Kabam https://kabam.com The best in mobile gaming Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:33:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Inside Kabam: Meet Amy So, Assistant Controller https://kabam.com/news/inside-kabam-meet-amy-so-assistant-controller/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:30:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30966 Amy is the Assistant Controller on our Finance team and works alongside a team of unsung heroes that navigate numbers, strategies, and regulations to steer Kabam toward success behind the scenes. As part of our Women’s Month Inside Kabam series, Amy tells us about what a day in her life at Kabam looks like, some of the challenges she faces in her role, and what her favourite thing about working at Kabam is.


Tell us a bit about yourself and your career leading up to Kabam

In university, I concentrated on Operations Management and Accounting as I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and problem-solving. I landed a job at KPMG just before graduation and did my articling in their audit practice, as well as a rotation in management consulting. Shortly after obtaining my CPA, I left the firm and wanted to try something different while still working with numbers, so I did a one-year stint in FP&A. Eventually, I realized that I missed financial reporting and working in teams and wanted an environment that was more fast-paced which led me to Kabam.


Tell us about a day in the life of an Assistant Controller at Kabam

Every day is different, but a lot of my work is deadline-driven and depends on the time of the month. Most recently, I start my days with catching up on emails and Slack messages, followed by various meetings with different stakeholders (internal and external), reviewing work completed by my team, researching technical accounting topics, liaising with auditors, liaising with the Accounting department at our parent company, troubleshooting issues with the team, building out process flows for a system migration with the team, and then catching up with anything I wasn’t able to get to during the day in the evening.


How do you see the future of gender equality progressing in the gaming industry?

I believe that for gender equality to progress it’s important for us to increase representation not only in the number of leadership roles at Kabam but also in the characters and narratives in the games that we produce. Gaming as an industry and finance teams can often be fairly male-dominated, and seeing representation and having women or allies in various teams to uplift other women is important in effecting change and ensuring equal opportunities are provided. However, Kabam has a very unique position in this aspect where we have a healthy amount of female representation at various levels including from our AP clerks all the way to our CFO!


What advice would you give to people who want to be allies and uplift women and gender-diverse colleagues in the workplace?

The best way to be an ally is through active listening and taking action to show that women and gender-diverse colleagues on your team are heard. It’s important to remember to advocate for their inclusion in discussions and make sure they have a say in the decision-making processes.


What is the most challenging part of your job?

 Accounting and financial reporting are always fast-paced fields. It’s exciting to get to work with our parent company and subsidiaries, but meeting tight deadlines such as month-end close, payruns, and other reporting deadlines, while trying consistently to maintain a high degree of accuracy in how our numbers are reported is a challenge that my team embraces.


During your time at Kabam is there one project you are most proud of?

In 2022, Kabam acquired Gurobal Games, which is a gaming studio in Seoul, Korea, that has played a big part in developing our upcoming game, King Arthur: Legends Rise. As part of their integration with Kabam, we had to migrate Gurobal Games’ accounting information onto our ERP system. Working with Gurobal for the first time presented challenges such as language barriers and timezone issues, and we also ran into a lot of technical issues and reports breaking throughout the course of this project.  At the end of the day, this project was a success, and the partnership with Gurobal Games is an ongoing rewarding part of working on this team!


What do you like most about working at Kabam?

 The people and teams that I get to work with every day. It’s a group of people who are resilient, work hard, but also have fun while working. Oh, and can’t forget about the Asian snacks that we get! 


IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER AT KABAM, CHECK OUT OUR OPEN ROLES AND APPLY TODAY!

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MARVEL CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS WINS BEST BRAND EXPERIENCE AT MEA https://kabam.com/news/marvel-contest-of-champions-wins-best-brand-experience-at-mea/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:55:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30986 We’re very proud to announce that Marvel Contest of Champions has received the award for excellence in Brand Experience from the 16th Annual Media Excellence Awards!

As one of the most influential awards for mixed media, entertainment, and technology, the Media Excellence Awards honor the innovation and leadership across these industries. The winners and finalists represent the very best globally in multi-platform innovation, revolutionary entertainment, and technological breakthroughs. We’re also incredibly honored that this is the 5th time that Marvel Contest of Champions has received an award win from the MEAs!

