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United States

Ralph Miller

Creative Executive Producer, RMP/San Francisco

Ralph Miller established Ralph Miller Productions 34 years ago. His expertise lies in project development, project management, and design development, equipping him with the ability to assess artworks accurately and pay attention to intricate details.

Concurrently, he is involved in projects at Nintendo as the executive producer. His responsibilities include overseeing contract services for tradeshow design, production, staging, and the development of special projects. He plays a pivotal part in shaping the strategic direction of projects, leveraging his extensive experience to drive success and innovation.

Miller's commitment to excellence is evident in every project he undertakes, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and design. His dedication to his craft is reflected in his meticulous attention to detail and his relentless pursuit of perfection in every aspect of his work. Furthermore, his steadfast devotion to elevating the standards of the entertainment industry is a testament to his passion and unwavering professional ethos.

Czech Republic

Vladimir Gersl

Executive Producer, GoldKnights

Vladimir Gersl is a visionary luminary in the gaming world, with an impressive legacy that includes two BAFTA nominations and a hand in catapulting multiple console and PC titles past the coveted million-copy sales mark. His odyssey through the realms of game development began in the early 2000s, crafting digital experiences that captivated gamers worldwide.

By 2010, Vlad had ascended to the forefront of the industry, assuming lead and executive roles that shaped the futures of studios working with titans like Activision and Sony. This era of leadership was marked by games that didn't just entertain but became cornerstones of pop culture.

Branching out as an entrepreneur, Vlad founded his own studios, tapping into a wellspring of creativity and business acumen. He has also shared his wisdom as a consultant, advising large corporations and influencing European Union digital entertainment policies.

Today, Vladimir Gersl is the CEO of Cyber Sail Consulting, a firm that provides strategic advice and support to game developers and publishers. Under his leadership, Cyber Sail Consulting has become a beacon in the gaming industry, guiding developers and publishers toward success. His vast experience and innovative approach continue to shape the future of gaming, making him a respected figure in the industry. His journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for gaming, and we look forward to seeing what he will achieve next.

Germany

Achim Heidelauf

Founder / Consultant, Heathrun Consulting

Achim Heidelauf, founder and singleplayer at Heathrun, has been working in the game industry since the mid 90s. Specializing in the areas of international whole-sales was his entry-step into the industry. Achim’s first project as Game Producer was “Knights & Merchants” back in 1998. After that dozens of projects have been produced, but also partly or fully written and designed by him.

But not only the sheer amount of projects that Achim has experienced is unique, what makes Heathrun so helpful as a full-service agency is the fact that both major fields of the game landscape, retail and free2play browser- and client-based MMOs, have been experienced during the 20 years of background. Achim has seen both sides of the table: after countless years working at various internationally acclaimed publishers, Achim has joined the forces of several developers, mainly Haemimont Games with which the projects “Victor Vran” and the “Official Motörhead Video Game” are being created. Currently he is working on "Martha is Dead" from LKA Studios and the upcoming sequel to "Tiny Troopers". Recently, Achim had worked as Producer on "Chorus" from DeepSilver Fishlabs as well.

Poland

Robert Wesołowski

CEO, KLABATER

Robert Wesołowski, an alumnus of Wrocław University of Technology, brings two decades of experience to the video game sector.

His career began by overseeing finance and operations within the CD PROJEKT SA conglomerate, where he honed his skills in strategic and project management as well as game development. He boasts a track record of collaborations with top-tier brands including CD Projekt, Blizzard, Activision, and Disney.

Leveraging his extensive background in gaming, Wesołowski assumed the role of CEO at Klabater, a company he helped establish. Under his leadership, Klabater has launched successful titles like Crossroads Inn, Heliborne, We The Revolution, and Moonshine Inc., among others. Wesolowski's unwavering dedication to the video game industry is demonstrated through his meticulous approach to strategic planning and project execution. His commitment to excellence is evident in the successful partnerships with leading gaming brands and the launch of critically acclaimed games.

