FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Hareem Sattar
Public Relations Manager
Nintendo of Canada
Phone: 604-555-1234
Email: hareem.sattar@nintendo.ca
Nintendo of Canada welcomes John Karkavanidis as new head of game design
HAMILTON, October 8, 2024 – Nintendo of Canada, Ltd. is thrilled to announce the appointment of John Karkavanidis as the new head of game design. In this role, Karkavanidis will be responsible for overseeing the creative development and direction of all gaming projects, continuing Nintendo’s legacy of innovation and engagement in the gaming world.
“We are beyond excited to have John step into this pivotal role,” said Hareem Sattar, public relations manager at Nintendo of Canada. “John’s incredible journey from self-taught game designer to one of the key creative minds in the industry is a testament to his passion, creativity, and determination. His approach to design is fresh, innovative, and exactly what we need as we explore new territories in gaming.”
Karkavanidis’s story is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Forgoing the traditional college path, he founded his own design service business right after high school. Eager to follow his passion, Karkavanidis dove headfirst into the world of game design, teaching himself using only online resources and tutorials. At the age of 22, he applied for an internship at Nintendo, where his raw talent and relentless drive impressed his mentors and earned him a full-time role shortly after.
With over 15 years at Nintendo of Canada, Karkavanidis is known for pushing the boundaries of creativity and spearheading innovative gameplay concepts. As head of game design, he will oversee all aspects of game development, from concept creation to final production, and drive creative strategies that align with Nintendo’s mission to surprise and delight gamers of all ages.
“Nintendo has always been about creating magical experiences for players, and I’m thrilled to take on this new role and continue that tradition,” said Karkavanidis. “From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to create games that resonate with people on a personal level. Being a part of the Nintendo team has been a dream come true, and I look forward to working with the incredible talent here to shape the future of gaming.”
Karkavanidis’s promotion comes at an exciting time for Nintendo of Canada, as the company looks to expand its portfolio and explore new genres and technologies in the gaming industry. Karkavanidis’s expertise in integrating player feedback into design and his commitment to fostering creativity among his team makes him the ideal candidate to guide the company into its next chapter of success.
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About Nintendo Canada
Nintendo of Canada, Ltd. is a subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., a global leader in interactive entertainment, with its headquarters in Burnaby, BC, Canada. Dedicated to bringing innovative gaming experiences to the world, Nintendo is at the forefront of the gaming industry with beloved franchises such as Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. For more information, visit www.nintendo.ca.
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