IZ Spotlight: Celebrating Team Talents

03 October 2024

At Infernozilla, we’re far more than gamers; our team is filled with talented individuals who bring creativity, energy, and a wealth of unique skills to everything they do—both in and outside of work. From music to martial arts, cooking to crocheting, and streaming to sports, here are a couple of the sometimes hidden gifts of our team in this Team Talents Spotlight.

The Creative Spirits: Craft and Creativity Beyond the Desk

A cosplayer dressed in medieval-style robes at the Witcher School event in Poland, standing in front of a gothic-style stone castle, surrounded by other participants in costume.
Joe at Witcher School, Poland

For some of us, creativity knows no bounds. Joe Havard has been playing Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop RPGs for over four years, both as a player and a dungeon master as well as LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) at Witcher School in Poland. On top of that, he’s a professionally trained magician who loves to dazzle people, friends, family and sometimes on the occasional Infernozilla team call!

Timbre Webb thrives on creative challenges, too. When they’re not crocheting Viking beards, adorable octopi, or full blankets, they volunteer at wild animal sanctuaries, growing plants from tiny seeds, and cosplaying their favorite characters.

And then there’s me—yet another forever DM with an innumerable roster of bard OCs. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling, I have been spinning epic campaigns with friends for years. At this rate, we’re this close to having a full Infernozilla D&D party—just waiting for one more brave soul to pick up the sword, or maybe a lute?—which is a great segue into our next section!

The Melodic Souls: Musicians and Dancers Who Keep Us Tuned In

Clem van der Merwe passionately performing as the lead vocalist on stage with his band, Black Moscow, captured mid-song, with vibrant stage lighting and a bassist playing in the background.
Clem performing with his band

Music runs deep in the veins of some Infernozilla team members. Clem van der Merwe was a firm part of South Africa’s alternative music scene as a member of the band Black Moscow, which rocked stages from 2012 to 2022! Clem’s connection to music is a big part of who he is, and it remains central to his very being. Check Clem rocking out here!

On the other hand, Migs Jamero wears many hats as a musician. From playing drums, bass, and guitar to managing a band that signed with Warner Music Philippines, Migs’ musical journey has been one for the books. He even placed third in a national battle of the bands!

Meanwhile, Bianca Jansen van Rensburg finds herself through dance. With a background in modern dance and years of teaching experience, Bianca was recently invited to judge a school revue competition, meeting renowned South African dancer Herold from Strictly Come Dancing and actor Michael De Pinna from There’s a Zulu on My Stoep—both of whom she admired growing up. This year, Bianca even took home the overall adult trophy at solo champs. She was invited to perform at their showcase!

The Fitness Buffs: Health and Sports Enthusiasts Among Us

And of course, we have a veritable smorgasbord of fitness enthusiasts on the team! Joe Havard has been practicing Wing Chun, a Kung Fu style made famous by Ip Man (Bruce Lee’s mentor). His dedication to martial arts is just one example of how Joe applies discipline and passion to remain grounded.

Antonio González skillfully controlling a football during a game on a sunny day, wearing a blue jersey, with a focused expression as he prepares to make his next move on the field.
Antonio in action on the field

Antonio González, meanwhile, is a football fanatic. Before joining Infernozilla, he played football on a semi-professional team and now helps as an assistant coach. Antonio’s passion for the game has taken him far, and you’ll always find him either on the field or watching a match on TV. When he isn’t on the field, he’s KabricieTV, a channel that also took him all the way to Blizzcon!

Dante Pantaleo stays active as a pseudo CrossFit athlete, pushing himself through intense workout routines to stay in top shape. Joylyn Linderman takes her fitness outdoors, finding peace and adventure in hiking and camping, where she enjoys the great outdoors.

The Culinary Wizards: Cooking Up Creativity in the Kitchen

Some of our team members take their creativity to the kitchen! Migs Jamero enjoys whipping up delicious meals for his wife, who may love his cooking just as much as she loves him. Whether it’s a quick meal or a culinary experiment, Migs approaches cooking with the same passion he brings to his music.

The Storytellers and Writers: Crafting Worlds Beyond the Screen

At Infernozilla, our storytelling extends beyond gaming. Sofie Dimaculangan is a published author whose first book is a heartfelt compilation of poems about depression and self-worth. Have a look at her first book here! Sofie writes to connect with readers who’ve walked similar paths, and she’s already working on her second book.

As for myself, I’ve spent so much of my life writing, there is little to define me without it, and I’m preparing to publish my debut space opera trilogy. The first book, “Forged in Stardust,” is set for a summer 2026 release. Fingers crossed, I can beat distractions and actually finish my second draft this year!

The Techies and Gamers: Masters of Gaming and Innovation

Screenshot of a Tetris game interface displaying high scores, with vibrant geometric shapes in the background and a 'Play' button ready to start a new game
Amira’s high scores on Tetris

Amira Nasr is our resident powerhouse when it comes to gaming and streaming. She’s also a legend at Tetris—scoring over 500,000 in a single game! Her dream is to launch a Tetris championship in the Emirates, and we have no doubt she’d dominate the competition if she did. With her incredible skills, it’s no surprise Amira’s streams are a hit too! Catch all the action live on Twitch!

Andrey Korolev at Flow Festival, holding an MTV microphone while wearing a yellow 'Cow Chop' beanie and sunglasses, with a vibrant yellow background featuring MTV and Flow Festival logos.
Andrey presenting for MTV

Andrey Korolev, another talented gamer, has been honing his skills in tennis for the past three years, but he’s no stranger to competition. He was once a semi-professional “Go” player, representing his country in international championships. In addition to his gaming prowess, Andrey’s experience as a cinema critic and local MTV presenter further demonstrates his versatile talents.

Kaoutar Nazi is a celebrated streamer in her own right, having earned the title of Best Female Streamer in her country back in 2019. Her influence in the streaming world continues to grow, inspiring fellow gamers along the way.

The Community Champions: Supporting Communities IRL

Many of our team members also use their talents to give back to the community. Cedrick Macasero has a history of hosting events, including large gatherings, birthday celebrations, and church youth activities. His skills as a live voice actor and event host have brought people together, while his passion for cycling keeps him active and connected to his surroundings.

Timbre Webb smiling and interacting with a binturong lounging in a woven hammock at an animal sanctuary, enjoying a moment of connection.
Timbre volunteering at Wild Wonders, San Diego

Timbre Webb, with their volunteer work at animal sanctuaries and aquariums, shows just how committed they are to making a difference. Whether they’re educating others about wildlife or creating art that inspires, Timbre’s dedication to the causes they love is truly inspiring. They also once had the honor of hosting a tour at the Seattle Aquarium!

Why Showcasing Team Talents Matters

What makes Infernozilla truly special is that the skills we cultivate outside of work often enhance what we do on the job. Whether it’s the strategic thinking of a Dungeon Master, the patience of a musician, or the discipline of a martial artist, these talents shape the way we innovate and collaborate. By pursuing our passions, we grow both personally and professionally—driving our creativity and success as a team in a breakneck, ever changing industry like gaming!

–  Ameera Rahaman, Content Manager

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