United States

Karla Reyes

Founder, Studio Director and Game Developer, Anima Interactive and Code Coven

Karla Reyes, an acclaimed game developer, serves as the founder and studio director of Anima Interactive, an emerging interactive media studio with a strong focus on social consciousness.

She also holds the role of a founding member and Head of Business Development at Code Coven, the global accelerator supporting underrepresented creators in media. With her diverse experiences, she has remained attuned to various sectors, ranging from indie and AAA to XR. Driven by a passion for leveraging the potential of games for positive social impact, she co-founded Square Enix RED, an employee resource group dedicated to promoting racial and ethnic diversity.

Reyes is dedicated to backing initiatives like UNEP's Playing for the Planet Alliance Green Game Jam and leading the production of Code Coven's Safe Spaces Now Game Jam in partnership with UN Women. Her unwavering commitment as an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion earned her many rewarding accolades.

United States

Rupali Sharma

Senior Product Manager, Take Two Interactive

For over eight years, Rupali Sharma has been at the forefront of developing technology for video games with top-tier companies such as Take Two Interactive and Electronic Arts.

She's currently channeling her expertise to enhance player experiences and develop innovative business strategies for Take Two's various brands, including Rockstar, 2K, and Private Division. Her prior role at Electronic Arts saw her contribute to the technological aspects of popular titles like FIFA, Sims, and Apex Legends.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Sharma is also a dedicated member of the tech and gaming circles, often sharing her insights as a speaker and providing guidance as a mentor. Her dedication to the gaming industry is evident in her persistent innovation in game technology, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscapes of some of the world's most beloved video games.

United States

Aland Failde

Senior Vice President Marketing, Second Dinner Studios

Aland Failde is a graduate from Harvard Business School with a Masters degree in Business Administration and is currently the Senior Vice President Marketing of Second Dinner, a newly founded game development studio.

Prior to this, he has had experience in the gaming industry, as he worked in various other well-known gaming companies, such as Blizzard Entertainment, where he worked on marketing the infamous game, Hearthstone, as well as Activision, where he worked on marketing the global phenomenon, Destiny, the Call of Duty series, and the Guitar Hero series. These games have made a reputation for themselves, through the help of Failde’s reputable marketing skills.

He has also depicted his passion for the gaming industry in the articles he posted, resulting in the fact that his gaming experience and expertise would lead to a judging standard that sets the bar for all other applications.

United States

Ed Mills

Co-Founder and CEO, Hitcents and Hero Digital Entertainment

Ed Mills is the co-founder of Hitcents and the chief executive officer of Hero Digital Entertainment.

He initiated his career within the gaming sector, spearheading the mobile gaming industry and honing his proficiency in cultivating connections with top-tier Hollywood talent agencies and intellectual property holders for significant AAA titles. His track record encompasses notable achievements like collaborating with individuals such as Tom Hanks, Stan Lee, and One Direction, among others. His strategic vision is to evolve into a universally respected collaborator by forging essential relationships for Hero Digital Entertainment and consistently surpassing expectations through the development of inventive, technology-driven solutions, all while delivering exceptional customer service for Hitcents.

With Mills’s relationship-building skills, he leverages his expertise to drive the company's growth. His dedication is evident as he actively forges and nurtures vital connections that are instrumental in expanding the company's reach and influence.

Sweden

Anton Söderhäll

Executive Producer, Goodbye Kansas

Anton Söderhäll serves as a seasoned Executive Producer at Goodbye Kansas, a company known for its production of award-winning Trailers, VFX, Animation, Digital Humans, Real-time cutscenes and Motion Capture.

He started his career 18 years ago as a Director and Producer of music videos and commercials. He has been involved in over 75 successful AAA game titles, as well as various film, commercial, and interactive projects. His primary focus has been on engaging narratives utilising digital humans and performance capture and he consistently strives to push creative and technical boundaries.

