The Pokemon World
Head of Lv1 Gaming, David Whitaker
Next up is none other than the head of Lv1 Gaming, David Whitaker. I met him at PAX East 2024, where his team was putting in the work at one of the booths. They were bringing people in, showcasing games, and keeping the energy high. We had some great conversations, snapped a few pictures, and hung out throughout the event. It was a fantastic time. David is someone I have a great deal of respect for in the gaming space. Here’s what he had to say about the world he’d choose to live in, or be trapped in.
The Pokemon world sounds fun to me to live in…in a very practical way for the most part. I would not need a car because I could just ride around on my Charizard. No boat, no problem, I’ll just ride this Lapras. And as someone who is not 10, I think I would have the knowledge to beat most other trainers….easy money.
I would for sure own a Ditto. Then have it transform into me, so it could go to work while I stayed home and played Marvel Rivals. That is honestly one of the funniest parts about imagining that world. I could relax, grind games, and let my double handle meetings and small talk. As long as the job gets done, no one has to know. It feels like the kind of harmless chaos that makes the Pokemon world so fun to be in.
The World of INSIDE or Gears of War E-Day
VP for Games Marketing at Microsoft, VP for Special Effect Charity, Board Member for Gamers Outreach, Aaron Greenberg
Next on the list is another incredible person. Someone who has spent decades helping shape the gaming industry and uplifting the people within it. I’m talking about Aaron Greenberg, the Vice President of Games Marketing at Microsoft. Aaron has been a recognizable and influential presence at Xbox for nearly 25 years, holding several key roles and consistently serving as one of the company’s most passionate ambassadors.
I had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time with him during the Summer Game Fest and Xbox Showcase activities back in June. We shared some great conversations, and I even had the chance to pick his brain about a few different topics. It’s always inspiring to see his continued support for charitable efforts like SpecialEffect and the Gamers Outreach program—causes he regularly champions. Here’s what Aaron had to say about the world he would choose to live in—or find himself trapped in.
I want to be the boy in the game Inside. That game was so fascinating and immersive. The surviving and challenges, as well as puzzles, would be fun to do as a little video game character. Also, the ending and deeper meaning of the game are fascinating. Also, I’d love to be Marcus Fenix from the start of Gears of War or E-Day. Give me a fricking lancer and let me at those locusts. Plus, who doesn’t love growing tomatoes and having friends like Dom?
Sea of Thieves
Co-Host for Xbox Expansion Pass and Owner of KeelhauledPod, Captain Logun
Next up is someone I had the chance to meet for the first time back in June—Captain Logun, one of the hosts of the Xbox Expansion Pass. During our time hanging out and the many conversations we shared, it was immediately clear how insightful he is within the gaming space. Logun was a genuine pleasure to talk with, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next time our paths cross. Here’s what he had to say about the world he’d choose to live in—or be trapped in.
It’ll probably sound a little on the nose, but there’s something magical about the Sea of Thieves world. I’ve spent most of the last decade engrossed in that game, and during that time, I have to say it never fails me as a world I’m happy to spend time in. From the various islands and the wildlife to the fortresses made of coral or the threatening volcanoes in the Devil’s Roar.
I can always feel at home waking up in the tavern and heading out to my ship. Sailing the seas looking for adventure is on par with riding Epona through Hyrule Fields, and it’s hard for me to pick a place that doesn’t invoke that sense of awe. Sea of Thieves is that world where I know the names of every island, and I can tell you most of where the islands’ secrets are.
It doesn’t take long when you’re sitting on an island looking across the sea of swimming down into a shipwreck, to understand just how unique a game Sea of Thieves is and how vibrant the world can be when you embody the romanticized version of what it means to be a pirate. To be more pirate.
Tamriel (Elder Scrolls)
Communications Director for Lv1 Gaming, Baron J
Next up is someone I first met a couple of years ago at PAX East—another member of the Lv1 Gaming team, Baron J., the organization’s Communications Director. When I met Baron, he and the Lv1 crew were working one of the booths, talking with attendees and showing off games. No matter how busy things got, he always had a smile on his face.
Every conversation I’ve had with Baron has been filled with laughter and good energy. He genuinely radiates positivity, and that’s something the gaming community can always use more of. You can also occasionally catch Baron streaming at events, bringing that same great vibe to viewers at home.
This is the world he said he’d choose to live in—or be trapped in.
Fantasy is Key…
I am not going to sit here and pretend that Isekai anime or games, where a character is swept into another universe, have not inspired the idea. But if I had a metaphorical weapon to my head to choose which game world I would be stuck in for the rest of my days, my first choice would be the Elder Scrolls universe or Tamriel. Yes, it is more medieval, yes, it is a lot of speciesism, a dash of other isms, but what universe doesn’t? What Tamriel does have is basically everything a fantasy nerd like me would want.
Do I want to be a werewolf for a while? Tamriel has that. Maybe I want to live as a vampire for a bit. Tamriel has that. OOOOooo, maybe I want to work my way up through the ranks of the Mages Guild. Then maybe even lead the entire organization. Tamriel has that. Wars, secret societies, evil doers, wealth inequality, and crime are things that exist in this reality. So, I wouldn’t mind navigating all those things with the power of a demigod who can craft master-level gear, enchant it, then sell it for ridiculous amounts of gold.
I would spend my time as a roaming merchant. I would take on quests while I’m not crafting or selling my wares. Alchemy, blacksmithing, leather-working, enchanting, and mercantile skills would eventually be some of the best in all the land. Then, when I get bored, I could go serve Sithis or Nocturnal for a bit. I believe the comforts of a technological society that I am used to could easily be replaced with magic and adventure. Long story short, if I got to choose my final destination, it would be the Elder Scrolls universe.
