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Dec162011

2011 Recap: Hello eSports, goodbye Ms. Tiwari

DateFriday, December 16, 2011 at 12:59PM

I am writing this as I sit in my decorated apartment that became my home one year ago. Sipping on some rose colored tea [note: ironically similar to the phrase "rose colored glasses"], I do feel that life has been kind to me in 2011.

Around this time last year, I was preparing to get married, had become an aunt for the first time, and recently started at IGN Entertainment--all within one month! It was a very challenging time for me both professionally and personally, but there is a feeling of contentment as I think back to that time. 

At IGN, I started as a part of the video team then began volunteering with a new initiative called IGN Pro League earlier this year. Before I knew it, I was leading the video production charge with a 12 person team. I have managed people in the past, but never so many passionate and talented individuals. I really feel lucky to work with this group on a daily basis and appreciate their dedication to making high quality video on a daily basis. My peers on the senior team are so intelligent and I genuinely feel connected to them and know that I have made some lifelong friends within the organization.

A lot has changed after IPL3. We matured as a group and made us feel that we were not in the minor leagues anymore. After directing the multi-day show in Atlantic City (not to mention surviving the whole ordeal that is planning & executing a live event), I have been faced with the challenge to constantly innovate. With articles in Forbes, The Economist and other media heavy hitters it is clear that eSports is in the limelight. Many other eSports organizations focus on the live tournament aspect of entertainment; at IPL we are trying something different.

My goal is to strike a balance between pre-produced "polished" content as well as maintaining live, engaging broadcasts--all available daily. Transitioning IPL from an online tournament, to a live tournament and now network in under one year has been quite the feat! My team launched two new shows in the past couple of weeks and we are getting close to being a true eSports channel. Next year, we will expand in to new avenues and my major focus will remain on bringing the fans good quality content that they care about. 

Directing at Master Control, Circus Maximus

This year also marks the year where I traveled more than ever before. I took several trips down to Southern California for conventions and weddings, along with Atlantic City for IPL 3, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston along the way, Washington, Alaska, Canada, St. Lucia and Disneyland. My last stop is Costa Rica for New Years which should be amazing!

The beautiful Rochester, MA

On a personal note, I admit I am truly a fan of marriage. Sure it's much different than my life as a single lady but in the best way possible. My husband has been incredibly supportive of me and my (at times) consuming job. We constantly talk about our dreams and try to figure out how we can support each other in making them happen. There have been some tough times that we have been through, but the fact that I have a strong commitment with someone remains to be the most comforting feeling. It's wonderful sharing the end of my day with a good man who I trust with all my heart. I also became an aunt one year ago to my brother's first child--oh what a feeling that is! She is such an amazing little girl who I am so excited to see grow. I can't help but spoil her with stuff I didn't have growing up.

I miss honeymooning in St. Lucia everyday!

Which leads me to where I end this blog, that is where I began. Not many of you may know this, but I grew up in a modest home with two parents who worked 4 jobs between them. We've all heard the immigrant rags-to-not-quite-riches-but-middle-class story to which my parents are no exception. My mother saw my talents early and encouraged me to follow my goal to create media. I have a long way to go before I touch the stars, but I am really proud of the road I have come down to get here even though it has taken sacrifices and a lot of hard work.

Thanks for continuing to read my blog even though I don't post as much as I would like. Cheers to a new year! 

 

AuthorAdmin | Comment4 Comments | |

Reader Comments (4)

Neha, This is awesome. I've followed you for some time and its been nice to see where you've gone and are going. I look forward to reading about your next adventure! Keep being awesome!

December 16, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMichael Cummings

Heaps of change do seem to deprioritize blogging. I've gone through the same thing this year, with my "excuses" being parenthood, another huge move, new job, and a surprisingly stronger value on privacy.

You've done a lot more than I had done at the same age. Keep on rocking it!

December 16, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJeff Putz

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