His skill set encompasses a wide range of talents including expertise in arts and design, character animation, cinematics, digital human technologies, effective team leadership, and astute business development acumen, collectively enabling him to excel in multidisciplinary aspects of his field.

United Arab Emirates

Ahmad Al-Natsheh

Founder/Lead Developer, Khosouf Studio Middle East FZ LLC

Ahmad is an unconventional game developer and studio founder. In the early stages of his career, he combined his skills in engineering, music, and construction management, to create Khosouf Studio in the United Arab Emirates. After many years of moving his career along, he is now an experienced game developer, 3D modeller, audio engineer, and an overall Jack-of-all-trades within the studio, all whilst working on upcoming international titles that are scheduled to release on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

China

Xianzhe Li

Co-Founder and CTO, WhisperGames

In 2015, Xianzhe Li, together with two partners, founded WhisperGames.

Initially a localization service provider, WhisperGames has since evolved into a prominent publisher for PC and console games in China. Their publishing repertoire includes titles such as Disco Elysium, Wildermyth, Conan Exiles, Gamedec, CrossCode, and Bridge Constructor Portal, among others.

Li excels in identifying exceptional games with inherent potential, recognizing standout elements in game design and technical advancements, both within Asia and internationally. Li's passion for the video game industry is deeply rooted, driving the transformative journey of WhisperGames from a localization provider to a leading game publisher. His dedication is exemplified in his meticulous approach to selecting games with potential, reflecting a profound understanding of what makes a game successful in diverse markets. Li's commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by his impressive track record of evaluating over 10,000 games, underscoring his enduring devotion to the gaming world.

Estonia

Kristi Ramot

Founder, Marketing Manager, 360 Hydra OÜ

Kristi Ramot is the founder and the marketing manager of 360 Hydra OÜ.

She holds a unique position in the Baltic region as the pioneer of the first marketing agency exclusively dedicated to independent game developers. Specializing in supporting the underdogs, the unconventional, and the bold, she manages the marketing responsibilities, allowing her clients to focus on their core pursuits without any added burden.

Ramot, a seasoned go-getter with an entrepreneurial flair, is deeply enthusiastic about facilitating the well-deserved success of video game developers. In her capacity as a brand ambassador, communicator, and marketer, she alleviates game developers from the intricacies of promotion, urging them to "keep making awesome games and leave the rest to her." Her pursuit of her passion within the industry is truly commendable, showcasing dedication to her craft. Embracing the role of a trailblazer, she navigates the challenges of the industry, inspiring others with her determination.

United States

Gage Allen

Founder, CEO and Creative Director, Player One Trailers

Gage Allen is the founder, chief executive officer and the creative director of Player One Trailers, a world renowned creative agency that specializes in game trailers, TV commercials for indie and AAA developers.

Allen plays a multifaceted role at the nexus of gaming, entertainment, and marketing as his visionary leadership shapes the agency's mission, driving innovation to keep it at the forefront of creativity and technology in the gaming industry. Beyond strategic guidance, he is a hands-on creative force, shaping narratives and visual experiences that captivate gamers and audiences worldwide. His journey combines business acumen with artistic vision to leave a distinct mark on the gaming landscape.

Through his unwavering determination and expert craftsmanship, he has lent his talents to renowned game titles such as Baldur's Gate 3, Stellaris, Pistol Whip, The Long Dark, Divinity: Original Sin 2, and a multitude of other gaming masterpieces.

United States

Cody (Codiak)

Co-Owner, Legacy Gaming

Cody or better known as Codiak is the co-owner of Legacy Gaming and has 2 years of content creation on YouTube and over 20 years of gaming experience since he started at age 6.

Additionally, he boasts 8 years of valuable experience in branding and marketing, acquired during his tenure with significant media corporations. His inspiration to establish Legacy Gaming is rooted in his strong desire to create informative, high-quality content that resonates with his audience and gaming enthusiasts.

