Gamers Change Lives

Art Direction, AI, and Diversity in Games: A Game Developer’s Insights

Today’s guest is Inka McAtee from Germany. She founded KnotHorn Studio where she works as CEO and Art Director for the independent company. Since October 2021, INKA has been the Project Lead of Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports Germany.
In this podcast interview, we talk with Inka, who is an art director and CEO of a game development studio. We discuss the role of an art director in coordinating different artists to create a unified artistic vision for a game. Inka emphasizes the importance of pushing artists to their best potential and providing feedback to improve the overall product. They also touch on the connection between art and storytelling in games and the various art-related jobs in game development.
The conversation then shifts to the potential impact of AI in game development. Inka acknowledges that AI can speed up certain processes but believes that human creativity and understanding are essential in the artistic field and that AI won't replace the need for human involvement.
Diversity in video games and esports is another topic discussed. Inka highlights the importance of diversity in providing representation and expanding possibilities for players and creators. They mention the positive impact of diverse characters in games and the efforts of indie game developers in promoting diversity.
Inka shares her future plans, including running a university esports program and focusing on game development. She encourages listeners to participate in game jams and engage with others in the industry to learn and grow. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the potential impact of games and the importance of networking and connecting with others in the industry.
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/art-direction-ai-and-diversity-in-games-a-game-developers-insights
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Featured in this episode:
Inka McAtee
Shirley is the Director of Education and Community Outreach of the Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Inka McAtee started her career as a tattoo artist to pay off her university debts. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Intermedia Design with a focus on games and is currently working towards her Master's degree. In 2021, she founded KnotHorn Studio and assumed the roles of CEO and Art Director for the independent company, which specializes in board games, video games, and esports. Their first project, Duelists, was successfully funded through Kickstarter. Since October 2021, Inka has been the Project Lead of Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports Germany and was involved with the Esports Academy in Saudi Arabia, providing support to aspiring young women and men in their journey to become professionals.
At KnotHorn Studio, several video games are in the pipeline, with Inka primarily serving as the Art Director, UI Designer, and Artist when needed. If you're interested, you can meet her at gamescom 2023. Just reach out to her! :)
Email: inka.mc.atee@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inka-mcatee/?originalSubdomain=de
Website: https://knothorn.dev/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inka_knothornstudio/?hl=de
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@knothornstudio6677
Discord: https://discord.gg/gCWGRevt
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/universityesports_de
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tintendame?lang=de
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

Esports and Games in Puerto Rico & the Power of Mythology

Today’s guest is Shirley McPhaul from Puerto Rico. She is a speaker, researcher & educator in Web3 & Video Games.
In this podcast conversation, host Tom Leonard speaks with Shirley McPhaul about the growth of the esports industry in Puerto Rico. Shirley discusses the historical and political context of Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States, as well as the efforts made by the Puerto Rican government to promote the video game industry, including esports and game development. They explore the emerging esports scene in Puerto Rico, highlighting major events and the formation of Puerto Rico's national team. The conversation also covers the changing perception of video games in Puerto Rico, with increasing recognition of their value as an art form and a means of social connection. Shirley emphasizes the evolving attitudes of parents, particularly millennials, towards gaming as a potential career path beyond just playing games. The conversation concludes by discussing the wide range of skills involved in the video game industry and the importance of encouraging young people to pursue careers in gaming.
In another part of the conversation, Tom and Shirley discuss the use of ancient mythology in video games, focusing on games like God of War. They highlight the incorporation of legends and lore into game narratives and the fascination it generates. They also explore the importance of storytelling in video games and the potential for games to tell unique stories. Shirley shares her experience playing God of War 4 and the game's seamless integration of Norse mythology. They discuss the challenges of interpreting and reconstructing ancient stories in a modern context.
Shirley also talks about her initiatives in supporting women in the gaming industry, and her involvement in mentoring women and girls interested in gaming. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces and partnering with universities to attract more women to the industry.
The conversation briefly touches on NFTs, blockchain, and Web3, with Shirley recommending YouTube as a resource to learn more about these technologies. She mentions her work with the Puerto Rico Blockchain Tree Association and their focus on education and community outreach.
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/esports-and-games-in-puerto-rico-and-the-power-of-mythology
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Featured in this episode:
Shirley McPhaul
Shirley is the Director of Education and Community Outreach of the Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association. She holds two Master’s Degrees in comparative studies, one in cultural semiotics and a second one in narrative and communications. Her research in these topics is focused on game environment design, reception, popular culture and interactive design, fictional worlds, and gender theory. Her theoretical and humanistic background, in addition to her experience in academic research, have allowed her a privileged vantage point and a deep understanding of some of the most complex concepts being discussed today in digital culture.
In 2019 Shirley co-founded the Puerto Rico Game Developers’ Association and has been part of the videogame industry since 2008 but has been a gamer for far longer than that. Through her work at the PRBTA, Shirley advocates for the average person to participate in building Web 3.0 by making the understanding necessary to get started free and easy to access. Her favorite games are "Final Fantasy 9", "Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Undertale".
Email: SNMCPHAUL@GMAIL.COM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snmcphaul/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/snmcphaul
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gamerschangelives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

