Who is The Gaming Creative?

My name is Stephen Kyriakou and I am officially a boomer, who still has a deep passion for video games, esports and gaming culture. Just as important, I am an advertising creative with over 20 years experience who has won a host of international awards from Cannes, to the One Show to D&AD.

I deeply believe in the power of gaming culture to bring people together and am excited to use that passion to help brands provide and get value from it.

Stephen Kyriakou, Creative Director

My career began in Toronto as I was lucky enough to land an internship as a copywriter at a small agency called Sharpe Blackmore EURO RSCG. Those were amazing times and I was extremely fortunate to work with a load of incredible people who I still call friends today, and who helped lay the foundation for me to become a successful creative.

My 'canon' event was getting retrenched from Saatchi & Saatchi, where my then boss shared some invaluable advice. He said I am one of the nicest guys in the industry, but it came down to numbers, and I never did enough to be irreplaceable. From then on, I learned nice wasn't enough.

I was given a second chance in Singapore, and one adventurous career followed - which saw me working on all sorts of brands from Volvo, to DBS bank, to Singtel, to Dell, Nikon, Bose and more.  And along the way I was fortunate enough to bring home a host of awards - Cannes Lion, One Show Pencil and D&AD Pencil topping them off as the three most coveted awards in our industry.

I have run and built some of the biggest brands in the region, including HSBC, Singtel and DBS - and love the challenge of being able to show big, challenging brands that creativity and bravery always wins.

"Kylo" - Gamer, Coach, Caster and Founder

My passion for gaming began with my Dad, who always had a love for gadgets and tech. From the old Amiga systems, to the Nintendo and Sega systems and to the early days of PC gaming, it was an amazing time to grow up.

It also was something that created a great bond between my Mum and myself, as she got into games too - falling in love with the Lord British Ultima series, and Diablo.

This is the root of why I believe so much in the power of gaming. If it can keep a bond strong between parents and their bratty teenage son, it can bring anyone together.

Today, I continue to work to be a part of gaming culture and help to elevate and create opportunities in gaming, as well as bring people together through gaming.

I co-founded and run Never Forget Gaming - which is a community based on helping ALL gamers find their fun, regardless of where you come from or what games you like to play. We also ventured into the worlds of esports, running our own teams in Valorant - an eye opening learning experience as you understand what esports athletes and gamers go through as they try to reach the top.

It is incredibly stressful for them, and a ton of pressure on very young shoulders.

I also took an esports production and management course at Republic Polytechnic, where I learned a lot of the ins and outs of the industry and further supplemented by expertise in the area.

Stephen "Kylo" Kyriakou - The Gaming Creative

And that brings us today. Where I bring together my experience and expertise in the world of advertising, with my passion and belief in the world of gaming, to help brands connect with gaming culture in real, authentic ways that will generate incredible value.

If you're keen to work together, catch up over a coffee, get connected, game together or just talk about gaming - don't hesitate to reach out via the button below.