Cody often emphasizes, "Content creation is a marathon, not a sprint." Over the past few years on the platform, he has developed a deep appreciation for engaging with the Legacy Gaming community and witnessing the channel's growth. This fulfilling passion demands ongoing dedication and reinvestment, but Cody remains optimistic about the future, believing that Legacy Gaming is poised for an exciting journey ahead.

United States

John Bulahan

Game Producer II, Riot Games

John Bulahan is a seasoned Game Producer II, boasting more than 11 years of valuable experience within the gaming industry.

Bulahan had the chance to engage in various facets of a prominent game, spanning UI, gameplay, and even art direction. This extensive involvement contributed significantly to his understanding of both gameplay and content elements, enhancing his skills as a skilled producer. His journey began in Quality Assurance, and his production experience encompasses renowned and notable titles such as Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor, Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, Never Alone, Forza Motorsports 7, Forza Horizon 4, and most recently, the ARK: Survival Evolved franchise.

His remarkable adeptness in adapting to the distinctive demands of various video game genres highlights not only his versatility but also his capability to consistently deliver effective and tailored production strategies, making him a valuable asset to the dynamic landscape of game development.

Malaysia

Jae Leong

Judging Committee Chairperson, International Awards Associate (IAA)

Jae Leong is the accomplished chairperson of IAA’s extensive judging committee.

As the chairperson, Leong assumes a leadership role, guiding the organization and spearheading initiatives to uphold quality and creative excellence in critical areas such as design, creative advertising, marketing communications, video production, and business. Additionally, she serves as a key award representative at IAA, consistently demonstrating success in overseeing assessments throughout her career.

She prioritizes the coordination of strategic arrangements among various jury panels, establishing herself as a standout figure in the industry. Demonstrating a keen sense of management, Leong has executed her role with precision, ensuring that each participant receives fair evaluations and unbiased assessments, underscoring the significance of integrity in maintaining the credibility of the judging outcomes. Furthermore, her collaboration with professionals globally has positioned her at the forefront of specialization, enabling the development of exceptional communication and relationship management skills.

United States

Justin Patrascu

Youtuber and Content Creator,

Justin Patrascu, once a skilled Java developer, has seamlessly transitioned into a full-time YouTuber in the gaming sphere.

Embarking on a remarkable virtual journey, viewers can dive into the heart-pounding world of sports and intense shooters, traverse immersive RPG realms, and navigate strategic landscapes—all within the engaging playthroughs that he meticulously crafts. His videos not only cater to a diverse array of gaming enthusiasts but it also invite them to immerse themselves in action-packed adventures and strategic conquests, ensuring a dynamic and captivating experience for every viewer.

Patrascu's unwavering dedication to delivering diverse content ensures that his channels cater to every gaming palate, solidifying them as the ultimate go-to destination for a versatile and enthralling gaming experience. With an extensive exploration of various genres, his channels emerge as a vibrant hub for gaming enthusiasts seeking entertainment across a diverse spectrum of gaming landscapes.

United States

Harivardan Jayaraman

Group Product Manager, Meta

Harivardan Jayaraman is the group product manager at the esteemed company of Meta.

As an accomplished leader with a career spanning over a decade, he excels in developing consumer and financial products. His mission is to build products that deliver value to a staggering 2 billion daily users. His journey in the gaming industry began at Kabam and Zynga. At Kabam, he was instrumental in crafting core experiences that allowed users to enjoy popular games like 'Marvel: Contest of Champions,' which maintained its position among the top 10 games on the App Store for an extended period. His role as the director of product at Zynga focused on growth and acquisition, leading to the development of products within beloved gaming franchises.

He is known for fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence, inspiring teams to push the boundaries of technology and deliver groundbreaking solutions that impact millions of users.

United Kingdom

Luke Wild

Content Creator, Sardonic Pale Brit, Star or Shovelware

Luke Wild is a renowned content creator known as ‘Sardonic Pale Brit’.