How Simple Solutions Can Create Job Opportunities

In this podcast conversation, Tom Leonard interviews Amir Satvat, the head of Global Startup Operations at AWS, covering topics related to e-sports, gaming, community building, and content creation on LinkedIn. Amir shares his passion for gaming, particularly the Legend of Zelda series, and discusses the role of business development (BD) in the gaming industry. He explains the importance of long-term thinking and partnerships in the e-sports and gaming world.
The conversation shifts to Amir's role at AWS, where he describes the company's cloud computing services and the benefits they provide, such as scalability, data management, and AI capabilities. Amir also explains the role of AWS Game Tech in supporting the gaming industry's infrastructure needs.
They then delve into community building efforts on LinkedIn. Amir shares his motivation behind creating a community that supports job seekers and offers career development resources. He emphasizes the need for simplicity and authenticity in community engagement, highlighting his own initiatives like mentorship networks and career resource updates. Amir's international community has been successful in assisting job seekers and fostering collaboration across regions.
Amir offers tips for building similar communities, stressing the importance of persistence, market research, and understanding the needs of specific regions or industries. He also discusses his content creation process on LinkedIn, emphasizing consistency and authenticity in his posts. Amir uses scheduling tools and various platforms to enhance his content creation and engages with his audience by sharing personal experiences and insights.
Overall, the conversation highlights Amir's expertise in community building, the global reach of his initiatives, and his content creation strategies. His approach revolves around simplicity, authenticity, and providing valuable resources to the gaming and e-sports community.
To check out the latest job opportunities, follow Amir on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/how-simple-solutions-can-create-job-opportunities
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Featured in this episode:
Amir Satvat:
A role in the Games industry where I can apply my skills in Business Development, Strategy, and Operations to help bring world class entertainment successfully to market.
I create daily original content for 36,000+ followers (50%+ in games) about the video game industry that supports, informs, and entertains on LinkedIn, and on special occasion on YouTube.
A major emphasis of my content is career support for others. My resources include the largest games jobs directory and the largest free, public games mentoring service in the world, both written up in Gamesbeat.
I have played nearly 2,300 different video games in my life, starting with Asteroids in 1985
Email: bsatvat@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/amirsatvat
 
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gamerschangelives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

Training for an Esports Future

Today’s guests are Nik Turner - consultant and lecturer in Esports & Education at Queen Mary’s College in the UK – and the founders of CTRL Esports: COO George Lewin, CMO Harry Lunn, CDO Ben Gregg, and CEO William Holman.
In this podcast discussion, Nik Turner, a consultant and lecturer in Esports & Education, along with members of the CTRL Esports team, delve into various aspects of esports education and industry development. They highlight the success of Queen Mary's College (QMC) in Basingstoke, where an esports program was initiated, attracting significant interest and enrollment. The qualification offered is not solely focused on gaming skills, but rather emphasizes industry knowledge, employment opportunities, and business aspects, such as shoutcasting, coaching, nutrition, and strategies. The team members from CTRL share their personal experiences in pursuing esports education and their aspirations for future careers in the industry.
The discussion touches upon the formation of the CTRL team and the qualities they seek when selecting team members, including passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn. They emphasize that exceptional gaming skills are not the sole determining factor. CTRL's focus currently lies on competitive play in games like Valorant and Rocket League, which align with the team's interests and aim to compete at the highest level. They also act as consultants for Guild eSports, and their expertise has garnered recognition and opportunities within the industry.
The conversation also explores the significance of sponsorship, merchandising, and networking in the esports industry. The team members discuss the importance of a well-developed brand, showcasing analytics and presenting comprehensive sponsorship plans to potential partners. They highlight the role of social media in building connections and emphasize the value of open conversations and networking.
Looking ahead to the future of esports, the participants express optimism about the industry's growth. They foresee an increase in job opportunities, the entry of big businesses, and a greater mainstream presence. However, they acknowledge the need for further monetization and collaboration with governing bodies to establish fair play and elevate the industry's financial potential. They draw parallels to the development of traditional sports, emphasizing that it takes time to reach the desired level of recognition and stability.
 
