64 | You Wanna Play?

Brooklyn, USA

They say, “love your job, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” But what happens when you turn a hobby or interest into a profession? This week, we spoke with members of the Nets Gaming Crew – a professional NBA2K team affiliated with the Brooklyn Nets, and the founder of CoExist gaming – a hub for professional gamers in the NYC area, about what happens when play becomes work. • Brooklyn, USA is produced by Emily Boghossian, Shirin Barghi, Charlie Hoxie, Khyriel Palmer, and Mayumi Sato. If you have something to say and want us to share it on the show, here’s how you can send us a message: https://bit.ly/2Z3pfaW

• Thank you to Kuye Youngblood, Alex Bernstein, Ian Curtis, Letta J, and Mike Ren.

• LINKS

Ivan Curtiss, also known as OG KING CURT, is the General Manager of The Brooklyn Nets Gaming Crew of The NBA 2K League. He also co-founded The (MPBA) MyPlayer Basketball Association, which is commonly regarded as the most competitive online NBA 2K League in the country. Curtiss is considered a pioneer within branding and gaming and has often been known in the industry as the “Godfather of 2K”. As an industry professional, Curtiss has been featured on platforms like The Undefeated, Getty Images, Dimer 2K, Nets Daily and more. He has also launched his own podcast, The #OG2CENTS Podcast, which aims to bridge the gap between lifestyle and gaming. The show airs every Sunday. Alongside his podcast, Curtiss has created his own line of merchandise to promote his brand and influence. His mission is to spread awareness about the NBA 2K League and gaming culture as a whole.

Alexander "Steez" Bernstein is a power forward for The Brooklyn Nets Gaming Crew of The NBA 2K League. He is originally from Santa Ana, CA.

Jaye (Letta J): Founder & CEO of Coexist Gaming. Gamer. FGC Champ. Grammy Nominated. Recording Artist. Songwriter. Anime Lover. Afro-Latina. Executive Chef. Wine Enthusiast. Foodie. Leftie. Tatted. Author. Educator. Activist.

Mike Yi Ren is a Chinese-American Game Designer and Video Producer currently living in Brooklyn, NYC. Previously, he lived in Shanghai, China for 8 years. His professional experience includes projects for Ubisoft, Netease, RADII China, Lonelyleap Films, and other recognized international organizations. Through his company, Arcadia Creative Consulting and Design Ltd., he specializes in Game Design, Film & Animation, and Graphic Design in production and consulting roles. His independent games have been covered in press including Rock Paper Shotgun, Kotaku, Vice and more.

• TRANSCRIPT: https://bit.ly/3GTLrtr

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