THROUGHOUT his first year in his current position at Blockbuster, Darling has developed a strong understanding of the games industry, as well as “an acute commercial awareness and proven ability to develop relationships at all levels”, according to his colleagues. He is a well- respected member of the Blockbuster team and approaches his role with enthusiasm and dedication.
SARAH WELLOCK Age: 28 Community Manager, Rocksteady
WELLOCK has earned a great reputation across the industry with her hard work, passion and sense of humour. Always approachable and always positive, she keeps the Batman: Arkham City community website active – even 12 months after release– helping out its users with all their questions and issues. She is also known to Rocksteady fans for her work at official events, on social media sites and at trade shows like GAMEfest and Eurogamer Expo.
MIKE FETHERS Age: 26
Buyer for Gaming – Sony, EA & Others, HMV
A GAMES buyer since 2009, Fethers has gained great experience in the industry from his time at Tesco and now HMV. He joined the latter earlier this year as gaming accessories buyer, before taking over the Sony, EA, Sega and other key accounts in September. Drawing on his knowledge and love of gaming, he has helped HMV show how serious it is about the industry and has earned the respect of both his colleagues and suppliers.
DAN SETO Age: 26
Assistant Publicist, Premier PR
JAMES & TOM ORRY Age: 29 Co-founders, VideoGamer.com
EDITOR TOM and news editor James Orry set up VideoGamer.com(then known as Pro-G ) way back in 2004. The brothers have shaped the site to become one of the biggest sources of gaming news, reviews and other coverage on the web – holding its own against giants such as IGN, GameSpot and Eurogamer. The pair also expanded their company to bring in new talent that have earned them a larger readership and even a Games Media Award.
BEN BATEMAN Age: 28 Central Community Manager, Square Enix
LIKE MANY community managers, Bateman has become an evangelist for what gamers are thinking and how publishers can work with them. Plus, he has the benefit of working on hit franchises such as Final Fantasy, Hitman and Tomb Raider, as well as new IP Sleeping Dogs. He works closely with Japan on titles such as Final Fantasy, co- ordinating with other Square Enix offices and partners across Europe.
A HARD-WORKING member of Premier PR’s games team, Seto has made his mark over the past 18 months through his work with Warner Bros, 2K Games, Namco Bandai and other partners. He has driven the PR behind some of 2012’s most successful games, including LEGO Batman 2, Borderlands 2and XCom. He also held the world’s highest score for Green Day’s ‘Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)’ on Rock Band Blitz – an invaluable skill, we think you’ll agree.
IN ADDITION to helping Sega ensure its games reach the widest possible audience in the UK, Gonzalez is commended for being “the happiest person on earth”, according to his peers. He signs all end of the week emails with “Happy Friday” – and to cap it all, brings in cakes for the rest of the Sega team.
PEDRO GONZALEZ Age: 29
UK Sales Analysis and Co- Ordinator, Sega
KURAN KAPOOR Age: 25
Product Marketing Manager, EA
KAPOOR has worked at EA since 2007. He began as a marketing intern and tried his hand at all of the company’s labels, before finally finding a place at EA Sports working on FIFA, Tiger Woods, NHL, Maddenand SSX. He helped make FIFA 13the most successful launch in EA history, with the game racking up 1.2m sales in the first week. Ironically, he’s actually very bad at playing FIFA.