40: WGE MAG
The Flying Dutchman S
Self-styled as ‘The most well connected person in the games industry’, Dutchman Reinout te Brake is often sought for his connections and advice. As the former strategist of Spil Games, Reinout oversaw the foundation from a young games company to one of the most recognized casual games enterprises in the entire industry – it took him less than three years. Reinout left Spil Games in his native Netherlands in 2008, to start up his own company. Six months later MMO Life was born, the first localized MMO games network. Reinout’s story is perhaps not as unique as it is poignant. With his own start-up capital, late night meetings around the kitchen table, and weekend programming, the first portal in Wordpress went live in January 2009. Within 12 months an additional 10 MMO portals were also live, covering the regions of Europe, North America, Brazil, India and China.
But transformation didn’t take place there. Instead it paved the way for a new strategy, with the establishment of an eco-system of MMO games, bringing traffic and game sign-ups to MMO developers through affiliate partners. From this transformation iQU.com was born! To many Reinout is considered influential in the games industry. With a passion for entrepreneurship, strategies and change he is frequently featured in the media. His work methods fall nothing short of controversial. Often taking a radical approach from vision and idea creation, to architecting strategies and execution. With his ‘Imitate and Innovate slogan, he has transformed companies, bringing in new concepts, methods and ideas based on proven business strategies and success formulas. His stern, sure-fire and entirely present persona, cuts him an interesting character in the world of games. One thing is for sure; instantly recognisable within the industry for his sock-less feet, slight Eastern Holland accent, PartagasHavana No.2 cigar in the corner of his mouth and an iPhone stuck to his ear.