In today's Creators United interview, we sat down to chat with the managing editor of the renowned South African gaming and entertainment site, Glitched Africa - the one and only Marco Cocomello. Marco had several terrific answers to our questions, from his firm stances on topics to how he envisions change to come about in the South African gaming industry. On top of that, Marco is proudly a family man, and takes the opportunity to cook for and with them. Let's see what makes Marco who he is today, how he got here, and what's the ultimate dream for Glitched Africa.



What inspired you to be a content creator?
I was doing so much for others and helping them grow, as I was a part of all these publications starting out. That's around the time when MWeb asked me if I wanted to do something for myself. At the time, I thought The Verge with Pippa Tshabalala was really cool. I really looked up to Pippa! I thought of doing something similar to The Verge, but ended up going with a completely original brand idea instead. So I met with Pippa and we put our heads together to come up with this new idea.

Who are your inspirations, and why?
I get inspired by Tim Cook from Apple. I feel he's a powerful, smart, and also gay. He doesn't let that get in the way of what he creates. In today's time, we label ourselves too much and those labels blind us from what we love doing. I always try and live my life like Tim, where I'm able to achieve a lot. The way he delivered.

What type of content do you create?
Aside from the written and editorial work for Glitched, I do social media, streams, unboxings, gameplay, so on and so forth. I guess there's nothing that isn't on my plate.

What would you do to further your field in the South African entertainment industry?
There's big change happening in the industry at the moment. Everything we've done in the last decade is changing, and we aren't embracing the change enough. Everyone is still running things like five years ago. We're all sort of stuck in the past. We don't look at international trends, and think "we should try that". With Glitched, I aim for that, doing written and video reviews by international standards. People are scared to do these kinds of things. Don't be scared to say, even though it's been done, "we'll try it".

What prompted you to participate in the Creators United?
It's a cool initiative. Nobody is really doing it in the country, I love that. As gamers, we take so much for granted. We love to complain about things, there's so many layers to it. Underprivileged kids, they wanna be like us, and play the same games, but the reality is they can't. I wanna donate that money to someone like them. That perhaps can't afford that experience.

Have you ever worked with any charity events before?
I do a lot of charity with friends, mostly around animal shelters. I travel with a group of vets who go to informal settlements and vaccinate dogs. Animals don't have a say. In South Africa, the landscape is really harsh for them. It breaks my heart.

When you’re not a content creator/superhero, what do you do in your daily life?
I am still a content creator, but I'm very family oriented. I cook! Cooking is my life. We have a big property where I stay, so we all cook as a family. Big pastas and big lasagnas. It's brilliant.

What are the greatest difficulties you’ve faced being a content creator?
I think there's a lot of brand issues with brands and brand relations. The biggest struggle is keeping those relationships with brands. This year, specifically, I've had a lot fight with brands. It's a two way street. If I'm doing a review for you, give me the device when I need it. It's essentially giving them free exposure. The biggest challenge is just trying to make sure brand relationships are good. Brands just need a kick in the arse.

How did you feel when your content was appreciated for the first time?
It's really something cool. Our YouTube channel is known for hardware, but it's been growing like crazy. It becomes overwhelming. It all comes down to Earth when you publish your review, and people are liking it. You can never stop appreciating that. Whenever you get good feedback, and support, you take it to heart and use it to better yourself and your content.

What is your ultimate goal as a content creator?
My ultimate dream for Glitched is to one day to have it in a big building in Times Square, where we have departments for reviews, video, sites, HR, PR, all of that. Sort of like a better, cooler IGN in theory. People just come and crate cool content because of love and passion, and do what they love. Glitched has to be the entity around for other people. Even if I'm not around to run things or not a part of Glitched anymore, I still want to see that dream realized.

Quick-Fire Questions

Favourite dinosaur?
Pterodactyl.

Why did you choose your specific handle?
I was made fun of at school for being "cocoa marshmellow" because of my name, so I went with "Cocomelts" - basically chocolate that melts.

Favourite video game?
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.

How did you get here?
I sat behind non-working streetlights.

What’s your favourite and least favourite food?
Favourite, Thai peanut butter green curry. Least, coriander. It destroys any dish it touches.

Favourite Pokemon?
Bulbasaur.

Least favourite video game?
Any sports game.

Favourite developer and publisher?
Developer, Square Enix. Publisher, Square Enix.

Favourite gaming console?
The Wii.

Mark your calendars for Creators United, happening July 27th and 28th at the Nexus Hub venue! Make sure you join in to see Glitched Africa's Marco Cocomello, and many other content creators collaborate to raise funds for the Abraham Kriel Bambanani Children's Non-Profit. Our theme is superheroes!