In the sprawling expanse of Southern Illinois, nestled amidst trees and small-town charm, two brothers embarked on a journey that would defy expectations and rewrite the rules of the gaming and entertainment industries. Meet Zach (CEO) and Seth (CCO) Belanger, the dynamic duo behind Mob Entertainment, and the creators of the successful Poppy Playtime franchise and Huggy Wuggy global phenomena, a transmedia company that’s not just breaking boundaries but shattering them with each innovative project they undertake.
Their story begins like many others, with a shared love for games and cinema that transcended their upbringing. Zach, at the age of 16, and younger brother Seth, a mere 14, dared to dream big in an entertainment world that often seemed too vast and daunting to conquer. But their youth wasn’t a hindrance; it was their greatest asset, fueling their passion and igniting the flames of creativity that would define their future endeavors.
The genesis of Mob Entertainment wasn’t just a business venture; it was a manifestation of their collective experiences and aspirations. Seeking to break into a competitive entertainment industry, Zach and Seth understood the importance of carving out their own path, of forging a space where their voices could be heard, and their stories told. And so, armed with determination and a dash of youthful optimism, they set out to build something that was uniquely theirs.
Balancing the demands of creativity and commerce is no easy feat, especially in an industry as dynamic and competitive as gaming and entertainment. But according to Zach, the key lies in finding that elusive sweet spot or the “goldilocks zone” where artistic vision meets commercial viability. It’s a delicate dance, one that requires equal parts intuition and pragmatism, but they’ve mastered it with finesse, delivering projects that captivate audiences and critics alike.
As a LGBTQ+ CEO navigating through many hetero-normative spaces, Zach has faced his fair share of challenges. From subtle micro-aggressions to overt displays of ignorance, the journey hasn’t always been easy. But through it all, he’s remained steadfast in his commitment to authenticity and inclusivity, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and champion diversity.
“I have not experienced a lot of homophobia in the gaming industry. The entertainment industry in general tends to be an accepting place,” said Zach “A lot of times, negative views come more from a lack of perspective rather than a true place of hatred. Most people tend to be good, so if someone said something hurtful, intentionally, or otherwise, simply expressing how their comment made you feel may be the best thing you can do to open their mind.”
When it comes to their creative process, Zach and Seth are like detectives on a mission, dissecting and analyzing every piece of content with a keen eye for detail. Whether it’s a spine-tingling horror game or a heart-wrenching cinematic experience, they immerse themselves fully, drawing inspiration from the world around them and channeling it into their work.
But perhaps their greatest strength lies in their ability to foster a sense of camaraderie and innovation within their team. At Mob Entertainment, creativity isn’t just encouraged; it’s celebrated, nurtured, and given room to flourish. This can be seen in the design and creativity interwoven in all three chapters of their cult-hit Poppy Playtime video game anthology.
Outside of work, Zach finds solace in the simple pleasures of life – hitting the gym, catching up on the latest streaming content, and spending time with friends. But even in his downtime, his mind is never far from the world of gaming and entertainment, constantly searching for new ideas and inspiration.
Looking to the future, Zach sees a world where quality reigns supreme, where innovation is driven not by fleeting trends but by a steadfast commitment to excellence. And as Mob Entertainment continues to grow and evolve, he hopes to leave a legacy of inclusion and authenticity, where diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated.
In the end, it’s not just about breaking boundaries; it’s about redefining what’s possible, about daring to dream and creating a future that’s bold and vibrant. And with Zach and Seth at the helm, the possibilities are truly endless.