Wild's passion for gaming began as soon as he could walk, leading to countless hours in darkened rooms immersed in various game. This dedication shaped his complexion and honed his expertise and understanding of the gaming world. His experience is evident in his deep knowledge of gaming history and trends.

A few years ago, he pivoted his extensive gaming hours into a creative endeavor. That's when Stay or Shovelware came to life, a YouTube channel focused on critiquing and showcasing Nintendo Switch games, especially indie and unconventional ones. His channel has since become a go-to source for honest reviews, reflecting his deep understanding of gaming nuances and a keen eye for hidden gems in the gaming industry. His commitment to uncovering the worth of overlooked titles has earned him respect and a loyal following among gaming enthusiasts.

United Kingdom

Maria

Content Creator, eurothug4000

Maria has been a content creator on YouTube since 2018, crafting video essays that explore the artistic dimensions of various games.

Delving into the flamboyant aesthetics of Bayonetta and the Giallo-influenced ambiance of Haunting Ground, Maria offers in-depth analyses on the distinct artistic direction of these gaming universes. As a freelance writer and streamer, she dedicates herself to not only playing video games but also actively participates in the communities they foster, enriching her content with insights gathered from these interactions. Her work reflects a deep engagement with the visual and cultural narratives that shape game design.

Maria illuminates the intricate artistry of game design, influencing the way gamers perceive and appreciate the visual storytelling within their beloved virtual worlds. As a streamer and writer, she fosters a more engaged and informed community, encouraging gamers to explore and understand the nuanced art forms presented in their gaming experiences.

United States

Jivitesh Singh Dhaliwal

Technical Game Designer and Developer, That's No Moon

Jivitesh Singh Dhaliwal is a talented game designer and developer of That’s No Moon.

Dhaliwal has devoted his life to creating games that facilitate self-discovery for players. Starting independently in a small library in India and progressing to collaborate with a skilled team on an Emmy award-nominated game in Los Angeles, he has been fortunate to engage with some of the gaming industry's most brilliant minds. His expertise, amplified by a Master's degree in Game Design from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, has empowered him to direct narrative-based games with emotional depth. Collaborations with Tender Claws and Sony Pictures have further refined his skills as a game designer and developer.

He possesses a diverse skill set encompassing narrative-based games, game directing, virtual beings design, experimental game design, reinforcement learning for games, game aesthetics, games and learning, narrative intelligence, and systems design which significantly broadens his knowledge base.

United States

Justin Burnham

Chief Creative Officer, 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks

Justin Burnham is the chief creative officer of 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironwroks.

Burnham diversified his roles in the gaming industry, gaining insights into various facets of game development. He established SXSW Gaming, transforming it into one of the most rapidly growing components of SXSW. While at SXSW, to stay abreast of the dynamic gaming landscape, he joined the Devolver Digital team, where he remained for an extended period. Recognizing an opportunity to bring innovation to DreamHack's expansion, he collaborated with Devolver Digital's majority-owned entity, Good Shepherd Entertainment which facilitated local brand growth and shaped it into a comprehensive gaming lifestyle event, eventually culminating in the highly acclaimed DreamHack Festival.

With a demonstrated background in both gaming industry publishing and event management, his varied skill set and comprehensive understanding of games, market approaches, and current trends would brings a new perspective to the assessment of game submissions.

Malaysia

Alex Tan

President and Creative Director, NOKUA International

Alex Tan is the President and Creative Director of NOKUA International, a prestigious agency, with over a decade of experience in advertising agencies and in-house teams.

As President and Creative Director, Tan shapes the company's strategy, crafts its creative vision, and improves the user experience. He collaborates directly with clients to create meaningful experiences that inspire and elevate their brands and audience's lives.

Tan has spearheaded successful campaigns for global brands including Walt Disney Licensee, DreamWorks Production Licensee, Herbalife, Nu Skin, Cartivia, Avon, Singapore Expo, MPH Bookstores, Garnier, and more. He fosters a collaborative work environment at Nokua, driven by his passion for design and a culture that values work-life balance. With a strong emphasis on creative design, his aim is to produce visually appealing work that delivers the desired client results.