This year’s award recognizes Kabam’s development of unique content, fan programming, and community events around Marvel Contest of Champions that extended the brand experience beyond the core game. This included impactful moments such as the First Nations-inspired Chee’ilth original character with Marvel digital comic release, the first-ever Battlerealm Brawl fan celebration and global competition, and more.

Some of this past year’s big highlights for Marvel Contest of Champions alongside our player community included:

  • Reaching the major milestone of over 250 Champions total in-game and introducing 20 new Champions in 2023 alone, including the remastered Iron Man, Summoner’s Choice (fan-voted) Champion, Gladiator, and many other familiar and fan-favorite playable characters from across the Marvel Universe.
  • Working closely with First Nations cultural experts and Marvel for the big reveal of our new original character, Chee’ilth, during New York Comic Con. Chee’lith is the game’s first-ever First Nations-inspired original character celebrating the influence of the First Nations people in the Vancouver region and Canada. As part of the reveal, Kabam and Marvel released a special-edition Chee’ilth digital comic book via Marvel.com for fans to learn more about the new character’s backstory and abilities, as well as a Motion Comic video showcasing Chee’ilth and fellow Champion Kushala with video narration by Canadian actress of Cree and Métis heritage Tantoo Cardinal. The introduction of Chee’ilth exemplifies Kabam’s ongoing initiative and continued efforts to improve representation in the game.
  • Hosting our first-ever live event and community celebration, Marvel Contest of Champions Battlerealm Brawl, which took place over two days in the Vancouver, BC area. This featured a Top 8 global player competition at The Gaming Stadium and community festivities at the Kabam Headquarters. The Battlerealm Brawl live event saw over 60,000 unique online views during the two-day competition, and competitors flew in from North America, South America, and Europe – where Battlerealm Brawl finals winner Arto ‘Fintech’ Railovesi took his championship home to Finland.
  • Marvel Contest of Champions remains one of the most played fighting games on mobile, maintaining a 4.6-star rating and Editor’s Choice on the App Store, over 1.6M social media followers, and over 300M downloads worldwide since its launch in 2014.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Marvel Contest of Champions team for all of their hard work and success over the past year. And, of course, a big THANK YOU to our amazing community of players for their ongoing support as we celebrate this Media Excellence Awards win!

As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary coming later in 2024, we look forward to bringing even more special experiences to Marvel Contest of Champions players and continuing to build a true sense of community worldwide!


Want to work with an award-winning team full of passionate creators? Check out our careers page now!

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Inside Kabam: Meet Bibek Kaur, Senior Software Engineer https://kabam.com/news/inside-kabam-meet-bibek-kaur-senior-software-engineer/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30947 Our Game Engineers play a critical role in making our games come to life. Bibek Kaur, Senior Software Engineer, tells us about her career journey at Kabam from working in our Service Reliability group to our core Backend Engineering team. She also gives advice for those who want to uplift women and gender-diverse colleagues in the workplace and what she appreciates most about working at Kabam.


Tell us a bit about yourself and your career leading up to Kabam

I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a software engineering degree. Most of my experience revolved around Firmware development – my internships and even my first job post-graduation. Thankfully, I managed to break free from that world and found myself in the thrilling realm of the gaming industry.


Tell us about a day in the life of a Senior Software Engineer at Kabam

Being part of the Core stream, I work on prioritized features from our roadmap. Collaborating closely with game designers, we outline the backend tech specs before diving into feature development. Beyond coding and bug fixes, we actively participate in meetings and engage in code reviews.


How do you see the future of gender equality progressing in the gaming industry?

It’s difficult to generalize my experience across the entire gaming industry, but within the tech sector, I’ve never encountered any gender-based inequality. I hope this trend continues, with individuals securing their jobs, advancements, and promotions based solely on merit rather than factors like gender or race.


What advice would you give to people who want to be allies and uplift women and gender-diverse colleagues in the workplace?

To uplift women and gender-diverse colleagues in the workplace, my advice is to actively listen to their perspectives and experiences. Offer support and amplify their voices in meetings and discussions. Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of gender. Together, we can create a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes equality for all.


Are you a gamer? What are your favourite games?

