August 12th 2023.
When Marcus “Mark” Vincent Phillips Jr. and Affiong “Aff” Harris created their RDCworld1 YouTube channel in 2011, they were banking on the idea that there were people like them looking for like-minded individuals. Little did they know, their channel would grow to become one of the most popular YouTube channels ever, with over 1 billion views and 6.5 million subscribers.
The Real Dreams Change the World crew was complete with the addition of Leland Manigo, Desmond “Des” Johnson, Benjamin “Ben” Skinner, Dylan “Dyl” Patel, and Johnathan “John” Newton. The channel has connected like minds across the globe, and even brought them together in real life at their fifth annual DreamCon.
DreamCon is a gaming and anime convention located in Austin, Texas. It has grown to include nearly 20,000 people and major brand partners like MTN DEW. PepsiCo’s head of esports and gaming, Paul Mascali, said it was a no-brainer to collaborate with the RDC World crew. MTN DEW has dedicated their efforts to diversifying the industry and investing in the next generation of Black gamers at HBCUs through their Real Change Challenge, which will award $500,000 in prize money this year.
The members of RDC World have created a truly inclusive, celebratory, and safe space for the dreamers, the creators, and the gamers who often feel left in the margins at other conventions. They’ve infused the experience with authenticity that oozes out of everything they create, sending a message to their audience that “you belong here.”
When BLACK ENTERPRISE was invited to attend and talk with the men from RDC World, they spoke about the business side of putting something of this magnitude together. They attributed their success to staying true to who they are, so their audience can find them. They also discussed the importance of their friendship in their business, and how it has been the key to their longevity. They talked about transitioning their internet success into bringing people from all over the country to one central location in droves, and how Anime and gaming have become more socially acceptable.
Finally, when asked how they would define DreamCon for BLACK ENTERPRISE readers, they said it was different from other conventions because they are not run by companies. They wanted to create something that was missing from other conventions, and put elements of who they are and what they do into it. When you come to DreamCon, they said, you feel like you’re really part of it, and you know the other Black gamers and anime creators who’ll be there.
The group is thrilled to be partnering with a legacy brand like MTN DEW, and to be collaborating on the Real Change Challenge, which will help Black gamers in a big way. In short, they said it’s a blessing.
From its inception in 2011 to its fifth annual DreamCon, RDC World has grown to become one of the most popular YouTube channels ever. They’ve created a space where like-minded individuals can connect, feel included, and be part of something larger than themselves. It’s clear why DreamCon will continue to grow, and why the RDC World crew will continue to be trailblazers in the gaming and anime community.
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