About
Hello! I’m Cass Villareal, a creative and driven communications professional who brings dedication, honesty, and passion to my work in games, tech, and entertainment.Over the past decade, I’ve led and supported successful global communications campaigns for some of the world’s best-known brands, including Blizzard Entertainment and Pokémon. Currently, I’m a Senior Communications Manager at Epic Games, where I balance product, talent, and consumer campaigns for Fortnite while also driving comms strategy for AAA and indie titles with Epic Games Publishing, most notably the award-winning Alan Wake 2.Highly organized and adaptable, I thrive in dynamic environments where no two days — or two teams — are the same. I enjoy collaborating with brand partners, creatives, and developers alike to tell compelling stories and reach new audiences. I bring a thoughtful approach, a high quality bar, and a curiosity for fresh ideas that push past the status quo.At the heart of my work, I believe that with the right energy, an open mind, and a willingness to learn, there’s no limit to what a team can achieve together.
Work
Formal resume available upon request
Epic Games
At Epic, I’ve worn a lot of hats — and usually all at once. I juggle multiple priorities efficiently, collaborate closely with creatives and developers, and team up with world-class partners across gaming, music, film, and more. For nearly five years I’ve been the go-to for special comms projects, shaping strategies for all-things Fortnite from seasonal gameplay updates and high-profile collaborations to licensed consumer products, competitive tournaments, and even anti-cheat efforts.I also head up comms for Epic Games Publishing, which launched the critically-acclaimed Alan Wake 2 and recently announced anticipated titles Out of Words, Infinitesimals, and End of Abyss.The work is high stakes and high fun, and I’ve been lucky to gain a wide breadth of experience across AAA, indie, live service games, and creator-made experiences. But above all, one of my proudest achievements was hiring and managing an intern who successfully transitioned into a full-time role on the comms team!
Senior Communications Manager (May 2024 to Present)
Communications Manager (April 2021 to May 2024)
Blizzard Entertainment
After serving as Blizzard Entertainment's first-ever Public Relations Intern in the summer of 2015 and gaining PR agency experience post-graduation, I returned to Blizzard full-time for five cumulative years. I advanced quickly with the studio, where I started on the North America PR team to leading international teams on the Global PR team. I always found myself working on multiple projects, including running press events around the world with Blizzard Esports, launching many Hearthstone expansions, and leading comms for Diablo Immortal's Technical Alpha previews and for Diablo IV's road to launch, to name a few. Outside of running highly successful product launches and events, I kicked off Blizzard's celebrity program and took pride in mentoring fellow "Blizzterns!"
Global Public Relations Manager (March 2021 to April 2021)
Global Associate Public Relations Manager (May 2019 to March 2021)
Associate Public Relations Manager, Esports (August 2018 to May 2019)
Public Relations Coordinator, Esports (November 2017 to August 2018)
Public Relations Coordinator, North America (February 2017 to November 2017)
TriplePoint PR
At TriplePoint PR, a leading gaming and tech public relations agency, I supported clients including The Pokémon Company International, Riot Games, Nyko Technologies, Super League Gaming, and Daedalic Entertainment. My day-to-day involved compiling comprehensive reports, conducting media audits and research, seeding product reviews, and drafting copy (e.g., press releases, blogs, and social media content). My first week on the job was supporting Pokémon GO's launch — from tracking coverage and inbounds to fielding an influx of journalist questions, working on this launch was an unforgettable summer!
Account Coordinator (July 2016 to January 2017)
Personal Projects
Outside of work, I enjoy making my own games and interactive experiences, whether it’s working solo or collaborating with small teams on writing and narrative design.I'm currently taking a break from personal projects to learn new toolsets — stay tuned!
Let's Go to the Getty
Made with Bitsy, published October 22, 2024A game about getting inspired! Let's Go to the Getty is a Bitsy project that derived from my own IRL trip to The Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California. It takes about 4-5 minutes to complete, and is playable on web and mobile browser.In this solo project I dove deeper into the Bitsy toolset and learned more complicated hacks, namely the intricate pixel art.
You.Asset
Made with Unreal Engine 5, published September 24, 2024You.Asset is a horror game that takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Explore, solve puzzles, and escape! Beware: there are a few jump scares nestled in.I worked with a small team of four for a horror game jam. My role was writer and narrative designer, where I worked with the game director on tasks such as brainstorming story ideas, writing notes and overall story cohesion, and weaving in instructions for a seamless player experience. I also brought my own, professional experience into the fold (i.e. game homepage copy).
A Day Off from Work
Made with Bitsy, published November 9, 2023A 2-3 minute browser game about getting the day off work and thinking about all the things you can do with that free time.This was a solo project — and my first project! I taught myself a tool called Bitsy and implemented some simple hacks to add more functionality.
Reading List
A growing list of books I've found helpful in deepening my communications and public relations skills. More to come!
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg
Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis by Molly McPherson
Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot by Matt Abrahams
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath + Dan Heath
Side Quests
What I'm playing: Magic: The Gathering, Divinity Original Sin 2, The Rise of the Golden Idol, Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, What Lies of Edith Finch, South of Midnight, and FortniteWhat I'm watching: lots of Japanese horror like Cure and Audition, love Netflix reality TV shows such as Love is Blind and Culinary Class Wars, Invincible, Yellowjackets, Severance, The White Lotus, Succession, The Last of Us, Fallout, Scavenger's Reign, with Mickey 17 and The Brutalist on my watch listOther things that keep me busy: film photography, collecting vinyl, obsessing over deductive board games like Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, baking, hanging out with my dog, hosting PowerPoint nights (trust me — they're fun, ask me about them), training in a martial art called Muay Thai, running, snowboarding, backpacking, and powerlifting
(Fun fact: I once held the United States Powerlifting Association world record for the deadlift! HERE's a video of me lifting... which amassed over 3M views!)