Unfortunately, I’m not much of a gamer. I’ve always been more of a field player. However, I do find enjoyment in playing Marvel Contest of Champions, the game I have the privilege of working on. What I particularly enjoy about Marvel Contest of Champions is its diverse fighting styles for each Champion, which keeps the game engaging and prevents it from becoming dull. Learning new skills with each Champion adds a dynamic layer, making it exciting to conquer new quests in the game and earn sweet rewards.


How did you get into the gaming industry?

I began my career in firmware development, but I found the work incredibly dull and couldn’t imagine spending my entire work life on it. Intrigued by backend development, I set my sights on the gaming industry, which sounded incredibly exciting. Taking a chance, I applied to Kabam and, fortunately, landed a position. Now, I’m working on something I envision myself doing and enjoying for years to come.


What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is working on Marvel Contest of Champions, a game that I genuinely enjoy playing myself. I have the opportunity to develop features that I, as a player, want to see in the game. It’s fulfilling to receive feedback from players about how much they appreciate the changes we’ve implemented and the impact it has on their enjoyment of the game.


How has your role evolved since you joined Kabam, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

I began my journey at Kabam with limited experience in gaming backend development, so I started as a Service Reliability Engineer to gain a comprehensive understanding of how games are developed and deployed to users. Subsequently, I transitioned to backend software development, which was always my goal. I’m pleased to have achieved what I set out to do and am currently focused on executing all my responsibilities effectively.


What do you like most about working at Kabam?

What I appreciate most about working at Kabam is the absence of a strict hierarchy. In my experience, managers here aren’t solely focused on their tasks; they genuinely show interest in the career progression of their direct reports. This has been my experience at Kabam, and I try to reciprocate the same support for my team members.


IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER AT KABAM, CHECK OUT OUR OPEN ROLES AND APPLY TODAY!

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Inside Kabam: Meet Patricia Yeboah, Senior Manager of People Business Partnerships https://kabam.com/news/inside-kabam-meet-patricia-yeboah-senior-manager-of-people-business-partnerships/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30920 Our People Business Partners (PBP) work closely with our teams to unlock their potential and enhance the experience of being a Kabammer. Patricia Yeboah is our Senior Manager of People Business Partnerships, and tells us about a day in the life of a PBP at Kabam, how she sees gender equality progressing, and what she’s learned since joining the gaming industry!


Tell us a bit about yourself and your career leading up to Kabam

I grew up in Ontario but was born in Ghana, West Africa – which you will always hear me talking about. After obtaining an Honors Double major in Political Science and Law & Society, I began my Human Resources (HR) career after taking a Post Graduate program in HR Management. Having worked in Ontario (Bombardier) and Alberta (TransCanada Pipelines), my family and I moved to the lower mainland in 2016. In my 18+ years working in HR, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various industries, which has given me the opportunity to learn and develop various HR practices. Most recently, I worked for  Amazon and joined Kabam in January of 2023.


Tell us about a day in the life of a Senior Manager, People Business Partnerships at Kabam

I work with our Senior leaders to develop people strategies to achieve their business goals. As a People Business Partnership team, our mission is to steward an engaged and high-performance culture at Kabam. On a day-to-day basis, my role is to align people, culture, and business strategy by developing and implementing initiatives that provide people and leaders with tools and processes related to growing the employee experience. These programs include talent development, strategic initiatives such as workforce planning, talent review, and organizational design that contribute to Kabam’s future and growth. I also lead and support other members of the people business partnership team with advice, coaching, team direction, and direct support.


How do you see the future of gender equality progressing in the gaming industry?

I see gender equality only continuing to grow and grow in the gaming industry. Women bring their own viewpoints, narratives, and creativity, allowing for more diversity that is also drawing different groups of people into the industry. I’m also loving the growth in characters and representation of strong female characters and was so excited to see the introduction of Chee’ilth to Marvel Contest of Champions.


What advice would you give to people who want to be allies and uplift women and gender-diverse colleagues in the workplace?

I love this quote: “Women need a seat at the table, they need an invitation to be seated there” – So, to me, this message speaks to how allies, especially those that hold privilege, can not only voice but action changes that uplift and create new spaces for women in the workplace.


What’s something interesting or unexpected that you’ve learned about the gaming industry since joining Kabam?

