Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Pablo “Paul Jagger” Lezama who currently is displayed on card number 3490, from the Superstars of 2020 Collection. Pablo was recently presented his trading card and award with a virtual trading card ceremony. Pablo is a popular free-lance journalist in Mexico who was instrumental in organizing the Mexico Trading Card Awards Ceremony. He is CEO Geek-Laak, media focused on Geek Culture, with an emphasis on video games.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
A lot of English, LOL, and that my actions, moral choices, and more stuff like that had consequences (Mass Effect, Telltale Games). I learned that I could cry with a good history, even that it came from a game, and that life lessons come, again, even from a video game.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
In fact, it has many similar things in the 80s, we had too many games with very low quality and companies that were looking only for money, which you can also say about what happens today. However, with the interaction between players that exists today, the dynamics are very different. In addition to the fact that many companies can survive at the same time and we not only have wars between one or two video game developers.
The competition does us a lot of good and indie games are fantastic. I honestly value all video games both retro and current because there are always great gems to find in addition to the mainstream classics, which can be very valuable.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
Not in a million years, hehe.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the trading card? If so, where?
Actually, not yet, but you know, anything can happen now or in the future.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
In an interview that my colleague and friend Pancho Megaman, for the Geek-Laak Press Group.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Innovative. He doesn’t look for money or recognition, just wanted to give some data for the gamers to want to compete then… And give his effort to them the best ways he could… It’s the same here, with the trading cards.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
The Original Game Boy, was my first handheld console and I enjoyed it the hell out of it
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
Both, and mostly cause the exclusive or more comfortable games in those systems.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
Totally love the RPGs and most of the Strategy games, from RTS to Battle-turn… The last video game I happily played was XCOM 2
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
Prehistoric isle 2, because I love the graphics and to master that would take me a lot of time
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
Mostly played on Nintendo and Xbox consoles, so don´t have a lot of experience to talk about…
What does it take to be a video game journalist?
Time, love, and passion… Folks that can help you, support you and a PC or laptop. But mostly, the first three things.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
Oh God, the music… Not even Mario would be that big if it didn’t have the melody… The entire industry would not be as great as it is without the music.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents, or adults?
Clearly not, ask to all coaches of eSports, ask young parents, or old Atari lovers… It´s a new industry, so we are all just about to see old men and women videogame lovers.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
Yes and no, there are always susceptible minds but they all can be inspired by movies, theatrical plays, video games, books… The culture of pray violence is the real problem.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
Well, my first memory is with Circus Charlie. I was at some uncle’s party and they used to have a NES, so all my other cousins and I turned to see who gets the highest score… Was frustrating, but surely a lot of fun.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
Well, I’ve just played all my childhood and more alone, so I feel comfortable there, but playing with and against friends is so much fun, and an excellent way to meet people
Are video games good for relieving stress?
So much good!
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Commander Shepard from Mass Effect, cause it’s basically me, and in three games I make the choices and live with them
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
Fun, joy, adventure, discovery, music, new experiences.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
I am kind of a video game history and culture promoter, and indie video game journalist and I still play as often as I can.
Where do you see video gaming in the next 20 years?
Hopefully, in the Olympics, or in some equivalent
This is one of an ongoing series of articles based on the Walter Day Collection of e-sports/video gaming trading cards – check out more information at thewalterdaycollection.com.