United States

Joaquin Lynch Garay

Associate Creative Director, Anomaly

Joaquin Lynch Garay holds the position of Associate Creative Director at Anomaly. He and his partner jointly run MUNILYNCH, where Garay serves as the Creative Director.

Prior to joining Anomaly, he held positions as Creative Director at Havas Worldwide New York and Leo Burnett Shanghai. Over the last decade, he has built his career at PONCE Buenos Aires, Lowe, DDB Buenos Aires, and Young & Rubicam. During this time, he breathed life into creative ideas for many prestigious brands such as Coca-Cola, Under Armour, Trident, Sonnet, NYC Football Club, Axe, Rexona, Impulse, PayPal, VW, Telefonica and a vast more, earning numerous international accolades along the way.

He is highly regarded in the creative industry for his exceptional expertise, known for his ability to bring innovative and award-winning campaigns to life. His talent and accomplishments have earned him a reputation as a luminary in the field.

United States

Jim Redner

Founder, Redner PR

With over two decades of experience, James Redner, also known as Jim, is a veteran in the video game industry. He started his career in public relations at GCI Group, where he worked with esteemed clients such as Dell Computers and THQ, contributing to projects like STALKER and licensed games for Mattel, Pixar, and Marvel.

His career took off when he was recruited by Edelman PR to play a pivotal role in launching the Xbox 360. Subsequently, he joined BNC PR, managing accounts related to PlayStation games and the Jordan Brand, working on iconic franchises like God of War and Gran Turismo.

Redner founded his consultancy and has since been involved in diverse gaming-related projects. His collaborations include Oculus VR, Gearbox/2K Games, and support for startups like Carbon Studios. He offers valuable insights into creating and executing campaigns that drive awareness and sales, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the gaming industry.

Serbia

Valentin Briukhanov

Lead Game Designer, CodeCombat

Valentin Briukhanov holds the position of Lead Game Designer, boasting over nine years in game design and more than a decade in engineering roles.

He specializes in developing game content, having crafted numerous programming puzzles, levels, tournament arenas, and curriculum modules for educational gaming platforms like CheckiO, Empire of Code, CodeCombat, Ozaria, CodeCombat AI League, and CodeCombat Worlds.

Briukhanov possesses a profound grasp of the convergence between education, media, and technology, directing his efforts toward devising content that captivates and educates children, students, and seasoned programmers alike. Briukhanov's unwavering dedication to the field of game design is evident in his nine years of commitment to crafting engaging and educational gaming experiences. His extensive expertise spans both game design and engineering roles, amounting to over a decade of valuable experience. His passion lies in the creation of game content that enriches the minds of players, particularly focusing on children, students, and seasoned programmers.

France

Lisa Pendse

Vice President of Marketing, Quantic Dream

Lisa Pendse, a veteran in the field of video game marketing, brings almost twenty years of marketing expertise. Originally from Boston, MA, she now resides in Paris, France, where she holds the position of Vice President of Marketing at Quantic Dream, overseeing the award-winning studio's marketing strategies for both their in-house productions and externally published games.

Before her current role, Pendse spearheaded the worldwide marketing strategy for the highest-grossing music video game franchise, Just Dance, successfully introducing the brand to the Chinese market. Lisa also serves as an ambassador for Women in Games and passionately advocates for the representation and advancement of fellow South Asians in the gaming industry.

Her professional interests lie in advocating for the consumer, fostering team culture, and devising creative campaigns aligned with specific objectives. Her skill set includes simplifying intricate concepts into actionable insights, rallying individuals toward shared objectives, and cultivating interpersonal networks.

United States

Claire Ferrin

Content Creator and Freelance Writer, cublikefoot

Claire Ferrin is a content creator and freelance writer who has been covering the video game industry for over 10 years.