Kabam is the first Gaming company that I have worked for. I’ve learned so much about the gaming industry in the last 1 year. Working with our Studio leadership team, I’ve had the opportunity to learn the full lifecycle of building and developing a game and what it means to grow and expand on a wildly successful game like Marvel Contest of Champions. It’s so interesting to see the combination of creativity, technology and business strategy and how these three combined create amazing games.


What prompted you to apply for your position with Kabam?

My role initially prompted my interest in Kabam. And then, as I learned more about the organization, I was really drawn to what I heard about the culture and the teams. I was really interested in the opportunity to work in the gaming industry and learn the business side of the industry.


What piece of advice do you have for someone starting their career in Human Resources?

My advice for someone starting their career in Human Resources would be to figure out which area of HR you are most interested in. In most People teams, there are generalists and specialists. Going the Generalist route typically means working in the capacity of a People Business Partner or Advisor. In this work, you get to partner with the various HR specialty teams and, therefore over time, become a “generalist” in each of the specialties. Specialists in HR focus solely on roles such as Recruitment, Total Rewards, Programs, Talent Development, Systems, People Operations, etc. The earlier you can determine the path you want to take, the more focus you can have on your development and growth towards that path.


What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is working with leaders, teams, and my People team as we implement people programs that make the business and people move forward in achieving our goals. Also, being a manager and being able to mentor, coach, and collaborate always makes my day better!


What do you like most about working at Kabam?

Kabam is the one place in a long time that I feel I can bring the best me and my authentic self to work. The openness I’ve experienced in my team and working with different departments and leaders have given me a sense of belonging that keeps me connected to Kabam. 


IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER AT KABAM, CHECK OUT OUR OPEN ROLES AND APPLY TODAY!

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Inside Kabam: Meet Scarlett Desmarais, Data Analyst https://kabam.com/news/inside-kabam-meet-scarlett-desmarais-data-analyst/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:00:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30897 Data Analysts are the key to encouraging data-driven decision-making at Kabam. They provide insights into how our games perform by analyzing player behaviour and various KPIs to inform our development teams. Scarlett explores a day in the life of a Data Analyst at Kabam, shares tips for aspiring data analysts, and gives advice on how to be an ally in the workplace.


Tell us a bit about yourself and your career leading up to Kabam

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Victoria, I worked in administration in post-secondary institutions for a few years before realizing my passion for business analysis. I threw myself into the data world and started my Master of Management Analytics at Queen’s University while taking an awesome role at a software and consulting company to learn the tricks of the trade. Those years gave me a lot of technical experience and exposure to different business models. It also gave me the opportunity to make connections with other newbies as well as seasoned professionals in the field. The more I learned, the more interested I was! I have been lucky to have worked with and been supported by so many wonderful professionals along the way, which has continued during my time at Kabam.


Tell us about a day in the life of a Data Analyst at Kabam

As a Game Data Analyst, my responsibility is to extract insights for game teams on their many initiatives. I work with a variety of stakeholders to learn their business goals and identify opportunities where data can help in achieving them. As a mobile gaming company, we have a lot of data, so I am often querying the database to explore and analyze large sets of complex data. Depending on the business need, I may be writing an analytical report on A/B test results, creating a dashboard to monitor new feature performance, or preparing a presentation on KPI movement and improvement. I also play our games on a daily basis to keep up-to-date on events and offers, which obviously is the best part!


How has being a woman in gaming given you an edge in your work?

By bringing a different perspective to the table. As a woman, I’ve had experiences throughout life that sometimes translate into a different viewpoint when it comes to business decisions. In my experience, gaming has been a very inclusive and accepting industry in which I’ve found people actively seek a diverse set of opinions. I think adding to the diversity at Kabam in any facet gives our entire organization an edge because our player base is just as diverse as us, and we want our products to reflect that. The last statistic I read is that women make up 46% of gamers (and that continues to grow), so it makes good business sense to consider our perspectives, and I’ve found people to be extremely receptive to it.


What advice would you give to people who want to be allies and uplift women and gender-diverse colleagues in the workplace?

