Razer: How a billionaire gamer built a pandemic-proof business | Make It International

Business is booming for gaming giant Razer, as large swathes of the globe stay indoors to combat the coronavirus. CNBC Make It’s Karen Gilchrist spoke to the company’s self-made billionaire co-founder, Min Liang Tan, to hear how he’s pivoting his brand in response -- and what it could mean for the future of entertainment.
-----
Subscribe to us on KZbin: cnb.cx/2wuoARM
Subscribe to CNBC International TV on KZbin: cnb.cx/2NGytpz
Like our Facebook page:
/ cnbcinternational
Follow us on Instagram:
/ cnbcinternational
Follow us on Twitter:
/ cnbci

[@markomarin3414]

It's all about the marketing guys. That is it We can sell anything, if we have the right marketing.

[@RainingCharmandersTV]

It’s true

[@desmond2640]

Neilsk8 well of course it’s easier said than done

[@0530628416]

Actually it is difficult to define marketing , but for example cocacola company sells hundreds of million of coke bottles that are simply sweetened water

[@infini.tesimo]

Simply said, difficult to execute.

[@ayowheredeeway]

you mean like the $10,000 bottled air can that 2 chainz tried?

[@vovu204]

They're one of the worst when it comes to warranty claims.

[@doomtomb3]

Of course. They are greedy and their CEO is a narcissist

[@ChristianThueringer]

Never heard anyone say something good about their service

[@PritamDas_26]

Also price to performance value.

[@AusieGamer834]

For price their hardware Is rubbish

[@renzeldavid4568]

But man razer aesthetics is just the best

[@dudders7701]

The fact that CNBC didn't realize the toaster was a joke...

[@DenvilX]

I mean cnbc some small American reporting site, at least I never ever heard of them prior to this KZbin channel, so definitely they have huge lack in resource to investigate several topics properly. At least this is what it feels like to watch them, whenever they pop up in "play next"

[@hitemwid1t]

@@DenvilX cnbc is actually a national american tv channel so idk how its small scale, its most likely a mishap with the producer not being an epic gamer

[@Lvlaple4Ever]

CNBC pushing content out of their ass rapidly and not doing their research thoroughly. Surprise surprise.

[@anlog540]

@@hitemwid1t you might have missed the joke there.

[@winchesterbanares9794]

Lost respect after reading the article published by Kotaku about this dude's abusive behavior towards his employees.

[@Divinity_vA]

You have to join Reddit mouse community. Razer employees tried sooooo hard to defend him , lol. By pretty much saying how the abusive behaviour , screaming and so on is more or less normal and "not that bad" or with "no bad intentions , just so he can motivate them". How he is like their father... I mean , what else can employee say if he wants to keep his job. Obvious stuff.

[@ForceGraphicsTM]

THE INFAMOUS RAZER TOASTER

[@Sky-8646]

Just like the boss..😂

[@Mizoh]

@@Sky-8646 True I never knew who this guy was

[@sumguy7716]

There's a mistake in the video. The toaster is actually at 1:05.

[@gautamvaze1101]

:D

[@youreinthematrix87]

They overprice their products jus like Apple.

[@Hu55a1n]

yes.

[@ArnavRoy]

But minus apple reliability

[@PwnageJ]

i used to say that, until i realised why people spent thousands on luxury products (Rolex, LV, Gucci etc). they may be overpriced, but if the Razer name's attractive, people will buy.

[@megaraph5551]

@@PwnageJ yup it's all about the way they market their product

[@ryanwaasdorp]

But unlike Apple, they actually innovate.

[@m4kill934]

*Watching this in full razer setup*

[@irvinne7486]

My razer ouroboros is still perfectly functional after 7 years, and my keyboards and controllers all lasted 3-4 years minimum, dont get why people said their products broke a few weeks/months after purchase, I'm always satisfied with razer, better than other gaming brands imo

[@value_sniper4056]

Their pricing is bullshit

[@re4796]

@@value_sniper4056 explain?

[@nekomeow6278]

@@value_sniper4056 I feel its normal, its SG, nothing here is cheap. I'll gladly toss $1000s for their products and sneki snek

[@InternetOverdose]

The Razer RGB makes your PC faster

[@yann9378]

@@hongrue3940 I think we know that. I think he is talking about the fake vtec stickers.

[@IReapZz95]

I love razer's founder and the looks of razer, but its products SUCK. Had a mouse and a razer blade laptop. The sensor of the mouse wasn't precise and the laptop died after only 1 year and a half, right after the warranty ended (what a coincidence!)