Since 2011, she has been actively contributing to the cublikefoot YouTube channel, where her content spans a wide spectrum of gaming genres. A particular emphasis is placed on PC games and especially those originating from Japan, areas where she offers in-depth insight and reviews.

She is known for a series called ACTUAL Game Review, where she provides straight to the point, no-nonsense reviews without holding back. This includes giving each game a score on the entire 1-10 scale and not the 6-10 scale that many outlets use. She also runs another series called "Quick Review" which applies this same principle into a binary "recommended" or "not recommended" system.

Kazakhstan

Olga Iadreeva

Head of 2D Animation, MYTONA

Olga Iadreeva is the head of 2D animation in a renowned international video game development company.

In her capacity, Iadreeva oversees the animation quality of the company's ventures. She also lends her expertise as a director, providing guidance for various projects and contributing to the development of storyboards for in-game sequences. She brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the realm of video game animation, having collaborated with skilled animators and gained a thorough comprehension of the artistic process involved in animating video games.

Her dedication to animation excellence has significantly elevated the visual storytelling of the company's video games. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that every frame of animation meets the highest standards, enhancing player immersion and experience. Her contributions as a director have not only shaped the narrative arc of in-game videos but have also mentored and inspired a generation of animators under her guidance.

Canada

Mike Sorrenti

Producer / Creative Director, Game Pill Inc.

With 16 years of interactive experience, prior to starting Game Pill, Mike was a Brand Manager for Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers, and is no stranger to entertainment. Mike is a prolific producer and CEO, having created over 100 game titles across various platforms since 2008. These titles have ranged from mini-casual games to large scope digital media projects for clients such as Nickelodeon, Marvel, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and several others.

With an interest in toy design, he also earned his certificate in Toy Invention under the direction of lead Spin Master Toy Designer. His passion is idea creation and concept design. There are no limitations to his imagination and he is not afraid to push the envelope, take a challenge head on, and create the unexpected. He loves to mentor new talent and takes pride in igniting the creative spark in his teams.

United States

Michael Spegar

Account Manager, U&I Entertainment

Michael Spegar stands at the vanguard of video game distribution, championing the journey of titles from code to consumer. As the Account Manager of Co-Publishing and National Distribution at U&I Entertainment, Michael has been the strategic force behind the successful physical releases of epoch-defining titles like Fortnite, Minecraft Legends, and Stardew Valley. His proficiency in promotional planning has ensured these games not only reach shelves but also capture imaginations across North America, including the US, Mexico, and Canada. A lifelong video game aficionado, Michael's passion transcends mere entertainment; he sees an intricate tapestry of art in every game. His extensive experience with publishers worldwide gives him a unique perspective on the market and an unparalleled understanding of what makes a game resonate with audiences. Approaching the NYX Game Awards with both the keen eye of a seasoned marketer and the impartial judgment of an art critic, Michael is poised to bring an invaluable blend of professional insight and personal enthusiasm to the judging panel. Although aware of potential conflicts of interest due to his direct work with various publishers, Michael is committed to an ethos of integrity, ensuring that his evaluations remain objective and that the artistry of games is always at the forefront. Beyond his evaluative role, Michael is eager to leverage his vast network, encouraging more partners to join the celebration of gaming excellence that the NYX Game Awards represent. Michael Spegar's involvement promises to not only enhance the breadth of the Awards' reach but also deepen the appreciation for the art of gaming.

United States

Emily Black

Software Engineer & Game Curator, Xbox

Emily is a dynamic software engineer, avid gamer, and passionate game collector/reviewer with a rich background in the gaming industry, notably at Mojang, where she played a pivotal role in launching titles like "Minecraft Legends" and pioneering features like in-game mob voting. Her influence extended as she served as a prospecting board member for Xbox Game Pass. During her leisure hours, Emily has immersed herself in reviewing an extensive array of games on Steam, accumulating over 9,000 played and reviewed titles. Her deep expertise and love for gaming have culminated in an exciting role as a jury member for the NYX Game Awards.