Maurice FONTAINE (IIM 2018) Product Manager at Bandai Namco Entertainment

For Maurice Fontaine, a 2018 graduate of IIM Digital School, video games are more than just a product or a launch campaign: they are a cultural medium in their own right, capable of creating memorable experiences, bringing together very different audiences, and leaving lasting impressions that extend far beyond the screen. 

Now a Product Manager at Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe for the France & Benelux region, he works at the heart of some of the industry’s most iconic franchises.

Bringing a Game to Life Before and After Its Release

Maurice’s role lies at the intersection of marketing, strategy, and on-the-ground execution, with a strong focus on product launches and visibility. He plays a key role in how a game is positioned in the market, which communication angles to prioritize, and the development of the campaigns that accompany each release. This involves coordinating with agencies, creative teams, and internal stakeholders, as well as managing media plans and marketing activations that shape a title’s lifecycle, from its announcement through to its launch.

He works on high-profile projects where alignment between the product, marketing messaging, and player expectations is essential. He has thus contributed to campaigns for franchises and titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Guilty Gear -Strive-, TEKKEN 7, Tales of Vesperia, Ni no Kuni, MotoGP 19, Dark Souls: Trilogy, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Definitive Edition...

A Career Path Rooted in Education

Maurice joined IIM Digital School in 2017 to pursue a one-year specialized MBA. Coming from a background in international business, he describes this program as a true gateway into the video game industry, enabling him to understand its inner workings and establish himself professionally within it.

“Without this program, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It really served as the bridge that allowed me to enter the sector.”

A central aspect of his experience: the people he met and the industry professionals who taught the courses, which helped him build a network in an industry where connections play a vital role.

“I highly recommend taking the program, at least for that reason alone. ”

He completed his final internship at Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe as an Assistant Product Manager; following this experience, he was hired on a permanent contract, thus beginning his career with the company.

Sharing Real-World Experience

In addition to his professional work, he speaks at schools to share his experience in video game marketing. This initiative is part of a commitment to passing on knowledge, which he sees as a natural extension of his own career path.

For me, it’s a way of giving back. I was encouraged to pursue an MBA in the past, so this is my way of returning the favor.

Maurice Fontaine: An Alumnus to follow

This MBA in Video Game Management is now jointly offered by IIM and De Vinci Executive Education, a professional development school designed for professionals looking to change careers or advance their skills in a specific field.

It trains future industry experts through a practical approach that combines management, production, and the business side of gaming. 

The program ranks in the Top 3 of the best Master’s, MS, and MBA programs in France, according to the 2026 Eduniversal ranking, and first in the 2025 ranking.

Discover the Video Game Management MBA: https://lnkd.in/exyrrTrf

Watch Maurice's video interview