[@mzamroni]

buy business laptop PCs with military grade durability certification such as thinkpad, latitude or elite book. these laptops last for years. they were tested in hot oven

[@IReapZz95]

@@mzamroni yup I learned my lesson ;). Thinkpad for the win!

[@hasnat9545]

I use Asus.

[@-Lamboss-]

@@mzamroni my Lenovo going 7 years strong now

[@kinokunia]

Buy 3 new deathadder mouse, everytime it double click after 6months. Use logitech never have problem for 5 years. "too lethal it should be banned" my ass

[@RadionYT]

1:12 did you say the toaster is under development? Bois get your helmets on, brace yourselves it's coming soon.

[@mrvk699]

Yeah This guy NEVER Reads Amazon Reviews! Over Rated in terms of Reliability, My Logitech Products Are IMMENSELY CHEAP & BETTER RELIABLE

[@JDiculous1]

Logitech mouses suck

[@riccotlimbu7821]

I brought g pro wireless had double click issue after 1 month and got razer viper wireless what a great mouse aiming is much more snappy

[@trenkovu]

Switched from deathadder/kraken 7.1 to g pro wireless/g933. Not happy at all, both products have problems brand new, and headset is too much plastic for the price. Going back to razer for sure..

[@riccotlimbu7821]

Amazon reviews are not totally trustable

[@trenkovu]

Aaaand right now my mic mute function just died on g933 after just 1 month. Logitech biggest regret of my life, never again

[@nraihk]

I'm quite surprised these guys are diversifying and looking for new areas to grow their business, especially their eco-system. Well, I guess it's better to think BIG. Let's see what the future entails but for now, they seem to do on the right track.

[@thanhdohuu9473]

Had a Razer tiamat headset that started to have issues after about a year and the sound quality was pretty bad. Switched to a hyperx cloud 2 and hasn't looked back.

[@dhobbyd]

razer is just like a blinded man grabbing everything that is even unrelated to their core business.

[@joshuayuen668]

niwad25 well u have to admit that In terms of gaming they’re alrdy offering a lot, although some products can be improved. They still have to expand and tap into other industries that have potential, and its not uncommon for corporations to have many subsidiaries in various different industries

[@ravenous0382]

Min is such a cool CEO, Met him during the opening of razer store in the Philippines. Razer didnt anticipate the volume of people, so while were stuck in line Min ordered a bunch of pizzas and bottled water to feed everybody. Such a cool guy.

[@3rmag458]

Simply put: Buy selling overpriced, unreliable, and glorified (by sponsoring whoever that has a target audience) products.

[@Paw_Low]

@Who Knows and with thermal throttling, don't forget about that

[@Theemilioyap]

Products have made my kd even higher for both PC and console especially using the Viper Ultimate with Huntsman TKL TE. Thank you! Also have had all Razer Blades since its release.

[@swallowedinthesea11]

My Logitech mouse I had used for 11 years was double left clicking so it was time to buy a new mouse. I was about to buy a Razer until I saw many negative reviews saying it had the double left clicking problem out of the box. Bought a $20 USD 'gaming' mouse and it works perfectly!

[@theagen3js371]

I used to have DA but it makes my hand hurt, to bulky for me. I sold it and buy intelli 2.0 + qck pad from my friend 2nd but like new. Still had it until now from 2000 i think😅

[@flisfinance5680]

This is cool!!! I love the passion he has for the business

[@TsukishimaGOAT]

I cracked when they showed toaster 😂😂😂

[@Elly-gu5wn]

He’s not a business man. He’s the Source of Gaming Hardware. That’s the best way to say it. Not a father but a Creator.

[@jewelsonmyjeans]

i wish they would give me a free laptop so i can feel fine during quarantine...

[@Oliver-bn7jt]

Can they slowly improve the quality?

[@darrenheard9943]

Much success to Razer. Wonderful story!

[@robertlouw4520]

The business will also be getting into “Cloud Clubbing”

[@dakeer2780]

Good job young men, really inspiring!

[@mannywuuud]

Watched on my Razer Blade 15 :)

[@ismejks]

Don't buy their product i have bought 3 items before all spoiled within short time, keyboard key character faded away easily.....their quality is worst than those low tier product, their product is good to use, but wayyyyyyy to easy to spoil

[@P2Feener305]

This is true for most copy cat companies.

[@heroofhell522]

I have a mouse from them and so far it's been really good

[@TheStrengthPot]

I’ve been using the same keyboard and mouse from them for 7 years no problems I love their products

[@BruhBruh-mk5yg]

Jet i think you bought a fake razer product or this is sarcasm?

