BBC Studios has tapped seasoned video game exec Marina Mello as its first global director of gaming and interactive experiences. 

In the newly created role, Mello will spearhead the development and execution of the company’s video game strategy globally, with an initial focus on building new titles for flagship brands Bluey, BBC Earth and Doctor Who. She joined BBC Studios’ brands and licensing division in London earlier this month, reporting to managing director of consumer products and licensing Stephen Davies. 

Mello is coming off an eight-year stint at London-based indie game developer Bossa Studios, where she most recently oversaw business development, marketing and publishing for titles including adventure game I Am Bread and two releases in the Surgeon Simulator franchise as CCO. Beyond the world of gaming, Mello has also worked as a business development manager for the UK’s Shine Group. 

Davies says BBC Studios is keen to expand its presence in the gaming market after last year’s first Bluey titles were so successful. Mobile game Bluey: Let’s Play! and console entry Bluey: The Videogame have collectively racked up more than a million hours of play time to date. And the gaming division has since set up collabs that will see Doctor Who featured in Epic Games’ Fortnite and BBC Earth establishing a frozen planet in Minecraft for players to explore.