Oliva: Lore, Backstory, Spells etc.
Describe the journey that brought you to working with an indie publishing company.
I started my professional career as a journalist and have continued to do content management, marketing, creative strategy, and all that for esports organizations and publications. What I've always loved about marketing to gamers is their passion and dedication. You are creating social media campaigns, events, videos, and other engagement opportunities for this excited community that's allergic to cringe and fakeness. They want raw and authentic. That's why I love sharing an indie game's voice throughout its website, social media, and other marketing. They want to connect with something real.
So often people ask kids, what do they want to BE when they grow up. A better question we should ask kids, and anyone, is: “What problem do you want to solve in the world?” How would you have answered this question as a 10 year old kid?
I probably would have said to find a way to make people immortal.
How would you answer that question today?
I would say something realistic - something I can actually do myself. And that would be to really push people to fight for their own happiness. I wish more people lived with the knowledge that it's all for nothing - it's all meaningless. People say that sounds cynical but it's the opposite - it frees you. You realize that life is what you make of it. Life should be doing what makes you feel happy and making memories that you will look back on with a smile. That could mean travel or making an indie game or pursuing a new career or just finding new places to eat. Life is whatever you want it to be.
When you build a character for D&D what is your primary goal? Entertainment, Power, Roleplay, Other?
I am always wanting to explore strange characters with odd quirks, even if it means annoying the rest of my party and even if it means having flaws or conflicting traits the character must work through.
What is the most powerful D&D character you’ve ever made? The least powerful character?
I have somehow never had a powerful D&D character. This is probably because I'm too focused on making them weird. But my least powerful was a dragonborn druid with the personality of a neckbeard. He was a know it all that would just repeat what other characters already said and claim it as his own plan. I had a wolf puppet I'd always talk to. I was completely useless to the point where the DM even had to create situations for me to actually do anything.
What video games do you play? Indie video games?
I love fighting games and FPS the most. I am always playing Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate... I also am trying out new games like Spectre Divide. I also love playing Kirby games on my Switch. I recently found out that I'm a beast at racing games at the arcade as well even though I use a Miata. My favorite game of all time is Fallout. I tried Outer Worlds and Starfield and it wasn't the same. I'm currently playing Disco Elysium. There are too many games to play.
When you play a brand new RPG, what is the class that you most often end up playing on your first run through?
I recently attempted to play Baldur's Gate twice. The first time I was a Fighter. I felt it would be straightforward and strong. But that playthrough was boring me to death. I went through the game again as a Barbarian that made all the most evil choices possible and it was a lot more fun. I still quit though.
What have video games taught you about marketing and social media?
Be real. Be yourself. Marketing works best when it reflects a game's voice and style. It allows gamers to latch on to something. Also, learn your audience. Truly understand them and speak directly to them. Have fun with it. I love creating unique opportunities that break the mold. What is great about the gaming and esports industries are that they love experimenting and innovation. Sometimes things won't work out and that's okay! I will still try to find one-of-a-kind activations that fit any budget.
What do you believe indie games need in order to compete with AAA?
Embrace what makes your game special and celebrate it with the community. Share your personality with fans on social media, Discord, Steam... You have the ability to more directly interact with gamers, whether it's answering questions on Reddit or sharing updates on Discord or providing fans with unique in-game opportunities based on discussions or polls. This is a great foundation.
What piece of media has inspired you the most in your life?
Esquire Magazine. Men's magazines is what inspired me to take journalism and write professionally. It's always been my dream to creatively tell stories and share unique perspectives. Anyone can relay the news. But can you find curious angles and fresh ways to share content?
What person, real or fictitious has shaped your outlook the most on life?
My mom! She has always been such a positive person. I always quote her: "Every decade of life has been my favorite." Embrace the present and do what you love. My mom has traveled with me, exploring new places and sharing crazy experiences. She cares more about passion than logic. I get logic from my dad - and I definitely appreciate that as well. But I have always embraced the concept that you only live once and I want my life to be filled with love, creativity, joy, curiosity, and unforgettable experiences. We also have the same humor!
What is your favorite quote?
"“Abandoning your uniqueness is equivalent to dying” - Bocchi the Rock anime
What other projects are you personally passionate about?
When I'm not doing stuff with video games and esports, I love working on my cars (93 Mazda Miata and 2006 Lotus Elise), hanging out with my Maine Coon, and competing in the Pokemon TCG.