[@ismejks]

@@BruhBruh-mk5yg I think your mother is fake oh and this is how razer fanboy act like ?

[@main_tak_becus6689]

I always buy Logitech mouse but the wired ones break in the same spot, the wheels while the wireless one has connection issue unless the adapter is placed close to the mouse. $10 and $25 mouse btw. My fake Dualshock 3 still works.

[@OverThink]

That dubstep too

[@timothy1949]

not sure how people are breaking their razer products, I have been using my razer mouse, keyboard and speaker for years and they work completely fine.

[@manuelmacalinao500]

timothy1949 low quality materials. even my a4tech mouse lasts me 9 years haha. my razer mouse only lasts 3 yesrs before the clicks went bust.

[@renzeldavid4568]

Because people they probably slam their keyboards and mice when they rage

[@manuelmacalinao500]

@@svenskaz3428 actually they are one of the first gaming mouse ever released. Its popular in asia.

[@TomGD]

The only one we are waiting for is the toaster. Yes that toaster

[@jrukawa11]

Why not Razer rubbers?

[@aakashsahani2991]

There's no necessity to manufacture it if the gamers aren't going to use it. XD

[@Lvlaple4Ever]

Him comparable to Steve Jobs and Elon Musk? LUL

[@Patrick73787]

Nice, but I still prefer Logitech (which now owns Astro Gaming, MadCatz and Saitek) for my gaming peripherals. And I prefer Asus ROG gaming laptops.

[@BruhBruh-mk5yg]

yeah razer laptop is overpriced af like really

[@lxquid.ocelot]

razer laptops has a nice design

[@Caritoooo]

Bought a Razer mouse back in 2010 for $150. Mouse broke after 3 months of use. Never bought a product from them since then.

[@riufq]

Facts

[@howled0]

Their mice are way better now. My friend has been using a Deathadder elite for 3 years and it still hasn't broken. He did replace the glides, though.

[@ember5935]

LOL I’ve used mine for 3 years and has fallen so many times that I can’t count, yet you just don’t know how to take care of your items.

[@Caritoooo]

@@ember5935 Well, I am glad that your mouse still works! Good for you!

[@JGman32]

A lot of negativity towards razer here. Bought the razer blade 15 (2019) version in December, and so far I've had zero complaints everything works fine in a sleek package. Just a random consumer with an opinion. For me, I have zero complaints with their products. Besides being a little pricey, however, I don't mind it.

[@theREDMan]

Proud as a Singaporean~love the company's style, how wish they put in more on their phones, it's kinda disappointing

[@baconpancakes8899]

1:12 lmao

[@jinn7612]

how do i buy razor stocks?

[@BenjaminStJohn-en9nv]

ive had the same mouse for 6 years and its still going stong.

[@jcm5404984]

the pandemic, stay at home, work from home actually worked well for razer, online retail. people are trying to kill boredome at home, and trying to make work from home like working from office.

[@jojieriveral5035]

the mindset of people today is how do i earn money online

[@TheABS2820]

My last years razor still brand new since it stopped working

[@nicohartojo7916]

Razed was all hype, no substance for a while, but they’ve really stepped up their game lately when it comes to listening to consumer feedback and quality control on their products. All the people hating in the comments should really take a second look at some of their new gaming mice and keyboards

[@TheTomjmcc]

How long is that neck tho

[@BruhBruh-mk5yg]

TheTomjmcc 2.2 miles

[@rugoshath]

Record more content like these

[@jared9886]

I love this guy tho. He is a marketing genius

[@pocketman22]

I'm actually surprised they are doing well. I figured the gaming industry would take one of the hardest hits since the economy is going down. I thought ppl wouldnt invest in anything gaming without jobs and what not.

[@darkmath100]

0:20 - Rockin' the Fr33m@s0n gang sign....Nice. Their need for symbolism will be their downfall.

[@peterhuazq]

There are legit multiple witnesses who could testify this guy for workplace abuse and harassment.

[@chedj814]

My first Razer product would be that toaster. I've used Alienware, Steelseries, Coolermaster, but no Razer.

[@kevinadabaf.1401]

so Razer it's from US or Singapore?

[@AirMehh]

lmao why does the news always have to give a crappy dubstep background music when covering the gaming industry/esports?

[@Jib-gh4xs]

I regret buying a razer kraken headset v2 for 100 bucks when i was younger

[@zodspeed]

I normally don’t like Razer products but they are starting to improve their mice & keyboards. Seems like they’re starting to listen to the community

[@SHD69]

me literally using a razer mice right now lol

[@slimyslice]

This brand is so expensive is crazy.