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/training-for-an-esports-future
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Featured in this episode:
Nik Turner:
Nik is the founder and managing director of Ntesports Ltd.  A consultancy agency specializing in esports and education. Nik has over 20 years’ experience as a business owner who started out in radio broadcasting before switching to esports and education. Ntesports also sponsors CTRL esports!
Email: nik@ntesports.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-turner/
Website: https://ntesports.uk/
George Lewin, COO of CTRL Esports
I am a 17-year-old hardworking, eloquent person with an open mentality who is always on time. With these, I can contribute value wherever I work. I am a motivated, ambitious individual who approaches every assignment with maturity and responsibility. When it's needed, I can contribute, and when I need to lead a team, I can do it passionately and successfully. As a result of all of this I have managed to start up my own company CTRL Esports alongside some peers of mine whilst remaining in full-time education. I have also worked at one of the top esport teams within the UK "Guild" as a consultant helping where needed. Additionally, I have managed to retain top grades at college achieving a D* D* D.
Email: georgemluk@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgemlewin/
Website: https://www.thectrlesports.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgemluk
Discord: https://discord.gg/2VZanaCnCk
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/georgemluk
Ben Gregg
Ben Gregg is an 18-year-old who currently studies the esports BTEC at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke. Alongside his three friends they have started their own esports company 'CTRL Esports' which has been rapidly growing since November 2021. In addition to this Ben has gained experience at Guild Esports PLC one of the leading esports organisations in the UK, as a consultant.
Email: ben05gregg@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-gregg-7658b122b/
Website: https://www.thectrlesports.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Asteriix
Discord: https://discord.gg/ybkStr5WdK
Harry Lunn
Harry Lunn is an 18-year-old who currently studies the Esports BTEC at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke. He is one of four directors of CTRL Esports, an organization he and his peers founded and developed during his time at college. As well as his time with CTRL, Harry has gathered experience working with Guild Esports PLC as a consultant.
Email: harrylunn18@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-lunn-963719230/
Website: https://www.thectrlesports.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KizuriEU
Will Holman
CEO of CTRL Esports and Consultant at Guild Esports Academy // 18 years old and currently studying Esports at Queen Mary’s College.
Highly motivated self-starter with several years of professional experience in the Esports industry, both as a former semi-professional player and as a manager. Founder and Director of CTRL Esports Ltd at the age of 18. Consultant for David Beckham’s team, Guild Esports. Keen to grow my network and connect with more advocates for fresh, innovative technological industries and entertainment.
Email: wholmanuk@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-holman-3b0918230/
Website: https://www.thectrlesports.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CTRLQ1ll
 
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gamerschangelives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

