Role:
Designing for Hardcore Fans
This wasn’t just a licensed mouse. It was a piece of gear that felt like it dropped in-game. We sold out multiple times and built a partnership with Blizzard that lasted years. Gamers still talk about this one.
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The problem
MMO players needed gear that improved gameplay, not just skinned versions of existing products.
The solution
Designed the world’s first 14-button MMO mouse
Built a visual identity tied to in-game aesthetics—runes, armor, glow
Created packaging that felt like WoW loot
Integrated in-game support with Blizzard
Balanced ergonomics with lore-driven design
The impact
Sold out at launch—multiple times
Led to three product versions over the years
Cemented SteelSeries as Blizzard’s exclusive hardware partner for nearly a decade
Why it mattered
This product solved gameplay needs while honoring the world players loved. It became a gold standard for licensed peripherals.
My take
My first big world-building project. It shaped how I approach design: functional, immersive, and true to the user’s universe.
