Ilja Rotelli

With over 30 years in the gaming industry, Ilja has contributed to some of the most beloved and iconic franchises, including League of Legends, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, StarCraft, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Tomb Raider, and the Pokémon TCG. Starting as a competitive Magic: The Gathering player in the 90s, Ilja leveraged his community roots to ultimately lead global esports and community teams for Riot Games, Wizards of the Coast, and Blizzard Entertainment. Notable achievements include launching Blizzard Esports as the creator of the StarCraft World Championship Series, developing grassroots competitive programs for League of Legends, and establishing most of the player-focused communication frameworks and programs still in use today for each franchise. 

Mastering the Game: Funding, Publishing, and Community in 2025

Creating and launching a successful game in today's competitive market requires more than just a great idea. In the never-ending changes of the 2024 gaming industry, self-publishing and securing funding are more critical than ever. This panel explores the intricacies of self-publishing without leaving it to chance, delving into direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategies that are shaping the market for 2025 and beyond along with steps to secure funding from publishers and investors. We’ll also explore the importance of community and ecosystem management plays in sustaining your game's longevity, position, and success.