Unconventional Journeys and the Power of Determination

Today’s guest is Chris Tran, a SEA Esports and Gaming Expert with experience working at the top levels of one of the largest gaming esports organizations: RIOT Games.
In this podcast conversation, Tom Leonard interviews Chris Tran, an expert in Southeast Asia esports and gaming. They delve into various topics, starting with Chris's background and his journey into the gaming industry. Chris shares his unconventional path, from pursuing a pre-medical education to landing a job at an internet service provider and eventually finding his passion in gaming. They discuss the challenges and rewards of moving to Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of family and hard work in Chris's decision-making process.
The conversation then focuses on Chris's experience at Riot Games and his meticulous efforts to secure a job there. Chris shares his approach to bridging the credibility gap, including studying Riot's communication style, conducting extensive research, and even hiring a gaming coach to improve his skills. Tom praises Chris's determination and the lessons learned from his journey.
They also discuss the impact of different cultures and regions on esports organizations, emphasizing the need for effective communication and partnerships. Chris highlights the mobile-first nature of gaming in Asia and the importance of adapting game design to suit different platforms and player preferences.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges and mindset required for a career in gaming. Chris emphasizes the importance of coaching, overcoming imposter syndrome, and embracing personal growth. They also explore the transformative power of taking action, challenging limitations, and cultivating a gamer mindset.
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/unconventional-journeys-and-the-power-of-determination
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Featured in this episode:
Chris Tran
Chris Tran has since lived a lucky life filled with adventure and achievements. He survived the Nepal earthquake in 2015 after being "dead" for four days. He has lived abroad in Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand for over 18 years. Chris has launched some of the hottest video games in Southeast Asia, organized and hosted gigantic esports events, built the first esports stadium in Southeast Asia, and founded and managed multiple leading digital advertising agencies in Vietnam.
Now, Chris is embarking on a new journey as a life coach. Coaching is an advantage not yet become widely available in his part of the world. Chris is eager to share his experiences and help others find their own purpose and grow to fulfill their potential. He wants to help people become better business people, get raises and promotions, develop their confidence, and thrive in relationship-based organizations.
Email: mailto:chris.l.tran@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisltran/
Website: https://www.christran.gg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/christrangg
 
*  *  *
Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gamerschangelives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

Bridging the Gap Between Esports and Non-Profits

Today’s guest is Marc Almanzor, Senior Manager of Gift Processing at MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES (MSF). Marc is the owner of Make Gaming About Fundraising. He is also a broadcaster on Twitch.TV.
In this podcast conversation, Tom Leonard interviews Marc Almanzor, a fundraising expert, about the intersection of esports, charity, and nonprofits. They discuss the potential of the gaming community for raising funds and the initiative called MGA Fundraising that bridges the gap between nonprofits and the gaming industry. They highlight the importance of engaging the younger generation and building strong communities for successful fundraising.
The conversation covers the motivations behind donating to charitable causes and emphasizes the impact of even small contributions. They also discussed the diverse landscape of nonprofits and the potential for collaboration between nonprofits and the gaming industry. They highlight the need for brand alignment and the consideration of game content when forming partnerships.
The discussion explores the benefits of esports and nonprofits working together, including marketing opportunities for nonprofits and the opportunity for esports organizations to give back to the community. They stress the importance of long-term relationships and continuity in fundraising efforts. The conversation concludes with a focus on successful fundraising events within the esports and gaming community and the potential funds that can be raised through gaming collaborations.
Throughout the conversation, they mention platforms like TikTok, Donor Drive, and Tiltify as valuable resources for fundraising. They also touch on the importance of resource toolkits, in-app purchases, custom skins, and engagement with the mobile gaming community. The podcast concludes with an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and the vast opportunities for engagement and fundraising within the esports and gaming space.
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/bridging-the-gap-between-esports-and-non-profits
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Featured in this episode:
Marc Almanzor
Marc Almanzor is the owner of Make Gaming About Fundraising.
Marc combines almost 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a lifetime of gaming to bring worthy causes the knowledge and expertise to connect their fundraising efforts with the vibrant video gaming community.
 
As an active streamer on Twitch, Marc currently raises funds for Extra Life and is also a member of the Esports Trade Association, where he is the co-leader of the Fundraising Committee.
Email: marcalmanzor@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-almanzor/
Website: https://www.mgafundraisingllc.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mgafundraisingllc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MGAFundraising
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/kingkongrong25
 
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gamerschangelives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

