Interview: Jianhao Tan on Titan Digital Media's game development ambitions post GCL Nasdaq listing

Singaporean YouTuber Jianhao Tan's media company Titan Digital Media is making a bold move into game development as the company's parent firm GCL lists on Nasdaq on 14 February 2025.

In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Tan said that the expansion into gaming is a "natural expansion", noting that many of its biggest advertising clients are from the gaming and digital app industry. "Our digital content has a high conversion rate for these products. It is a proven revenue potential. With so many of our clients in gaming, moving into game development and publishing lets us tap into a lucrative market while keeping our ecosystem growing," said Tan. 

With the expansion into gaming, the media company aims to create engaging and immersive experiences to deepen audience engagement beyond passive viewership. It will also merge storytelling and interactive gameplay, as well as leverage its own IPs such as Titan Academy to craft games that fans will love and enjoy. 

Don't miss: Mega SG influencer powerhouses Xiaxue and JianHao Tan join forces

According to Tan, game development enhances Titan Digital Media's ecosystem by expanding its creative reach, diversifying revenue streams and deepening audience engagement. "By creating interactive experiences, we move beyond traditional content, allowing fans to engage with our stories in new ways," explained Tan. 

The shift also opens up new monetisation opportunities through in-game purchases, events and brand collaborations, said Tan adding that gaming fosters a stronger connection with its audience. "As we continue developing new titles, our focus is on building immersive experiences that complement our storytelling and digital content strategies," said Tan. 

In fact, Titan Digital Media is currently in the process of creating new IP and are exploring game development with its parent company GCL. Under GCL, other companies include Epic Soft, 4Divinity, and 2Game.  It also recently completed its business combination with RF Acquisition Corp and acquired a 20% stake in video game developer Nekcom. GCL also secured global publishing rights for Showa American Story where Titan Digital Media will drive awareness and engagement for the game. 

The listing, according to Tan, enables GCL to create a one-stop solution for game development, publishing, marketing and distribution. It also bridges the Asian gaming markets with the US and Europe. Tan's Titan Digital Media falls into that ecosystem.

The media powerhouse was first founded in 2014 and received backing from GCL in 2018. Since receiving backing from GCL, Titan Digital Media has played a key role within the company's ecosystem, leveraging its expertise in influencer marketing, content creation and digital engagement to support its gaming initiatives. Thus far, the agency boasts over 70 in-house key opinion leaders (KOLs) and staff. One such KOL include Singaporean blogger and influencer named Wendy Cheng (Xiaxue), who joined the company in March 2024. 

In addition, Titan Digital Media works closely with the different divisions such as game distributor Epicsoft and GCL's game publishing division, 4Divinity. These partnerships allow the media company to bridge the gap between game development, distribution and marketing, ensuring that games reach the right audiences and generate the maximum impact, explained Tan. 

"At Titan, we’re constantly evolving to stay ahead of the digital landscape. We are building a next-generation media empire. With a strong roster of key opinion leaders, a vast content catalog, and a deep focus on storytelling and audience engagement," said Tan. 

"Now, game development has become a key pillar of that vision, creating a lasting impact." 

Related articles:  
For the likes: Darshen, Jianhao Tan and Syafiqa share the craziest thing they've done for content 
Interview: How JianHao Tan's green lamborghini led to a Giant CNY campaign   
APAC leads in mobile gaming growth: What marketers need to know