Nora Bajes is a truly distinguished figure in the industry, standing out not only for her professional achievements but also for her human touch. She is an invaluable asset to our region. We caught up with her to introduce her more closely to our readers and to draw inspiration from her profound experience. Here is Nora Bajes, answering our questions with her trademark sincerity and professional vision…
1️⃣ Who is Nora Bajes, and what has your journey to this point looked like?
💬 I’m a communications professional with 13+ years of experience in PR strategy, media relations, influencer activations, and large-scale franchise launches across the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. I started as a Creative Writer in an animation studio, where I fell in love with entertainment, then expanded into tech PR at ESKADENIA Software and Infobip, building on my creative storytelling roots. This experience paved the way into gaming, where I combine strategic communications with immersive, community-driven storytelling to engage players across multiple markets. My passion is crafting narratives that resonate with gaming communities while delivering real impact.
2️⃣ What are the fundamental elements of building an effective communication strategy in a fast-paced industry like gaming?
💬 I see three core elements for an effective communication strategy in gaming:
– Player-first clarity – messaging should be consistent globally but adaptable to local communities.
– Agile planning – campaigns need a clear strategy but the flexibility to react to player feedback, trends, or breaking news.
– Community and influencer collaboration – strong relationships with internal teams, agencies, media, and creators ensure content resonates and drives engagement. At the end of the day, the best strategies balance creativity, speed, and player-focused impact.
3️⃣ How have your experiences at global companies like Infobip and IOP Publishing shaped your approach within the gaming industry?
💬 Working at global companies taught me corporate discipline, digital fluency, and cross-cultural communication. I managed multi-region campaigns, tailoring messaging to diverse audiences, a skill directly transferable to global gaming franchises. These experiences shaped my approach: think globally, act locally, and keep players and communities front of mind.
4️⃣ Your regions—MEA and Turkey—are incredibly diversity culturally. What are the primary factors you focus on when crafting communication strategies?
💬 When working across MEA and Turkey, I focus on cultural sensitivities, local traditions, and player behaviour, keeping an ears-on-the-ground approach by listening to communities, influencers, and social trends. This ensures campaigns feel authentic, resonate with players, and connect meaningfully across each market.
5️⃣ In your view, what is the key ingredient of a successful influencer–publisher collaboration?
💬 The key to successful influencer–publisher collaboration is building mutual trust through two-way communication. Influencers need the freedom to be creative, while publishers ensure messaging aligns with campaign goals and audience expectations. Clear briefs, ongoing dialogue, and flexibility help deliver authentic, engaging content tailored to each influencer’s audience and shaped in their unique tone of voice.
6️⃣ How does your early creative background influence your communication style today?
💬 Starting as a radio presenter, creative writer, and editorial content creator taught me that communication is more than strategy! it’s in the words we choose, the tone, the timing, and the delivery. Today, I apply these skills to PR and communications, crafting narratives that resonate emotionally while delivering strategic impact across franchise launches, media campaigns, and community activations.
7️⃣ What do you think the next five years will look like for the gaming industry in MEA?
💬 Over the next five years, MEA is set to grow rapidly, fuelled by a young, mobile-first player base and expanding local content. Initiatives like the Esports World Cup and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, backed by Savvy Games Group investments and acquisitions, are positioning the region as a global gaming hub. I expect thriving esports ecosystems, stronger collaborations with global publishers, and a surge in local studios and talent development, creating exciting opportunities for players and creators alike.
8️⃣ What advice would you offer to young communication professionals hoping to work in international gaming?
💬 Be curious, culturally aware, and adaptable. Take internships at gaming studios, publishers, partners, or PR agencies, explore courses in game design and esports, follow influencers, and understand creator-community dynamics. Embrace creativity, know your audience, balance ideas with data, and put yourself out there! Every campaign is a chance to grow.
9️⃣ Anything you’d like to say to the gaming community and players in Turkey?
💬 I’d like to thank the Turkish gaming community for its passion, creativity, and dedication. Your feedback, energy, and engagement drive the experiences we create, and I’m excited to continue delivering content and campaigns that celebrate your community. Wishing you a festive holiday season and an epic 2026 filled with exciting new releases, events, and in-game adventures!
We thank Nora and recommend that you stay tuned for our upcoming interviews. We will continue to bring you conversations with surprise names and introduce you to inspiring figures from the industry.
