Think of the coolest job in the world. What does it include? Flying all across the globe, perhaps? Getting paid to play and think about video games? Having your own MTV special?
For Daniel Kayser, Johnson City resident and host for GameTrailers.com, his typical work day includes all those things and more.
Kayser got his foot in the gaming business door when he started an area publication called “Tri-Cities Gamer’s Revolution.”
“I began contributing as a news writer for GamerFeed.com,” Kayser said. “Several years of freelance writing (emphasis on “free” . as in, I didn’t make a dime) later, I made proper connections and now work full-time in the game industry as a writer, producer and on-air host for GameTrailers.com/MTV Networks and Hardcore Gamer Magazine.”
Kayser says the coolest thing about his job is the he constantly gets to go behind the scenes.
“I’ve interviewed the teams behind amazing franchises such as “Final Fantasy,” “Splinter Cell,” “Madden,” “Gran Turismo,” “Guitar Hero,” “Ghost Recon” and more,” Kayser said.
“When I see these games taking shape before my eyes it is a truly exciting experience that makes me appreciate all the hard work and creativity that goes into these games.”
GameTrailers.com’s latest achievement is a half-hour special during MTV’s “Gamers Week 2.0.” The special aired for the first time Tuesday at 8 p.m. and will air again at midnight on Thursday.
“It’s really exciting for the team at GameTrailers to have our first full length broadcast special on MTV,” Kayser said. “The company came from humble beginnings and we’ve really watched the thing skyrocket in the past two years. I think we all felt that we had the potential to reach these goals when things got started, but I don’t think any of us expected it to happen this soon.”
Kayser also had lots to say about the forthcoming console war. “I think it is a great time to be a gamer,” he said. “Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are all offering something interesting with their individual consoles.”
For more information, check out www.GameTrailers.com and www.MTV.com.

Author