How did the successful partnership between Kakuchopurei.com and TV2 come about, leading to Kakuchopurei.com's broadcast on air?
It was a fortuitous happenstance which led to us sitting down and discussing ideas with the Director General of Broadcasting, Mr Suhaimi Sulaiman. Part of his idea and strategy of ‘meremajakan RTM’ or to make RTM more youthful, we agreed that a programme which resonates more with the younger crowd is one of the moves forward. 

Also, as far as we are aware, no such programme exists on local TV. The closest we had was Astro’s EGG Network which was recently ceased. With Main Game, we aim to create a programme which remains relevant well beyond its air date while at the same time providing educational content to all segments of viewers. 

How did the name Main Game come about?
We felt that the title of the show had to be something memorable, catchy and at the same time inclusive. Esports and video games have always been viewed as a very urban, English speaking-centric activity. We aim to break that barrier by making video games much more accessible regardless of language and locale.

‘Main Game’ carries its own meaning in English but in Malay, it literally reads ‘playing games’. It’s catchy, inclusive, double-edged and the fact that it is a good icebreaker is the cherry on top of the ice-cream. 

What is the focus of the content in the Main Game programme?
For Season 1, we aim to show our viewers the larger aspect of the video games industry. By showing them that video games and esports are more than just sweaty teenagers playing games in a dimly-lit room; but instead, a vast industry with promising career prospects, opportunities and future. We also want to showcase how inclusive the video games industry can be through our segments. 

To know is to love. So we also want to create content which is easily consumed and understood by parents and those who are usually not well-versed with the video games industry. Unsure if you should support your child’s interest in video games, or what do they actually stand to gain from it? Watch Main Game. We promise you insights that will hopefully change your mind and perception. 

Who is the intended audience for Main Game, considering that esports typically appeals to a niche demographic while TV programming aims to reach a broader mass audience?
Everyone, to be honest. Video game enthusiasts, aspiring esports athletes, parents who are concerned about their children’s interest in the video games industry. Students who are unsure whether this is a viable career path post-SPM. Returning gamers who've left gaming for a while but keen to get back into the scene. Even those who have no interest in video games - we hope that we have that one episode or segment that they’ll somehow learn about something, and turn it into a watercooler discussion topic. 

Will there be subsequent seasons following the initial 13 episodes?
I hope so. As most TV programs go, the final say is not in our hands, but instead, the viewers’ - and of course, the network. Hopefully with subsequent seasons, we are able to delve deeper into various topics - hopefully even the heavier ones. But for now, we are just concentrating in delivering the best we can in the first season. 

What types of pitches from brands and PRs would pique your interest in featuring them on the Main Game programme?
Personally, the weirder, unique and more left-field they are, the better. I feel shows like these should be educational while at the same time, easily consumed and enjoyable to watch. Beyond the standard talking heads style of presentation, I’d love to explore new ways of conveying information to the audience. 

Think of it as Top Gear, but for video games and esports. Car culture used to be this uptight, very exclusive scene but Top Gear made it much more accessible and inclusive. 

As Kakuchopurei.com team has grown from three members to eight, could you kindly introduce each team member and provide an overview of their respective roles and responsibilities? Are they all involved in the content production of Main Game?

The current Kakuchopurei.com team include:

Kenn Leandre - CEO
Jonathan Leo Toyad - Content Director
Fazri Nuha - Head of Events
Shahril Anuar - Head of Sales and Marketing
Aisha Alisha - Social Media Manager
Alleef Ashaari Abdul Shukor - Reviews and Features Writer
Lewis Lionel Larcombe - Esports and Gaming Writer
Xandria Morden - Content Creator

Everyone is involved in the production of Main Game as I wanted everyone to have a hand in it from day one. So instead of segregating the team into ‘Web and Youtube’ and ‘TV’ teams, I felt that moving as a unit and keeping everyone involved is the best way forward.  

The research, idea generation, content direction were all team effort. 

However, considering the workload, I do have plans to add a few more to the team. People who are willing to learn and open to new challenges. None of the current team had experience with TV; but when it comes to video games media, I dare put this team up there with the best in the business. 

Answers submitted by CEO, Kenn Leandre.