The Playbook for Running a Winning Esports Organization

Grant Rousseau, the Global Director of Esports and European Director of Operations for Team Falcons, the biggest esports organization in the Middle East, recently appeared on the Gamer’s Change Lives podcast with host Tom Leonard. During the conversation, Rousseau discussed a range of topics, including how to start an esports team, how to recruit players, how to manage teams as businesses, event strategies for esports teams, and the impact of culture on the esports industry.
Rousseau advised that the performance plan should come first when starting an esports team, as it will determine what game to enter, what players to look for, and what staff to hire. He emphasized the importance of finding the right players who are a good fit for the team and have the right personality and communication skills. Rousseau also discussed the importance of balancing training and rest for esports players and suggested that players prioritize their physical and mental health.
When discussing event strategies for esports teams, Rousseau suggested that teams should consider watch parties, tournaments and academies, and conventions that could attract different audiences to team sites. He also noted the importance of creativity and relevance in event planning.
Rousseau also discussed the impact of culture on the esports industry, highlighting that the challenge is to create content that matches different cultures and to find the aspects of culture that match and to convert followers to be more flexible as well as match cultures. He suggested that investing in HR departments and hiring can make a difference in the success of a company, emphasizing that when companies invest in staff and operational things behind the scenes, the company can run smoothly and do well.
The most important takeaway: ‘You can buy a follower but not a fan.’
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/the-playbook-for-running-a-winning-esports-organization
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Featured in this episode:
Grant Rousseau
Grant Rousseau is a 29year old currently working in esports as the global director of esports and EU operations for Team Falcons, the biggest esports organization in the MENA region, alongside having experience at director level across both North America and Europe for some of the biggest esports organizations in existence.
Combined with operational role experience, performance results is provided in the form of 12 major trophies won in the past 4 years, including two world championships.
Alongside this, Grant has partnered with a sports consultancy in Cultiv8sports to launch their new 'Digital and Tech' division, with the focus of bringing more UK sports organizations and entities into the esports space.
Email: grantrousseau1@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-rousseau/
Website: https://www.cultiv8sports.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrantRous
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantrous  
 
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Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

The Role of International Esports Organizations

Today’s guest is Boban Totovski, the Secretary General of the International Esports Federation.
Our conversation includes talking about the role of International Organizations such as the International Esports Federation.
How do they:
Encourage development of national organizations
Provide education and training
Promote youth and development programs
Strengthen the ties among national organizations
Create codes of conduct and statutes, suggested laws and standards
International Esports Federation - IESF
History, mission, and objectives of the organizations.
Events: the World Championships in Bali and Budapest.
 
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/the-role-of-international-esports-organizations
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Featured in this episode:
Boban Totovski
More than 20 years' extensive and diverse experience in IT sales, management and Esports.
As President of the Macedonian Esports Federation, I have organized more than 10 national finals and participated on more than 10 World Championships. Experience in international relations, negotiations, and global representation.
A unique position in the Esports ecosystem, as Board Member of IESF and now, General Secretary.
 Email: boban.totovski@iesf.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boban-totovski-toto-04654831/
IESF Website: https://iesf.org/
IESF LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-esports-federation/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IESFederation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IeSF_Master
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iesf_official/  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseCqUUcJueSSEF37456gdw  
 
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gamerschangelives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

