“All experiences and backgrounds make the industry better, so don't be afraid to bring your own ideas and perspective.” - Deborah Mensah-Bonsu, dmb crew
MEET THE 40
- What do you do: I am a Community Manager.
- What video game got you into gaming: Albert Odyssey, one of the most emotionally charged, captivating, and grind-heavy JRPGs known on earth. It took me over two years to complete that game. I got lost in the final dungeon for months. When I finally found the final boss, it was dead within three rounds – I was overpowered by then.
- What is your biggest achievement: Interviewing prolific people within the gaming industry, from voice actors to directors. Turning my hobby of streaming into a career as a Community Manager.
- What is the last game that had an impact on you? There’s been a lot of fantastic games out, so it’s hard to pick just one. Suikoden II, an underrated JRPG by Konami, is one. You bring 108 people together who are all useful in a different way in your army to fight a war of politics, class, friendship, and misunderstandings. I bought this game because of its cover art. It has shaped me into the gamer I am.
- What advice would you give to your younger self? The best things in life don’t come easy or via straightforward means. Take a year out, then work hard at getting on-the-field experience. Universities can’t teach you all the skills you need – you need to get hands-on and don’t give up!
- What does the word “gamer” mean to you? People who can immerse themselves in another world as soon as they turn on the screen. Adaptable to play solo, challenges, or online with co-op and battle using skill, strategy, and reflexes.
- What do you do: I am the CEO/Founder of Community Versus.
- What video game got you into gaming: Mario Kart Double Dash.
- What is the last game that had an impact on you? The God Of War franchise really got me into creating online content.
- What is your biggest achievement: Running online and in-person tournaments with various sponsors like Acer, Black Tech Day, and Canime.
- What advice would you give to your younger self? Just keep going. There is always another way to the top of the mountain.
- What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Playing games is a natural part of your daily lifestyle, like walking, talking, and breathing. Understanding that games create room to develop transferable skills like problem-solving skills, along with creating stories that are relatable to all walks of life.
- What do you do: I am the Creative Director at Canine Games.
- What video game got you into gaming: Spyro the Dragon and Pokemon Yellow.
- What is the last game that had an impact on you? Undertale is so close to my heart. It helped me manage my depression and taught me that different ways of playing a game are valid.
- What is your biggest achievement: I stepped out of my comfort zone to form a UK-based team. They’ve been lovely people to work with. I had a passion project and asked them to come on board. Today, the project keeps growing, as do I as a professional.
- What advice would you give to your younger self? Follow your passions and don’t hold back. Join online communities if you don’t have physical access.
- What does the word “gamer” mean to you? It means I enjoy gaming. It’s a way to bring people together and make friends. Yes, it also has a positive impact on mental health.
- What do you do: I am a Content Creator.
- What video game got you into gaming: Streets of Rage 2.
- What is your biggest achievement: The creator of Tekken replied to me on X. I wasn’t expecting it at all, but it was definitely a highlight of my gaming life.
- What is the last game that had an impact on you? Tekken 8, because playing online is very stressful.
- What advice would you give to your younger self? Take your content creation seriously!
- What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Someone who enjoys overcoming obstacles and taking a break from the real world.
- What do you do: Games Journalist / Community Manager
- What video game got you into gaming: Binding of Isaac or possibly Fran Bow
- What is your biggest achievement: Achieving 30 under 30.
- What is the last game that had an impact on you? Fran Bow, it’s just such an amazing game with so much emotion and detail. I really relate to Fran herself.
- What advice would you give to your younger self? Keep working towards your goals and do not let the negativity of the games industry get to you!
- What does the word “gamer” mean to you? Gamer to me means someone who enjoys games! As I have an interest in games and use it as an escape, I really enjoy knowing other gamers too.
- What do you do: Esports Lecturer & Member of the Fighting Game Community.
- What video game got you into gaming: There are a few, but the most influential would be Street Fighter 4.
- What is your biggest achievement: My network of people and friends I’ve made.
- What is the last game that had an impact on you? Street Fighter V probably had the biggest impact on me as it showed me that gaming and subsequently Esports, can be pursued full time as a career.
- What advice would you give to your younger self? STUDY the industry you want to be a part of. All aspects!
- What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A gamer, to me, is a person who enjoys a challenge, a person who’s determined and perseveres, a person that likes to explore, a person that enjoys being creative, a person that wants to find a solution to a problem. As a competitive gamer, a gamer is also somebody that studies the mechanics of a game and ways in which they can exploit them to their benefit, somebody that creates and thrives in a community and works with others to improve.
- What do you do: I’m a university graduate trying to get into the industry.
- What video game got you into gaming: Fable 2 was the first game I ever played, and I replayed it several times to gain 100% achievement. It made me realise and understand how fun games are and how the different aspects of gaming, from gameplay, music, narrative, and level design, all blend together to create an amazing and fun experience.
- What is your biggest achievement: For my final project at university, I created a visual novel game about asexuality and romance called “Romace” (Currently on Itch.io). It’s a small game and can be played within 30 minutes. I put so much heart and effort into that game, and it was the first game I ever created that appeared in booths and showcases. It’s the first game I created where I saw the impact it had on the audience. Asexual players approached the booth and told me how they felt seen playing the game and how they found the representation relatable and heart-warming. I don’t think I will ever forget that experience.
- What is the last game that had an impact on you? “Before Your Eyes” is an indie game that uses the mechanic of blinking to simulate the passing of time. It’s a really moving and emotional experience that can be played within a few hours. It really made me process the value of life and how we need to make use of every minute of our life.
- What advice would you give to your younger self? I know you couldn’t draw and that stopped you from creating games because visuals were important, but there are free art assets available on the internet, and it’s perfectly okay to use them to make ergames.
- What does the word “gamer” mean to you? The term “Gamer” to me is a person who enjoys playing games–full stop. Anyone can be a gamer, regardless of what they play. It’s an umbrella term that incorporates all sorts of people underneath it. Mobile gamers, pro gamers, try-hard gamers, console gamers, PC gamers–at the end of the day, they all use the title “Gamer”.
- What do you do: Network Manager.
- What video game got you into gaming: Pong
- What is your biggest achievement: Hosting a HADO UK event for Virgin Media O2 at the O2 Blueroom for BBC Children in Need.
- What is the last game that had an impact on you? Pal World.
- What advice would you give to your younger self? Do not give up the dream.
- What does the word “gamer” mean to you? A person who games in any capacity.
"If it's what you want to do in life, aim big and stick with the journey!" - Adam Campbell, POC In Play
This campaign was started with the participation of 40 amazing video game players and makers…but there is plenty of room for more! Find out how you can get involved whether you are an individual or organisation excited to engage with the future of the industry.