In my opinion, being an ally is as simple as respecting and supporting those different from yourself. Drop any preconceived notions you have and speak up if you hear biases creeping in – every person is different and no one benefits from generalizations. Take the time to learn about the goals and skills of the women on your team. Ultimately, give each woman a fair opportunity to show you who they are – women bring some unique strengths to the table and will often surprise you with their abilities!


Are you a gamer? What are your favourite games?

I never considered myself a gamer, but I should probably revisit that! I have two top games at the moment. My mobile game pick is Covet Fashion. In this one, you dress up models in the latest fashions. There are style challenges in a variety of settings (work, vacations, events), and the goal is to create the best look for the occasion. If you liked Barbies as a child, you’d love this game. My other pick is a board game called 7 Wonders Duel. It’s a 2-player strategy card game, the objective being to develop a civilization stronger than your opponent’s. I’ve been dabbling in the expansion packs for this game, and they add the perfect challenge to keep the strategy interesting.


What piece of advice do you have for someone starting their career as a Data Analyst?

Firstly, find a great team! When you’re starting off, learning best data practices can be overwhelming. Instead of guessing if you’re on the right track, surround yourself with other data professionals who can guide you along the way. It makes all the difference when taking your analysis skills to the next level – my team and I support each other’s work by bouncing ideas off each other, sharing new ways to approach problems, and giving each other feedback so we’re all continuously improving.

Second, work in a business domain you’re interested in. As an analyst, your data toolkit is only as good as your industry knowledge. It is much more motivating to analyze data when you have a natural curiosity about the topic. That interest will give you an edge when it comes to identifying opportunities for analysis and anticipating stakeholder questions.


What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Sharing impactful insights that we can use to improve our game. Our game teams work extremely hard on their initiatives, and as an analyst, I am always looking for information that can help them achieve their goals. When I uncover something interesting or unexpected, it’s exciting to share those insights with the team and use them to tune features or make more strategic decisions. I find it highly rewarding when you get to see the value your work is adding to the organization.


What it is that sets the Data Analyst of Kabam’s Games apart from the competition?

A Data Analyst at Kabam is a triple threat – well-versed in data skills, business domain knowledge, and stakeholder relationships. Each analyst has a unique role on our team, and we consistently connect to align on goals, help each other improve, and build upon our strong relationship. In addition to a diverse set of skills, our data team has a flexible approach. We will shift our tasks, roles, and even team structure based on the needs of the business and support each other when cross-training is required.


Are there any unique team traditions or activities that you enjoy at Kabam?

Kabam’s vision is to “entertain the world,” and that also includes entertaining employees – we are always having a good time! Every week, there is some sort of lively activity happening for us to connect as a larger team. Some of my favourites are team lunches, Friday Night Live (a monthly get-together where we preview upcoming game features), and board game nights. However, my ultimate favourite tradition is playing intro music leading up to our All-Hands meetings. It’s one of those little things in life that makes you smile and reminds me how grateful I am to work at a fun company like Kabam.


IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER AT KABAM, CHECK OUT OUR OPEN ROLES AND APPLY TODAY!

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Inside Kabam: Meet Justin McNeil, Senior RPG Designer https://kabam.com/news/inside-kabam-meet-justin-mcneil-senior-rpg-designer/ Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:30:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30782 RPG Designers are creative problem solvers who bring the player experience to life. Justin McNeil from our Acadia team explores his work on our characters’ abilities and balance, and shares insights and advice for aspiring game designers.


Tell us a bit about yourself and your career leading up to Kabam

I’m originally from New Brunswick but moved to Prince Edward Island for a career in video games. I’ve worked in the industry since 2007, starting at a small studio as a QA tester and working my way into a design position. My first few titles as a designer covered a variety of game genres, mostly on the Nintendo DS and Xbox Live Arcade.

After a few years, I started working for a mobile company specializing in ongoing games. This was a shift since we focused on games that would release, and then continue to update with new content for years. Eventually, I landed a job as a Senior RPG Designer at Kabam, working on various titles.


Tell us about a day in the life of a Senior RPG Designer at Kabam

As an RPG Designer, I work mainly on character abilities and balance. Early in the character process, we concept what the character can do and how they will look. We work with artists to plan what their animations will look like and what cool effects will go along with their attacks. The RPG designer adds the character to the game and runs several playtests with other team members to determine if the character is fun and unique to play.


