Valentine's Day Exclusive: Kaashvi Hiranandani on Love, Gaming & Red Flags!

One of the top gaming creators today, Kaashvi Hiranandani, aka KaashPlays, who is part of S8UL, talks about her blind dating show Kaash We Match, how gaming and love go hand in hand, her relationship status, and much more. Want to know how to win her heart? Read this exclusive conversation to find out!

What sparked the idea for Kaash We Match? Did you always believe gaming and dating could go hand in hand, or was there a ‘Eureka!' moment?

It was a combination of both. During my live streams, I often receive questions about dating and relationships, which made me realise how naturally gaming fosters connections. I have always seen gaming as a unique way to build relationships—friendships or more.

The true Eureka! moment, However, this came when I recognised how traditional dating shows often follow a repetitive format. I wanted to create something fresh and thought, ‘Why not build connections through gaming?' Gaming naturally brings out authentic emotions, teamwork, competitiveness, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential in any relationship. This realisation inspired me to launch ‘Kaash We Match', using gaming as a fun and engaging platform for people to bond.

How does gaming create real chemistry between people in ways traditional dating just can't? Have you seen unexpected sparks fly purely through co-op challenges?

Absolutely. I have personally witnessed friends who first met in Call of Duty, Valorant, or BGMI lobbies eventually getting married. Gaming naturally pushes individuals into real-time problem-solving, communication, and, at times, even conflict resolution. Unlike conventional dates where people often present a polished version of themselves, gaming reveals authenticity. Chemistry and compatibility emerge organically through the way players interact, strategise, and respond under pressure.

Any real love stories from the show? Have contestants genuinely fallen for each other, and did any of them last beyond the game?

Without giving too much away, there have been instances where contestants who initially seemed incompatible ended up forming strong connections. Some exchanged contact details, others developed friendships, and a few even went beyond that. The beauty of ‘Kaash We Match' lies in its ability to facilitate organic, unfiltered interactions, allowing genuine connections to emerge.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Is gaming the ultimate relationship test? What's a game that can make or break a couple?

In many ways, yes. The way someone plays a co-op game can reveal a lot about how they function in a relationship. It Takes Two is a prime example. The game requires teamwork, patience, and effective communication, which can either strengthen a couple's bond or highlight fundamental challenges. If someone struggles to listen, takes all the credit, or consistently leaves their partner behind, those behaviours can signal red flags beyond the game. Personally, it was one of the first PC games I played after becoming a streamer, and it left a lasting impact, teaching me a lot about cooperation and trust.

Red flags in gaming = red flags in relationships? Does rage quitting, hogging all the loot, or blaming teammates say something deeper about a person?

Gaming often serves as a mirror for real-life behaviour. If someone's rage quits at the first sign of difficulty, it raises concerns about how they handle conflict in a relationship. If they constantly hoard resources in-game, it might indicate a tendency toward selfishness. Similarly, blaming teammates instead of taking responsibility can be a sign of poor accountability. Gaming has a way of revealing personality traits much faster than a traditional date ever could.

If you could design the perfect gaming date, what would it be like?

It would be a balanced mix of casual fun and teamwork. I'd start with a lighthearted couch co-op game like Overcooked to break the ice and create moments of laughter. Then, I'd transition into something more strategic, like BGMI, Valorant, or MLBB, to test our synergy and teamwork. To end the session, we'd unwind with a relaxed Minecraft build, because if we can create something together in-game, perhaps we can do the same in real life.

What are the most underrated games for couples to play together? Any surprising ones that bring people closer?

Sea of Thieves is one of my top recommendations. Portal 2, A Way Out, and Unravel are also fantastic choices. In general, most co-op games have the potential to bring people closer and strengthen bonds. I am also looking forward to Split Fiction, which is set to launch next month. It's a highly anticipated co-op title that I believe will be a great addition to this list.

For those who aren't into gaming, what's your best argument for why it's a great bonding activity?

Gaming isn't just about competition. It is about shared experiences, inside jokes, and teamwork. You get to learn about someone in a way no dinner conversation can show. And if a game is fun, you want to spend more time together, which is what relationships are about. Some games like It Takes Two can be played with no prior gaming experience, making them a great starting point for new players.

Photo Credit: Instagram

What's your take on love—hopeless romantic or hardcore realist?

A blend of both. I believe in love, but I also understand that it requires effort and commitment. Even the strongest connections need nurturing. Chemistry and compatibility are important, but relationships ultimately thrive when both individuals invest in growth and understanding.

Your Valentine's Day plan?

I will be working on an episode of ‘Kaash We Match' and, of course, playing games—unless someone decides to surprise me with other plans!

And the big question—how does someone win Kaashvi's heart?

A great sense of humour, kindness, and the ability to genuinely listen go a long way. Bonus points if they can challenge me in a 1v1 match while still letting me win once in a while.