Our top esports executives talk about how they developed their careers in gaming
Level Infinite will begin supporting British Esports with a new weekly content series featuring Level Infinite and Tencent Games executives’ career stories. The series of videos and interviews provides a candid look into how some of our esports executives built their careers in gaming, and is aimed at educating those interested in building similar careers.
British Esports is the UK’s national esports federation, and focuses on developing esports careers and education. The not-for-profit aims to support grassroots activity and future talent, to get players primed for medal events on the global stage.
The interviews will touch on the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to grow an individual’s esports career, and delves into some of the executives’ personal stories that’s shaped their work so far.
The set of interviews kicks off today, with a new interview released weekly:
- James Yang, director of global esports center, Tencent Games
- Abdallah Al Ghifari, senior esports manager, Level Infinite MENA, Tencent Global Games
- Krys Jaro, senior esports manager, Level Infinite MENA, Tencent Global Games
- Lexi Ma, lead of esports operations, Level Infinite
- Max Yeung, senior esports manager, Level Infinite
- Jay Liang, esports manager, Level Infinite
James Yang led the development of the PUBG Mobile esports program at Tencent Games. Previously, he was publishing director at EA, and has held various roles in managing and development game production across Asia.
Read more: Behind the Screen: Tencent Games Global’s James Yang Looks to the Future of Esports
He talked about different career pathways in esports, naming directing, production, community, and marketing as examples. He said a passion for gaming is just part of the picture; one should develop themselves in their respective roles to stand a better chance of joining the industry.
“It’s very creative work. Bring your personal value…study hard, play hard,” he said.
Yang also noted that the industry is fast-paced, yet rewarding. “It’s very challenging because there’s no day and night—esports continues 24 hours.”
“You can see how people enjoy what you make…But you also need to be ready, you should be tough,” he said.
