Banzainator: 'What’s board games without a little chaos?'
The influencer and marketer on how Twitch has improved for streamers and how 'going live' with tabletop gaming changed her life for the better
For five years, Banzainator has carved a unique niche on Twitch. But her journey into tabletop streaming has been anything but typical.
Taking a more literal hands-on approach than most, having initially focused purely on video gaming Banz (for short) got into analogue gaming during the pandemic, then saved up the money made from family-friendly Twitch streaming to source computer parts and a top-down camera to adjust her set-up for the Euro-style board game realm.
A prolific pro content creator, influencer, and marketer, she’s collaborated and worked with an array of board game companies promoting games, strategising releases and filming ads when not Twitching (is that a thing? ed.) to thousands of followers throughout the week.
So with half a decade on Twitch marked and a wealth of experience as a tabletop industry insider under her belt, we spoke with the Southern Californian freelancer about how the platform has changed during her time on it, what the industry should know about the role of a social media manager and the best strategic games to play with family members.
What are the hallmarks of a Banzainator stream? What’s the vibe people can expect?
B: I’m a family-friendly board game and video game streamer who streams Monday to Friday.
I love talking to my community and hearing about their day and what games they’ve played.
I also rage at Mario Kart, and yell sometimes. It’s normal for me and I don’t think I could be a ‘cosy’ streamer. What’s board games without a little chaos?
You moved into board game content creation after starting with video games and now cover both. What was the catalyst for stepping into analogue gaming? Was there a particular game that got you hooked?
B: I saved all the money I made on Twitch for nine months during Covid 2020. I bought what computer parts I could and learned how to build my first computer. In January 2021 I raised money for a top-down camera.
After that I was finally able to stream board games. I couldn’t just buy a web camera and a PC – they were impossible to find at the time, or had inflated prices.
Most of the trouble was just finding the equipment. I was able to snag my camera from a local online shop from New York City, even though I lived in California. I couldn’t just go on Amazon or drive to Best Buy.
You’re a family-friendly streamer on Twitch, but not necessarily aimed for families, and prefer Euro games over, say party or co-ops. Is there ever a sense though of parents and kids watching your streams and videos together, almost as a gateway to that slighter higher complexity?
B: I don’t know my entire audience, but I do know a lot of families watch with or without their kids. Sometimes their kids play Mario Kart with all of us and it’s a lot of fun! I welcome all.
You do have to be a certain age to be on Twitch, and if you say you’re a minor I will ban you for safety reasons. So I don’t ask for people’s demographics but have a feeling zero kids watch my board game streams.
I am not family friendly for kids; I am family friendly for everyone, no matter their age! If, for example, someone is watching me and their partner walks in, will it be an appropriate thing for them to be “caught” watching? If their young one is present, will it be a safe environment for them? I want all my bases covered.
I’m also a part of Family Friendly Live, and had to apply to be a part of that group on Twitch. We have rules/guidelines for even what games we stream. I’m proud to be a part of that and it’s worked out for my streams long-term.
You’ve just marked five years on Twitch. How do you think the platforms developed and what have you learned about what you learned about hosting a stream during that time?
B: There’s been some great improvements on Twitch, including their new CEO Dan Clancy who worked previously at Nextdoor and Google. There was a lot of changes after he took role, including better security systems during streams; addressing hate raids; growing equality across the platform; and better moderation control. He became more involved with the community, and even started streaming himself.
A lot has changed since 2020 and I’m glad I’ve been here throughout it all. I’ve learned that Twitch can be a great place for women to stream, because there’s better safety measures against trolls/bullies compared to other platforms.
‘Social media managers are not part time. Social media is not part time. Period. If it is, then a bot can do it. Just schedule your posts three times a week and don’t monitor them’
You’ve been a social media manager, communicator and marketer for board game companies and freelance in the area. It’s a role that can end up resulting in a huge area of work with a lot of expectations. In an ideal world, how should tabletop game publishers best tailor that kind of job description to get the most out of their social media managers?
B: This is a pretty big question, one that I can’t answer in this interview. That also shows you how much responsibility and how many jobs one person has to take on in the industry – it’s never just one job title. I feel for everyone working in the industry right now having to shoulder everything to keep going.
In an ideal world, social media managers are not customer service. It has that quality but it’s not their job and they will need help. They don’t know where your missing game is. It’s not their job. And if it is, then that company better pay them twice the amount, because that’s two job titles.
Social media managers are not part time. Social media is not part time. Period. If it is, then a bot can do it. Just schedule your posts three times a week and don’t monitor them. Otherwise, hire a full time SM manager.
A lot of social media managers are not graphic designers. They are not the person to crate ads, graphics, overlays, etc. And yet, somehow we all end up doing it. That’s what a graphic designer is for.
I did work in the perfect world for a board game company once. We had one artist, one graphic designer, and myself – a manager position. It was the best thing and I miss that luxury.
You’ve worked on board game commercials – with the rise in tabletop gaming’s audience, do you think we’ll get to the stage where we’ll see hobbyist games appear on TV ads? Or is this something that tariffs are going to severely impact?
B: We already are on TV, but for network streaming companies and not cable! I’m pretty sure some of our commercials were on Amazon. I’m not sure. Either way, yes we are there!
I won’t get into tariffs here. I’ve lost too many gigs to write a happy response. But us board gamers somehow always push through.
Having worked in communications, is this a big part of why you game? How do games help you connect?
B: Yes it is! My degree is in public relations.
I love building and maintaining my community in the world of gaming. It brings me joy every day to stream games, both video and analogue. I’ve met so many wonderful people who I can now call my friends.
It’s changed my life for the better, and it started because I decided to hit ‘go live’.
Monopoly: Yes or no? Explain yourself
B: YeSssnOOoooOO??
Animal Crossing Monopoly isn’t that bad, honestly. And it’s cute. Does this count? Aren’t there other games out there we can hate on that are co-op? UGH CO-OP GAMES! At least in Monopoly I can destroy you!
Which tabletop games do you enjoy playing with family members?
My favourite games to play with certain family members are Euro strategic board games. I’ve grown to medium-weight instead of higher complexity.
Castles of Burgundy, Civolution, Village, Grand Austria Hotel, Unconscious Mind, Galileo Galilei, and Bruxelles 1893: Belle Époque are some of my favourites.
With everyone else in the family, I like lighter trick-taking card games: Skull King and Scout.
What’s next for Banzainator? Any upcoming convention shows? Are there any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
B: I’ll be going to Gen Con for my own freelance for the first time ever! I’ve always worked for one or two companies every year. I’m so excited I get to go on my own this year.
After, I’ll be competing in the World Series of Board Gaming (WSBG) in Las Vegas. If you’re going to either, DM me on Instagram and let’s connect!
Visit twitch.tv/banzainator
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Banz is such a lovely human and a great ambassador for video and board games. Great interview!
Glad you were able to get Banz's perspective on the genre. Her approach to gaming and incorporating the human side of interactions is unique and very welcoming.