Are you a gamer? What are your favourite games?

I’ve pretty much always been a gamer. I try to play a variety of games because I’m always interested in new and novel ideas. But mainly, I return to fighting games like Tekken or Street Fighter and platform games like Mario and Shovel Knight/


What prompted you to apply for your position with Kabam?

Kabam appealed to me because they do some amazing things within the mobile genre. As a fan of fighting games, it’s great to see a company having success in the mobile space. Kabam’s visuals and characters are top-notch also.


What piece of advice do you have for someone starting their career in RPG Design?

A lot of the work for an RPG Designer is about making compelling characters, which includes their visual appeal, abilities, uniqueness, and balance. Look to games that put a big emphasis on characters or character builds, like League of Legends and Dark Souls. Try designing your own characters, new abilities, or new stats for those games to see how well they fit. If you enjoy the process of making characters in pen-and-paper games like Dungeons and Dragons, you might enjoy working as an RPG designer.


What is the most challenging part of your job?

A lot of Kabam games feature familiar characters. When designing a character for a game, it needs to be true to the original character but also fit within the game world. So, finding a balance between what fans expect of the character and what the most fun gameplay for that character is.


What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most enjoyable thing is seeing feedback from our players as they experience the content we have been working on for weeks or months. Knowing that the characters we put out resonate with people and they are having fun playing as those characters is what makes the design process really pay off.


What are the future trends and challenges in the gaming industry, and how do you see Kabam adapting to those trends and challenges?

The game industry is still growing, which I think is great because we see more and more interesting games coming out. With so many great games on various platforms, it can be hard to sift through all the options. As a game company, we need to find our audience, make sure we understand what experience they’re looking for, and deliver on that experience.


How have you experienced mentorship or learning opportunities at Kabam?

In my time at Kabam, I’ve been able to work with a lot of talented people who have taught me a lot about game design. We have fairly regular design discussions with designers from other studios and working on other projects. Since we have a varied team with a lot of specialties, this has led to a lot of new learning opportunities.


IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER AT KABAM, CHECK OUT OUR OPEN ROLES AND APPLY TODAY!

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Kabam Holiday Celebrations Roundup https://kabam.com/news/kabam-holiday-celebrations-roundup/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:30:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30566 ‘Tis the season for holiday cheer here at Kabam! In addition to each studio celebrating with their teams, our awesome Workplace Experience team provided a more inclusive experience to those who prefer to celebrate in different ways.


Remote Team Members

Our homebodies and remote team members who couldn’t attend the in-person events were sent personalized gift baskets of cozy winter comforts!


Vancouver

Our party people enjoyed a night to remember with delicious food and tasty drinks, entertainment ranging from a live jazz band to interactive casino games, and more!

Our experience seekers had the choice between a pottery class or a virtual reality escape room, and met up for dinner afterwards.


Montreal

Our Montreal team met up for drinks and games, and held a secret santa exchange with our General Manager Gwen Heliou dressed as Père Noël himself!


Austin

Our Austin team celebrated the holidays with a sit-down dinner with their teammates and loved ones.


San Francisco

The San Francisco office celebrated the holidays at Fifth Arrow with bowling, retro arcade games, a gift exchange, and yummy food!


Los Angeles

The Los Angeles team par-tee’d at Top Golf!


Charlottetown

Our Acadia team celebrated with a delicious Holiday Dinner at Hopyard!

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GameChanger Scholarship Spotlight: Meet Josephine Tjhia https://kabam.com/news/gamechanger-scholarship-spotlight-meet-josephine-tjhia/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30537 In August 2023, we launched our inaugural GameChanger scholarship with the goal of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the gaming industry. We have received many fantastic applicants and are thrilled to announce the winner for 2023, Josephine Tjhia!

Josephine is a 2nd year Computer Science student from the University of Toronto. Join us in congratulating Josephine and learn more about her below!


Tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Josephine Tjhia and I’m a second-year computer science student at the University of Toronto. I’m interested in pursuing game design and am proficient in various programming languages such as Python, C, C#, Javascript, SQL, and Java, as well as tools like the Unity Engine and version control systems like Git. 

