyrae, Sykkuno, and Disguised Toast Are Voice Actors in the 'Tribe Nine' Anime |url=https://in.ign.com/india/171524/news/corpse-husband-valkyrae-sykkuno-and-disguised-toast-are-voice-actors-in-the-tribe-nine-anime |access-date=February 18, 2023 |website=IGN India}} |
|---|
| Sonic Prime
| Squad Commander Red | Voice role; episode: "Situation: Grim" |
=Music videos=
Discography
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ List of singles, showing year released and album name |
| scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Year !Album ! scope="col" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | "The Fortnite Rap Battle Round 2" {{Small|(NerdOut featuring Valkyrae, TimTheTatman, SypherPK, Nate Hill and AvaGG)}} | 2018 | {{n/a|Non-album single}} | align="center" | {{YouTube|id=HFEANffPb8w|title=The Fortnite Rap Battle 2 {{!}} #NerdOut ft TimTheTatMan, SypherPK, Valkyrae & More}} |
| scope="row" | "Last Cup of Coffee" {{Small|(with Natsumiii, featuring LilyPichu)}} | 2021 | {{n/a|Non-album single}} | align="center" | {{YouTube|id=ctRLLwPwwsA|title=Valkyrae x Natsumiii Ft. Lily - Last Cup of Coffee ♫ (A LilyPichu Cover)}} |
| scope="row" | "Echoes" {{Small|(with Fuslie and Ylona Garcia)}} | 2024 | {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
Awards and nominations
=Listicles=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| scope="col" | Publisher
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Listicle ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row"| Forbes
| 2022 | 30 Under 30: Games | Placed | align="center"| {{cite web|title=Forbes 30 Under 30 2022: Games|url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2022/games|access-date=December 2, 2021|website=Forbes}} |
| scope="row"| Gold House
| 2024 | A100 | Honoree |
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{YouTube|channel=Valkyrae}}
- {{IMDb name}}
{{Streamy Awards Winners CSS}}
Category:American people of German descent
Category:American people of Filipino descent
Category:American gaming YouTubers
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Category:The Game Awards winners
Category:YouTube channels launched in 2014