From KOL to CEO

Filmed live onstage at the YGG Play Summit, the finale to LOL Lounge’s first season features two of Web3 gaming’s most influential creators, GamingGrid co-founder YellowPanther and Gaming Daily founder Iceyyy. In conversation with YGG co-founder Gabby Dizon and host Leah Callon-Butler, they unpack how they turned their passion for Web3 gaming into value-driven content while explaining the strategic thinking that enabled them to cultivate sustainable careers as creators.

The episode highlights the importance of creators balancing creative output and putting on their “business hat,” exploring what makes brand-creator partnerships work in Web3 gaming. They emphasize how long-term success depends on authentic alignment over short-term profit, genuine enthusiasm for the games they cover, and a commitment to professionalism. Gabby identifies consistency as the most critical yet least common habit among creators, while Iceyyy and YellowPanther underscore the value of showing up at in-person events like the YGG Play Summit to build relationships offline rather than relying solely on digital channels.

The group also notes that creators in the still-nascent Web3 gaming industry have greater direct access to developers and founders. Gabby shares that publishing its own games enables YGG to support creators directly, driving deeper partnerships and giving them clear avenues to contribute and grow within the Casual Degen ecosystem.

Tune in to hear the full conversation on what it takes to thrive as a leading creator in Web3 gaming.

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LOL Lounge Episode 06 — From KOL to CEO

1:21 — Why Web3 gaming creators love coming to Manila and interacting with the local community.

6:32 — The first steps YellowPanther and Iceyyy took to establish their Web3 gaming content careers.

12:25 — Why creators need to be able to put on their “business hat” and be strategic about their content.

16:00 — How the bear market rewarded people who genuinely wanted to bring value to the industry.

18:42 — Iceyyy explains the main difference between creating gaming content in Web3 vs. Web2.

20:19 — YellowPanther highlights why Web3 content creators need to have patience and consistency.

21:44 — The importance of investing time and effort into building genuine, authentic relationships.

26:25 — The kinds of opportunities creators can unlock through partnering with YGG Play.

31:07 — Gabby discusses how YGG’s model for creator partnerships aligns incentives compared to other platforms. 

32:51 — Iceyyy shares how IRL events have helped him build strong connections with strategic partners.

36:15 — Why today’s Web3 gaming creators are tomorrow's advisors.

40:59 — The mindset and overall approach creators need to have to work their way toward success.

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Read the YGG Play blog and relive the 2025 YGG Play Summit.

Follow YellowPanther and Iceyyy on X for the latest in Web3 gaming news and culture.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify. Don’t forget to like and subscribe.

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