Now You See Me: Interview with KawaiiFaceMiles

To be a part of the fighting game community, you simply need to enjoy fighting games in any way you can. You may play them anywhere from "having fun with my friends just mashing buttons" to "making it into the Evo top 6" level, you may just simply have fun watching streamers play them on Twitch, or you may go all out and attend tournaments as a player or a spectator. Everything you do is valid, and you're a part of the FGC. With this being our space, we share the same responsibilities as well. Esports is known to be not very welcoming to underrepresented people. The FGC is better at this, but we still have a long way to go.

This is something we will discuss today. Welcome back to our "Now You See Me" series, where we highlight some of the great women in the FGC and talk about both their personal journey with this genre and community, as well as some of the broader topics related to women in fighting games. Today's guest is Miles "KawaiiFaceMiles" Mackenzie, a Tekken player and content creator, streamer, YouTuber, community figure, and just an amazing human being. We spoke with her about her FGC journey, Tekken, female representation in gaming, and much more. Enjoy the interview!

Disclaimer! This is a transcript of the interview, so it was formatted to fit the textual article. Most of the sentences were reworded while retaining 100% of the meaning, tone, and intent.

Okay, so let's begin. The first question will be quite typical. When did you first decide to enter the FGC and become a part of the competitive scene? When did you feel this adrenaline, this rush to compete for the first time? What's the story behind it?

Years ago, I played fighting games with my brother on our Super Nintendo, particularly Street Fighter II. During high school, we rekindled our interest in fighting games, focusing on Street Fighter IV. We played it extensively, both offline and online. As I played online, I realized that I was pretty good at it. That's when I started thinking about joining tournaments. I had heard about Evo, but I was only 16 at the time.

Fast forward to when I stopped playing fighting games for a while. Around the age of 18 or 19, I found myself in an abusive relationship. To cope with the difficulties I was facing, I turned back to fighting games, particularly Tekken, and I fell in love with it. In 2015, Evo offered a unique opportunity to play Tekken 7, which was only available in Japanese arcades. I knew I had to go to Evo to experience it.

So, I went to Evo in 2015 with my best friend, who was into Mortal Kombat. I discovered my passion for competing, especially in Tekken 7. After Evo 2015, I decided to start traveling and competing in various tournaments. In the years leading up to 2017, the only way to play Tekken 7 was at tournaments, usually with beta versions. You had to compete to gain access. I enjoyed making new friends in the FGC and the overall experience.

I took a break for about three years, but I plan on returning to it, especially with Tekken 8 right around the corner.

Do you have any advice for beginners in their gaming careers who are struggling to prove to their parents that it's a legitimate business? Parents can often be a roadblock, and young players may lack the courage to pursue their passion without support.

My advice for aspiring gamers is to learn from my experiences. I've been through it all, including successes and failures. I've tried various things. The key is to stay focused and believe that nothing can stop you if you truly want this. Avoid comparing yourself to your peers; it's a destructive habit. Remember that what you offer is unique and valuable.

Before becoming a pro player, focus on creating content. Being a content creator provides a more sustainable career. If you're only known for winning, the moment you stop winning, people lose interest. However, if you focus on creating content and branding yourself, people will care about you regardless of your performance.

Regarding content creation, do you ever find it challenging, like, are there moments when you think, "I don't want to do this anymore, I just want to relax or choose another profession"? Have there been times when you thought that content creation is not for you?

Oh my God, yes, I definitely have those moments. While content creation is often seen as an easy and fun job, it does have its difficult times. There are moments when you tie your self-worth to how well certain videos or streams are performing, and it can take a toll on your mental health. I've had plenty of times when I've sat down to edit and thought, "I don't want to do this. I hate it. It's terrible." But then I meditate and remind myself that I'm just being lazy, and I should do the work I enjoy.

What's both good and challenging is the self-reflection part. Looking back at my own content is hard for many people, especially when you're not used to introspection. I often watch my content and think, "I could have done this better, or that better." We are our harshest critics, and that's what leads me to moments when I want to quit.

But I always push through because I realize that I love creating content. I love making people happy and entertaining them. It might be what I was destined to do. The hard work is the most challenging part, as content creation is fiercely competitive. It's easy to feel like you're not good enough and just want to relax or sleep. However, once you finish a video or a stream and plan out your content, the feeling of accomplishment is incredibly satisfying. That's what drives me – I love feeling accomplished.

Let’s go back to Tekken. You recently expressed your desire to work for Tekken in any role. Imagine we've completed the interview, and they offered you a position. What role would you prefer?

Oh my God, that would be incredible. Let me think about what I'd like to do if I worked there. Considering I lack many skills required to make a video game, I'd need to be realistic. So, I think I'd like to become a voice actor. That would be so much fun, even if it's a one-time gig. I'd be thrilled. But honestly, I'm willing to do anything, even if it means being the janitor in their building. I don't care. I just want to support the team and contribute to Tekken's future as it enters the next decade. I mean, it's been around for, what, 20 or 30 years? Yeah, and I want to be part of the Tekken legacy.