That’s the boring resume stuff. I also love my tech community! I’ve been actively involved in various initiatives and organizations, such as being a Coding and Artificial Intelligence Instructor at the University of Toronto’s Engineering Outreach Office, where I designed and taught a curriculum for students in grades 5 to 8 (and hopefully inspired them to pursue studies in tech!) Additionally, as an organizer for the Hack the Valley hackathon I collaborated with a dedicated team to bring together a diverse community of 500 tech enthusiasts. We created a space not only for brilliant projects but also inspiring events such as the Women in Science Summit which featured a panel of distinguished industry leaders and their experiences. As the Vice President of Mentorship for Women in Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics on campus, I also launched the AccelHERation mentorship program and continue to support women’s success in technology through hands-on workshops and one-on-one mentorship sessions. Speaking of volunteer involvement, I served as a Technology Mentor for Cyber-Seniors, connecting generations by training senior citizens across North America to address technological barriers. Giving back means a lot to me, and creating these spaces for tech nerds like myself to share knowledge and help each other grow is my favourite part about diving into the field of computer science.


What motivated you to apply for Kabam’s GameChanger scholarship?

My motivation to apply for Kabam’s GameChanger scholarship is rooted in my vision for the future of gaming—an evolving landscape that prioritizes innovation and positive social impact. As a dedicated computer science student deeply interested in the transformative potential of the gaming industry, I aim to contribute to cutting-edge technologies and redefine the gaming experience. 

I envision games that break away from traditional narratives and offer diverse, relatable characters and experiences. As a prospective game developer, my commitment lies in actively participating in the creation of games that champion both diversity and gameplay innovation. The GameChanger scholarship provides a unique opportunity for me to contribute to this vision by furthering my education and skills, and allowing me to contribute to the industry and actively participate in shaping the future of gaming.


Do you have a role model? How have they influenced you in pursuing a career in STEM?

I am incredibly fortunate to have two influential individuals in my life—my mentor, Elaine, and my mother—who have shaped my journey in profound ways. Elaine, an industry leader, has overcome numerous challenges to reach the heights she occupies today, making her story truly inspiring. She has been a guiding force, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection for personal growth and empowering me to find confidence in spaces where representation may be lacking. Elaine’s mentorship extends beyond mere guidance; she actively supports my pursuits, particularly in the realms of career and academics, helping me evolve into a more effective leader. I am immensely grateful for her unwavering support and mentorship—thank you, Elaine. 

On the other hand, my mother has been a beacon of resilience and sacrifice. Despite her own unfulfilled dream of pursuing engineering, she graciously provided me with the opportunity to study computer science and I couldn’t be more grateful. With immigration, she couldn’t pursue a career in her studies here, but she adapted and built a fulfilling life for our family, showcasing unmatched hard work and dedication. Her selflessness is unparalleled, having sacrificed her own career to care for our family as well as friends in need. Witnessing her unwavering support and boundless generosity has left an indelible mark on my character. To embody even a fraction of the strength and selflessness my mother exemplifies would be an incredible achievement.


What sparked your interest in exploring the gaming industry?

My fascination with the gaming industry stems from a natural extension of my passion for technology and software development. Games, as immersive experiences, provide a unique platform for creativity, problem-solving, and technological innovation, offering the exciting opportunity to contribute to virtual worlds that resonate globally. Involvement in hackathons and collaborative projects, like creating an evolving ecosystem simulation game, solidified my interest in game development, showcasing the convergence of art and technology. 

Furthermore, my love for the arts as a singer, violinist, and creative writer has significantly influenced my gaming industry interest. Games, acting as interactive art, blur the lines between traditional art forms. The captivating soundtracks, visually stunning graphics, and compelling narratives in games resonate with my appreciation for artistic expression. As a creative writer, I am particularly drawn to the storytelling potential within games, viewing them as a medium to craft intricate narratives and evoke emotional responses, presenting an opportunity to integrate technical skills with artistic sensibilities.


What are some of your favourite games?

Among my favourite games, Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes a prominent place as a recently released gem that has left a mark on my gaming experience. The captivating world of Hyrule, intricate puzzles, and Link’s challenging journey make it stand out in the legendary Zelda series. Its immersive storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics exceeded my expectations, providing both a nostalgic and refreshingly new gaming experience. The attention to detail in design, emotionally evocative musical score, and depth of the narrative all contribute to making Tears of the Kingdom an unforgettable adventure.

