Milsim West
Senior Designer & Social Media Strategist
KPIs & ACHIEVEMENTS
Created iconic MSW visual branding
160% Increase in Reach for 2023
5% Increase in follower growth for 2023 in a highly engaged and niche market
Produced numerous guides and “how-to” carousels for new players
Pioneered successful blend of humor and accessible, informative content aimed at a lay audience
Worked with the storyboard team to ensure accurate historical narratives are utilized in MSW branded lore and world-building
Helped facilitate favorable coverage via Vice News
MSW USER GENERATED CONTENT
Carefully curated original and user-generated content that captures the first-person intensity of the MSW experience.
BACKGROUND
Milsim West (MSW) epitomizes the cutting edge of "Alternate Reality Wargaming," inviting participants into a world where they endure a continuous 40-hour simulation of light-infantry combat, set against a tapestry of fictional conflict infused with rich lore and captivating storylines.
In my tenure with MSW, I've been instrumental in shaping these narratives, drawing upon a deep well of historical insight to craft compelling plotlines, while also curating the brand's iconic visual identity. As the Social Strategist, I've spearheaded initiatives to unleash the brand's potent, yet untapped, community engagement.
I've harnessed user-generated content to create a visceral stream that conveys the essence of MSW's events—merging immersive experiences, the physical rigor of battle, the bond of camaraderie, and the lighthearted fun among friends.
This approach has been key to propelling MSW's renown and success throughout the nation, captivating both attendees and media outlets like Vice News alike.
MSW INSTAGRAM CONTENT
At the heart of Milsim West lies a rich tapestry of camaraderie and teamwork, woven into the very fabric of our immersive role-playing experiences. Our events champion the virtues of physical fitness and endurance, all while participants are acutely aware of the playful absurdity of their endeavors. This self-awareness doesn’t diminish the experience; rather, it amplifies the joy, embodying our veteran players' adage that the events are "not super serious," but "seriously super."
Egos are checked at the door as players don the mantle of meticulously crafted personas, each with their own place in a labyrinth of elaborate lore. In this alternate reality, the line between earnest competition and lighthearted escapade blurs, as participants navigate through the intricacies of a world rich with fiction yet grounded in genuine human connection.
MEDIA COVERAGE
BACKGROUND
Milsim West's allure isn’t just in the mock battles or the strategic gameplay; it’s in the shared laughter over the whimsicality of being a nerd.
It’s in the knowing smiles exchanged when the fabricated narratives lead to unexpected friendships and the discovery of personal limits surpassed. Here, the silliness is not just welcomed—it’s integral to the fabric of our collective story, making each event not just a game, but a cherished chapter in our participants’ lives.
A personal point of pride was seeing the initially skeptical Vice camera crew start to “get” it, and begin acting out their pretend roles as a pretend news crew in a pretend war. Life is more fun if you don’t take it quite so seriously.