Transforming Education Through Esports

In today’s episode we talk with Gerald Solomon, the Executive Director of the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) and founder of the Orange County High School Esports League.
Gerald shares how he was inspired to use esports as a way to reach kids who were underserved, disenfranchised, and disengaged from traditional education. NASEF's goal is to reinvigorate classrooms and engage kids in new ways by offering free curriculum that uses esports as a hook to teach kids technology skills and career opportunities. Additionally, NASEF has partnered with libraries, boys and girls clubs, YMCA's, and community centers to reach students in underserved areas. Solomon emphasizes that NASEF is a nonprofit that can focus on its mission to help kids and educators without worrying about making money.
We also talk about how the International Esports Federation (IESF) and NASEF are working together to provide training for players, coaches, and managers in different countries and cultures. They use assessments and teamwork activities to help people create their own clubs and logos, and they encourage students from different countries to share their cultural experiences with one another. Solomon also shares an interesting story about a young surgeon who honed his skills in Halo and Call of Duty, which allowed him to become a skilled surgeon with great dexterity.
We focus the conversation on how NASEF focuses on providing young people with the skills they need to succeed in life, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. NASEF does this by creating organizations that require members to build a club charter, a code of conduct, a business plan, and a development plan. Solomon notes that these requirements teach young people about capitalism, democracy, and economics, and help them to sustain themselves over the next three to five years.
Overall, the podcast discussion highlights the growing use of esports and gaming for education, leadership development, and cultural exchange. Solomon's work at NASEF and IESF is helping to pave the way for a new era of esports that is more inclusive, diverse, and socially responsible. Additionally, the conversation emphasizes the importance of building a community and a culture around esports that goes beyond just winning competitions, and instead focuses on providing young people with the skills they need to succeed in life.
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/transforming-education-through-esports
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Featured in this episode:
Gerald Solomon
Gerald Solomon served as the Executive Director of the Samueli Foundation for 14 years managing their global philanthropy, providing grants to innovative entrepreneurial programs in excess of $500 Mil worldwide. The focus was on STEM Education, Youth Development, and Integrative Health and Wellness. During his tenure, he designed and launched the STEM Learning Ecosystem which today consists of over 90 cities across the globe (www.stemecosystems.org) redefining STEM learning in and out of schools with a focus on developing workforce skills and economic impact.
In 2018, Mr. Solomon designed and launched the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (www.nasef.org), the nation’s first ever academic approach to esports, whose mission is to provide opportunities for ALL students to use esports as a platform to acquire the STEM skills needed for the workforce of tomorrow. Taking STEM to the next level, NASEF is based upon a credentialed State of California approved high school, CTE and middle school curricula. In 48 short months, NASEF is now in 49 states with over 25,000 students in over 3,000 schools as well as having created NASEF affiliates in 30+ countries around the world, including: Japan, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Israel, UK, India, Nigeria, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Coast Rica, Panama, South Africa, Ghana, and growing.
Mr. Solomon serves on the Board of Directors of IESF (www.iesf.org) as well as the Chair of the Esports Education Commission at IESF, the global leader in esports with 139+ member countries. He is Chair Emeritus of the University of Ca, Irvine Esports Advisory Board, and on the board of Calif Dept of Education Foundation. He recently completed service on the boards of the Schools of Engineering at UCLA and UCI, the Teacher Advisory Council at the National Research Council within the National Academies, Southern California Grantmakers Assoc., and was co-founder, co-chair and now chair emeritus of the STEM Funders Network.
Email: gerald@nasef.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-solomon-21a91b262/
NASEF Website: https://www.nasef.org/
NASEF LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasef/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nasefedu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nasefedu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasefgg/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nasefedu
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nasefedu
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/nasefedu
 
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gamerschangelives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

Esports and the Law

Welcome to Season 3 of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast: Building a Business, Esports 101.
In Season One we talked about jobs. In Season Two we talked about sources of funding for esports ‘Follow the Money’. And now in Season Three we will be talking about Building an Esports Business.
Season 3 is all about building a thriving esports business, and we've got some special features to help you along the way.
In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard talks with André de Oliveira Schenini Moreira, a Brazilian lawyer with expertise in IT, games, esports, and intellectual property. The focus of their conversation is on the importance of understanding legal issues when building an esports business, and how entrepreneurs can approach these issues.
The conversation begins with an introduction to André's background and his interest in gaming and esports, followed by an overview of the esports landscape in Brazil. They then move on to discuss the legal aspects of building an esports business, including the importance of seeking legal advice, the types of contracts that should be reviewed by an attorney, and the legal implications of hiring employees and receiving investment.
Finally, they delve into the topic of intellectual property and the importance of protecting it in the esports industry. They also touch on the legal implications of promoting on social media and provide some online resources for those seeking more information about esports and the law. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of obtaining legal advice and finding an attorney who is familiar with the esports industry.
Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/esports-and-the-law
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Featured in this episode:
André Schenini Moreira
Lawyer, LLM in International Law, and Managing Partner at FMA.legal, where he assists clients on transactions and litigation matters related to Games and Esports industries. André has a distinguished background in Intellectual Property, Corporate and Entertainment Law, while he also dedicates his time as a member of organizations connected to such markets (IGDA, EBA, IAAIL) and as a mentor on entrepreneurship programs and accelerators (ACE, MIT Hack Brazil, Global Games).
Email: andre@feoliemoreira.com.br
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-schenini-moreira/
Website: https://www.fma.legal
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/andre_de_os
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gamerschangelives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
Journey of a Gamer: http://journeyofagamer.com
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.
I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!