Kael Barend

My work in game business development covers scouting award winning titles, managing complex negotiations, drafting terms and P&L documents, and working with partners to license titles for physical editions. I built the publisher Maximum Entertainment Playtest Program, the game funnel tracking systems, and the full evaluation methodology. I also advise several other game related businesses in both tabletop and digital spaces.I am currently open to employment and consulting .

Let's get in touch via the link below!

Areas of Speciality

  • Scouting: Using game industry savviness I found and pushed to sign high scoring projects that strengthened the portfolio, raising well over $10M in net revenue.

  • Licensing Support: I have experience working with external IP holders to license physical merchandise and games based on IP. I even helped bring about anime and film based collabs.

  • Community Building and UI Testing: I built a structured playtest group and helped nurture and grow the group to over 3,000 through our discord servers and CRM mailing tools

  • Event Planning Expertise: I founded and organized BGB Con, a board game conference in Berkely with several hundred attendees. I am also a frequent public speaker at conferences around the world, and have helped manage multiple booths.

  • And More...: I have worked with every department at Maximum Entertainment and have worn many hats. I can help with Production, Marketing, QA, PR, and more.

Key Experience

-Consultant, Agora Gaming Partners
Nov 2024 - Present
-Founder and Moderator, The Bizdev Circle (a server for publishing professionals)
Jun 2024 - Present
-Business Development Manager, Maximum Entertainment
Dec 2019 - Dec 2025
-Game Developer & Game Development Intern, Floodgate & Fantasy Flight Games
Jan 2019 - Dec 2019
-Board Game Industry Advisor, Goblin Bros
July 2018 - Present
-Game Reviewer & Content Writer, Gaming Cypher
May 2017 - Feb 2018

I'm glad something on this site caught your eye! This form is the best way to connect regarding consulting or employment opportunities. I'll be sure to respond as soon as I can.