Santiago Pérez Castaño

COO

Interview

In this interview, we introduce Santiago Pérez, COO at our video games studio. He tells us about his beginnings in the industry and some interesting tips for those who are thinking of joining the sector.

Question: How did you get into the sports games industry?

Answer: A friend and I decided to create our own soccer game because we didn’t like any of the ones available at the time. That’s how my journey in the industry began.

Q: What is the best part of being a Product Manager?

A: When somebody who knows more than you joins the team. ; )

Q: Could you list some leadership tips?

A: Of course:

Be passionate about what you do
Be an example of effort and generosity
Knowing how to differentiate between what is important and what is urgent
Total availability for your team
Ask for opinions and know how to listen
Be clear and know how to communicate the “rules of the game”
Empathy

Q: What skills do you look for in the people for your team?

A: I look for people who is empathetic, motivated, put the good of the group before their own individuality, passionate about what they do, and resilient.

Q: How do you motivate your team to achieve the best results?

A: Making them understand the repercussion and visibility that their work will have. And giving them all the necessary tools so that everything goes as they expect.

Q: Tell us about a successful result achieved as a team and how did you get it.

A: We have developed a game for the World Cup in a new technology in only 45 days. It is a real record.
We have achieved this thanks to the commitment of the team, which has been able to differentiate between what was really important and what was not in order to reach the objectives set. The team has been aware of the size of the project from the very beginning and of its importance for the company at all levels.

Q: What do you expect from the future of the industry? What needs to be improved?

A: The industry is becoming more and more polarized and the small ones are having a hard time surviving. You have to know what your strengths are and dedicate yourself to exploiting them. This way, new opportunities arrive every day.
You have to improve the bureaucracy to get funding for new projects.

Q: Do you have any idea how many emails you send per day?

A: Less than 5.

Q: What is the app you use the most in your daily life?

A: Slack.

Q: What is the first thing you do when you get home and disconnect from work?

A: Play with my son or doing sports.

Q: What would you do if you won the lottery?

A: Hiring Bande (our Chief Financial Officer). ; )