Additionally, I have a profound appreciation for classics like Super Mario 64, which features pioneering 3D platforming elements pivotal in shaping the modern gaming industry. My orthodontist’s office was equipped with a Nintendo 64 console, making every visit memorable and exciting.


How do you see yourself contributing to the gaming industry in the future?

I aspire to contribute to the gaming industry, particularly as a game developer. My primary objective is to actively engage in crafting games that resonate with a diverse audience, ensuring relatability and engagement for players from various backgrounds. By focusing on inclusivity, I aim to create games that cater to a wide range of interests, making the gaming space more welcoming and accessible. 

In the realm of technological innovation, I am dedicated to staying at the forefront of advancements in virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Whether it involves pioneering game mechanics, optimizing engines, or exploring new frontiers like procedural content generation, my determination is to continually push the boundaries of what is achievable in the gaming industry. Beyond mere entertainment, I envision myself developing games that tackle crucial social and environmental issues, utilizing the powerful medium of games for education, awareness, and fostering empathy.


In what ways have you been involved in supporting women in STEM, and what do you hope to see in the near future?

My role as the Vice President of Mentorship for Women in Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics on campus has been a significant avenue for supporting women in STEM. I launched the AccelHERation mentorship program, providing first-year students in the Computer and Mathematical Sciences department with valuable guidance and resources. By coordinating socials and technical workshops, I aim to foster a supportive community for women pursuing technology-related fields. 

In the near future, I hope to see increased representation of women in leadership roles within the gaming and tech industry. Additionally, I advocate for initiatives that provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to encourage more women to pursue and thrive in STEM careers. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we can break down barriers and empower women to contribute to the transformative potential of technology and gaming.


For more information on our GameChanger Scholarship, click here. Applications for the next scholarship will open in Fall 2024!

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KABAM GAMES’ 2023 HOLIDAY FUN https://kabam.com/news/kabam-games-2023-holiday-fun/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://kabam.com/?p=30436 ‘Tis the holiday season, and our games have been gearing up their holiday spirit with exciting new content and celebrations for our players. Here’s what’s coming up:


Marvel Contest of Champions

Before fully getting into the holiday spirit on Marvel Contest of Champions, we just celebrated the game’s 9th Anniversary on December 10th! This is a huge accomplishment, and the game has come such a long way since its launch in 2014 with over 260 Champions added, 10 of which are original to The Contest, 4 Billion hours played, and over 96 Billion fights completed! ICYMI – Check out the new trailer that just released:

To celebrate this milestone, the team will host 9 Days of Giveaways, live on Twitch! Come and hang out with your favourite Marvel Contest of Champions Community and Game Team members at 9 AM PT from December 11-15, and December 18-21st, only at twitch.tv/kabam!

The much anticipated Banquet Event will start on December 20th to celebrate the holiday season. Red Guardian’s mailbox is full of letters – meant for someone else – from children asking for toys and gifts. Red Guardian has had enough after reading one letter with a particularly round drawing of a man in a red suit. He may live up north where it’s cold, wear red and white, and even be a bit round, but he’s not THAT guy in a red suit! This year, Red Guardian has assembled an alliance of Champions to stop the holidays so he never has to receive a letter again. Summoners are challenged to choose whether to side with Red Guardian and add the Champions of The Contest to the Naughty List or save the Holidays and add them to the Nice List.


Shop Titans

To celebrate the holiday season this year, starting on December 14th, Shop Titans will release the Christmas Seasonal Collection with themed shop decor, shopkeeper clothing, and more. The Yule Mega Pack featuring rustic holiday-themed items will also be available starting December 15th. But that’s not all! In the spirit of the holidays, all workers will bring the Shopkeepers gifts of their consumable resources!


Disney Mirrorverse

Finally, in the Mirrorverse, the 12 Days of Holidays event starts on December 25th, where players can enjoy a new daily offer in the Bazaar until January 6th!

Each bundle focuses on different items to power up your Guardian, such as Brilliant Crystals, Relic Crystals, Universal Signets and more! Seize the deals while you can!


Don’t miss out on all the seasonal fun! Play now!

From all of us at Kabam, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

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