[[Marketing Relations]]
DnD Class: Rogue fo sho
Hogwarts House: Gryffindor
Pokemon Go Team: Instinct
Empire or Rebellion: Empire
Turtle: Rammus
Pronouns: He/Him
Favorite color: Red
When did you first get started in games and how?
I started getting into games at a very young age with the very kid friendly title, Mortal Kombat being my first. Old school Cyrax was my bread and butter and inevitably made me fall in love with video games in general. After that, finally getting an Xbox 360 and being able to play with my friends made me realize this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
How did you first get started in the game industry?
Going to school for Video Games and Political Science allowed me to get a very mixed bag of skills that helped me land my first job at a Video Game PR agency. Before then I was and RA on campus and had internships on Capitol Hill
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from all of my amazing colleagues and the crazy work they do. Each and every one of them inspires me to be the absolute best I can be. Outside of that, inspiration comes from all over the place! Whether it be friends, family, movies, tv, etc; everything I ingest is put into my work.
What is your favorite video game or series?
Such a hard question so I won’t actually answer it! With so many great games out there it’s hard to choose so I’ll pick two. My favorite games that I have WAY too many hours in are Cuphead and Enter the Gungeon. When we’re talking about series I have to go with Gears of War. Marcus Fenix will always be my Dad, forever and ever.
What is your favorite tabletop game?
I’ve played my fair share of D&D and it has a special place in my heart but the Call of Cthulhu RPG is amazing and BY FAR my favorite.
If Akupara could partner with any person, who would you want to work with?
I’d absolutely give my left hand to work with John DiMaggio on a project. He’s such an amazing VA and I love everything he’s been in. (Especially as Marcus Fenix)
What is your proudest accomplishment with Akupara?
I’d have to say that I’m really proud of the launches that we’ve done so far since I’ve been at Akupara, especially Absolute Tactics. Being the point person for all press and influencers was a big step up in my self-confidence and I couldn’t be prouder of where I am now.
One advice you could give someone who wants to get into the gaming industry.
Be unapologetically yourself while still being professional. With an ever growing industry and higher competition than there’s ever been before, the best piece of advice I can give is to truly understand the skills that you have and be yourself. In the end, your coworkers want to enjoy working with you and they’re not going to get that from someone who puts on a facade during the interview.
One advice you could give someone who wants to be a Marketing Relations?
There’s no direct path to get in this position. You can definitely help yourself with certain degrees or by taking advantage of certain opportunities. However, nothing is going to help you more than yourself. Trust yourself and reach out to people in the industry for advice, trust me it helps.
What were you doing before you joined the game industry?
In college pursuing a degree in Political Science on my way to a Juris Degree.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Jazz Band/Band. I played the Euphonium in Concert Band and the Trombone in Jazz Band.
Controller or Keyboard?
For most story games I have to go with Controller but I’m a Keyboard warrior all the way.
What activities do you enjoy doing?
Some of my favorite activities are Disc Golfing, Rock Climbing, Grinding through the hells of Valorant ranked, and Hiking!
Favorite song?
At the moment, I’d have to say “Middle of the End” – Jack Kays
Favorite content creator?
Valorant Streamer called Bumpaah!
Console vs PC?
Both have a special place in my heart but as competitive games are my bread and butter, I’d have to go with PC.
If you like to connect with Xavier or any other members of Akupara, join the Akupara Discord.