I recently went to Japan in April and visited Sugamo Arcade, which felt like the mecca of Tekken. They had a dedicated area for Tekken, and I played Tekken 7 in their cabinets. It was amazing. My partner, who was with me, mentioned that it used to be even bigger, but I found the current state to be incredibly cool. I didn't know what it was like before, but it looks fantastic now. Seeing the impact Tekken has had worldwide and in the fighting game community, I would love to be a part of it. So, Harada, call me right now. I'll do anything you need me to do. It's hard to pick a specific job because everyone on the Tekken project is doing a phenomenal job with Tekken. Tekken 8 is evidence that they're listening to our feedback, and the game is doing exceptionally well. I'm eagerly looking forward to the final release in January. I'll do anything they need me to do. I just want to support the legacy of Tekken, but becoming a voice actor would probably be the best option. I'd love to voice a new character with the best voice ever.

Do you ever feel something like an impostor syndrome, or the realization that I'm not "good enough?" Trying to overcome this impostor syndrome is a challenge, especially for women. It's a constant thought of not being good enough. There's a feeling of not contributing enough, and not meeting the expectations for sponsors. I don't think many men have these thoughts when they play, but when you expressed them, I resonated with them, and I feel like it's been a part of my life, too.

Absolutely. We're in a male-dominated space, and when women step out to create a spot for themselves, it becomes evident. Thank God, there are many avenues in the FGC and esports now. I follow everything because I love video games. But in the FGC, there's a growing space for women. It's a lightbulb moment for me realizing that this feeling of needing to prove ourselves is because we're not expected to be as good as our male counterparts. Women tend to overcompensate and constantly prove themselves. It's not always obvious, but it's a subconscious thing. I'm grateful for the growth in female representation in the FGC over the years, from Ricki Ortiz to Cuddle_Core, and many more. Now, new women entering the space might not have to deal with the same imposter syndrome issues. I genuinely thought it was just me until you pointed out the truth.

Unfortunately, we need to cope with societal expectations throughout our lives, proving ourselves to everyone. You're doing well, by the way. As a female streamer and player, do you feel pressure not only psychologically but also regarding your appearance and behavior? Does society and your viewers expect you to conform to certain norms? In esports, there's more toxicity and sexism towards streamers. When I joined, I noticed that women here in the FGC are more equal and stronger, with louder voices. However, there are still expectations about how women should behave. How do you feel about that?

Oh my gosh! Personally, I set my own standards for how I look and present myself. When I wear makeup or dress how I want, like in sweaters, I prioritize my comfort, not caring if others dislike it. I've been in my sweater era for years, and I'm comfortable with it. I don't like stepping out of it because it feels uncomfortable. In esports, especially in FPS themes like Apex Legends, women face intense scrutiny. It's worse than in the FGC. I follow Apex Legends, and I've seen the discrimination women face. It's mind-blowing that some esports teams resist having female players, as seen in League of Legends. I can't fathom cutting a player just because she's a woman, and the team struggles to interact with her. It makes no sense to me. The FGC has come a long way, offering an inclusive space for women of different backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Despite progress, there's still pressure to conform to certain standards, which is absurd.

Women are beautiful regardless, and many in the FGC are trailblazing, showing others they can join these spaces. The FGC's growth in women's representation is remarkable. I'm grateful for the shift from the time when it was just me and Cuddle_Core traveling. Now, tournaments have more women, and the numbers are no longer against us. Despite this tangent, regarding the standards imposed on us, it's crucial to reject external standards. The only standard that matters is the one you set for yourself. If you're listening to this, remember that no external standard defines your worth. Hold yourself to your own standards because, at the end of the day, you are you, and others' opinions don't pay your bills.

Your speech on independence is truly remarkable. As you mentioned, women are approaching the scene, expressing the desire to play by their own rules, and it's inspiring to witness this development. However, there is a glaring issue with the insufficient representation of women in gaming. The number of women players and content creators remains disproportionately small in the gaming community. What more should CEOs, game publishers, and community managers do to foster a welcoming environment for female beginners? How can they convey the message that women belong in the competitive scene and that a safe space awaits them without the need to compromise their authenticity?

It would be incredibly beneficial if game publishers collaborated with female content creators or those who actively participate in the gaming community. Many women enjoy playing games but may not necessarily put themselves in the spotlight, and that's perfectly acceptable. The focus should be on increasing the overall number of women involved in gaming. Partnering with these women for special events, features in community articles, or even exclusive collaborations could significantly contribute to promoting diversity and inclusivity. It's crucial for influential entities like Bandai Namco to recognize and showcase talented women in the gaming industry.

I've always hoped for personal features or the inclusion of my own character in a game, and I believe such recognition would encourage more women to step forward. Capcom, to my knowledge, has taken steps in this direction with figures like Sherry or Ricki, and other publishers should follow suit. Highlighting women in various roles beyond competitive players or content creators, such as event organizers, brings attention to the diverse contributions they make behind the scenes. Recognizing these women, especially in the FGC community, would be a positive step. Even a simple gesture like a spotlight during Women's Month could go a long way in acknowledging the invaluable role women play in the gaming world.

