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Report: Overcoming Online Negativity – The Journey of Malaysian Esports Host Tashbunny

Kuala Lumpur, March 15 — The esports industry in Malaysia has seen significant growth, providing numerous opportunities for all, irrespective of gender. A notable figure in this evolving landscape is Natasha Hashim, widely known as Tashbunny, a freelance esports host and shoutcaster. Her journey is a testament to resilience and dedication in the face of online negativity.

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Career Beginnings and Achievements

Natasha’s career in esports began in 2016 when she hosted a small Dota 2 LAN tournament at a local university. Since then, she has expanded her portfolio, hosting and shoutcasting both local and international gaming tournaments. Her notable engagements include the Asean Games for Esports in 2016, Garena’s League of Legends Circuit Malaysia, PUBG Continental Series, and the Valorant Convergence 2023.

Her dynamic presence online has garnered a substantial following, particularly through her watch parties and live in-game streaming for the first-person shooter game Valorant. In January 2023, Natasha’s contributions were recognized when she was awarded the Esports Host of the Year at the inaugural Malaysia Esports Awards.

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite her vibrant and engaging persona, Natasha’s journey has not been without challenges. The recognition she received after eight years in the industry was a dream realized, affirming her hard work and perseverance.

“I’m extremely happy and I felt extremely validated because it’s been such a long journey,” Natasha shared. She highlighted the demanding nature of her job, which requires a prominent public presence and the ability to handle both admiration and criticism.

Coping with Online Negativity

Natasha faced significant hurdles, including a two-year hiatus from live streaming due to exhaustion. One of the major challenges was dealing with negative comments from online audiences. Natasha’s strategy for handling these comments is straightforward: she is not fazed by them.

“For me, it doesn’t really bother me because I’m older and I understand that a lot of the players are younger, so they’re just kids,” she explained. She advised younger female streamers to report, block, mute, and move on from negative interactions, emphasizing that engaging with detractors often proves futile.

Community Dynamics and Future Focus

Despite encountering misogynistic comments and backlash on social media, Natasha maintains that the gaming community is predominantly friendly. After receiving the Host of the Year award, she faced a surge of hateful comments from dissatisfied users.

Instead of engaging in futile arguments, Natasha chooses to focus on her future. “In a way, it made me stronger and taught me that what people think of you doesn’t matter; it’s what you think of yourself that matters,” she stated. Natasha believes that living to please others is an endless pursuit, as one can never satisfy everyone.

Role Model

Natasha Hashim, or Tashbunny, stands as a role model in the Malaysian esports community, demonstrating resilience and a positive outlook despite the challenges of online negativity. Her journey underscores the importance of self-belief and forward planning, inspiring others in the esports industry to persevere and focus on their future.