MMORPGs can be a great way to learn languages and make friends – it’s what turned James Michael into a Japanophile. Hear what it’s like to work in a huge video game franchise, network, and navigate international careers in video game localization in this episode of Open World.

James Michael got his start in the professional world working at a subcontracting company in Tokyo making 3D models and AR/VR for pachinko machines, doing interpreting and business development. Later, he got lucky with a job at Nintendo in Seattle, where he worked in localization on e-manuals and mobile titles, with the occasional 3DS and Switch title tossed in. After that, he got an opportunity to take a lead position at Capcom, where he worked in smaller parts on a few Resident Evil games until he worked as localization director on Resident Evil Village. James now works adjacent to games in production management at Cy Games, helping to link outsourcing companies to projects and get the best outside talent to help dev teams fill gaps in their team.