Publishers need to consistently highlight and celebrate women in the gaming industry, showcasing their talents and contributions. This practice should extend beyond occasional features, becoming a regular and integral part of their engagement strategy. By doing so, they not only recognize the multifaceted expertise that women bring but also create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone involved in gaming.

Have you ever considered approaching game publishers with proposals for projects specifically designed for women? Do you have any ideas in mind, and if so, are there plans for such initiatives in the future?

Honestly, I never thought about it until now. It's like, why haven't I considered this before? It seems like the bare minimum, and now I'm thinking, why not? It's something I can definitely do. I could approach publishers with unique ideas, share my concepts, and see what happens. It might sound a bit crazy, but it's worth a shot. I should start planning something along these lines for the future. Perhaps organizing a women's exhibition or a tournament tailored exclusively for female participants.

Recently, there were Super Girl Gamer Pro Circuit tournaments, I did two of them, both exclusively for women and feminine-presenting individuals. It was an amazing experience, highlighting the strength and skill of women in the tech scene, particularly in a fighting game tournament. We had female casters, Anya and iambic, it was a successful event. It made me realize the potential for more initiatives like this.

I remember a past tournament, it was partnered with Bandai Namco, ten/o, or another organization, I don’t remember 100 percent, where they introduced a unique rule. Players could only use female characters, injecting creativity into the matches. It turned out to be a fantastic tournament. Now that you've brought up the idea of proposing projects to publishers, I'm genuinely considering it. Why not suggest something like an all-women tournament to Bandai Namco? It seems like a logical next step. I need to explore these opportunities and contribute to creating more inclusive and exciting spaces for women in gaming.

If we envision the ideal future for the FGC, especially for women, what are your dreams for this future?

In my perfect vision for the future of the FGC, I long for increased inclusivity and more opportunities for women. I want to break free from the weird stereotypes and judgments that some men place on women in the community, such as appearance or skill level. My dream is for women not to feel the subconscious pressure and judgment that I've experienced throughout my time in the scene.

In an ideal FGC future, I envision a level playing field where everyone is on equal ground. Regardless of gender, when I step into a match, I want it to be about the skill, dedication, and hard work I've put into my training. I want people to recognize that when I defeat them, it's not about gender superiority; it's because I've earned it through effort and dedication. I want to hear no excuses but rather acknowledgment of a fair and challenging competition.

I hope for increased opportunities and representation for women in the FGC. It's not just about having women participate but having them recognized, sponsored, and involved in various aspects of the gaming industry. Men often take the lead in initiatives like brand deals or sponsorships, and it would be fantastic to see more women sharing that space. The goal is to create a community where everyone, regardless of gender, has a chance to shine.

In this perfect world, I want more platforms and avenues for women in the FGC to showcase their skills and contribute to the community's growth. I want the spotlight to be shared equally, demonstrating that gaming is not just a male-dominated space anymore. Gaming transcends gender, and my hope is for a future where women in the FGC receive the recognition and representation they deserve, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive gaming community.

Do you think women in the gaming scene are judged more on their skills and knowledge than their looks? 'Cause, you know, it's still kinda niche, especially with all the dudes around. It's tough to show you're smart and capable without people getting hung up on appearances.

Exactly. It's like I always say, women can do anything, and it's all about what you know and how hard you work. Back when I was at GameStop, there was this girl who'd swing by a lot. Later, I found out from her dad that she thought it was cool that a tall girl like me knew her stuff about games. She hadn't met many other girls into gaming, so it was a big deal for her.

And you know what bugs me? Some parents still shut down their daughters from gaming just 'cause of some dumb stereotypes. But shoutout to the parents who let their girls dive into gaming. It's a kick-ass space where you can go on crazy adventures and make awesome friends.

I'm all about telling girls it's cool to be into gaming. It's not just for the guys. Video games are for everyone. They've been my escape, giving me epic adventures and solid friendships. I want other girls to feel that too.

Looking ahead in the gaming world, my dream is that no girl feels the need to change who she is. Set your own rules, you know? The gaming community is for everyone, and women shouldn't have to bend over backward to fit into some outdated mold. It's time for us to own our space and show what we've got without holding back.

Okay, last question! Pick three badass women from the FGC. If you had to name the top three players, who'd you go for?

Oh, my favs, for sure! So, for the top three women, it doesn't have to be just players; it could be content creators, too, right? Let's mix it up. Gotta give a shoutout to Cuddle_Core because she's like the poster child for how hustle pays off, you know? And then there's Anya, who's grinding on content like there's no tomorrow. Now, narrowing it down is a struggle. So many amazing women out there, but I'd say Monietoosweet, Monie is my third pick. She's busting her butt building this awesome community, setting up Sweets Events, and running tournaments for Tekken. It's seriously amazing. She deserves mad props because she's fairly new to this, but her events have been popping up more in the past year. These events give more shine to people hunting for intense battles. She's always putting herself out there, and she deserves major recognition for all her hard work. Honestly, all these women are killing it. Picking just three is tough, but if I had to, it'd be Cuddle_Core, Anya, and Monietoosweet because they're rocking it and always moving forward. So, those are my top three picks. Hope that finally answers your question.