[@Guiodude]

Got my keyboard and mouse for less then 120 bucks and I enjoy them

[@JDiculous1]

A lot of people complaining about Razer's products in the comments, so here's my counterpoint. I'm not a gamer, but for the longest time had been frustrated by mouses, specifically the fact that they're generally too small and uncomfortable. Last month I bought a Razer Deathadder v2 mouse and I love it. Extremely comfortable, and I only paid about $40. My only complaint would be that I don't like their logo, but of course that doesn't really matter.

[@markm4496]

best laptop i have ever had

[@ashman4874]

The razer earphones i bought broke after a year and they won't let me claim the warranty, saying it's "water damage".

[@bugboy1954]

Depend how'd they break? Did they just stop working?

[@ashman4874]

@@bugboy1954 they just dropped and the earphones like, doesn't have any sound anymore bro

[@bugboy1954]

@@ashman4874 That's what happend to my gaming ear buds a while back I dropped them and a piece of the plastic broke off totally destroying my ear buds.

[@anesbudiman]

While I admit that Razer's products are not always well made (had 2 DeathAdder that double-clicks in 4 years time), but the hate towards this guy is such disrespect to entrepreneurs in general. And I find their build qualities are getting better over time. Didn't have issues with customer service though. Or maybe people hating on successful Asian-born entrepreneur through gaming and esports is a thing that's different from their normal job (read: compiling/analyzing Excel sheets all the time making reports and sucked at gaming).

[@ttanizawa901]

Take lackluster products, slap some neon glowing green on them with a cool logo, market the shit out of it to gamers. Profit.

[@re4796]

Please explain the lackluster

[@NN0888]

CEO is mean and mistreats his staffs

[@talesforkids8886]

but he treated this lady well 😁

[@undergroundbeats6418]

N have you worked for him?

[@prussianduck9744]

As if other CEOs are better

[@swallowedinthesea11]

@@talesforkids8886 She spread well!

[@kentuazon1299]

Been using the same Razer keyboard and mouse for 5 years. People bitching just don’t know how to take care of their things.

[@booptidyscoop7790]

The interviewer gotta eat something fr

[@FunForChu]

3:35 Sounds like a Razerblade fan just kicked it. 😜 Nah I do like some of their products. Lol

[@Paw_Low]

Hahah I can confirm that

[@changye9604]

Still waiting on that Toaster

[@biggiesmol]

Amd processor laptops announcement soon?

[@robertlouw4520]

Amd Celeron🤙

[@AceHardy]

👑

[@kingkingh1]

They just confirmed razer toaster lol

[@P2Feener305]

We need rockstars servers to host unemployment applications.

[@ayylmao2410]

I had a wrapped keyboard and was able to get a new one for free, which I didn’t expect to see

[@michaelpascua2223]

karen always speaks to the manager, right, because shes on tv

[@geof101]

I'm hyped for the toaster

[@jenson1896]

I love this guy!

[@konos4581]

*1:12** a toaster*

[@gramozshala9629]

A product isn't released when in under-development .

[@alienwere999]

guys razer may be overpriced and what not......but that razer viper and the blackwidow keyboards are simply amazing

[@weltschmertzz]

Watching this in my razer phone 2.

[@taperboi6067]

Holy frick the toaster is in development holy frick

[@MouseCIick]

0:40 lol they can see.. yeah when they make you install their software or else you cant use their hardware so they can collect all your data.

[@offendingtheeasilyoffended2603]

Epic Gamer Moment

[@threadripper1822]

Just bought a blackwidow elite, Love it!

[@thecommentssquads2804]

so much Razer hater in this comment..i has try other brand like steelseries,RoG,Msi..still Razer feel better for me

[@xinhui071869]

I cant decide between Asus Zephyrus or Razer Blade 15

[@thecommentssquads2804]

@@xinhui071869 depends what u want from a laptop

[@undergroundbeats6418]

ZedGod _ buy a pc

[@chaitanyadivate4551]

Maybe decrease the prices now??

[@JS-zy6fv]

she admiring hard lol

[@petervdh24]

Corsair Master Race

[@SevenDeMagnus]

So cool, Razer.

[@JimmyCheng]

razer revolutionized gaming laptops with the blade 15 several years ago, when gaming laptops are thiccccc and shouty. I respect that. But in terms of product quality and service, they are far far behind companies like apple. (yet the price is comparable btw)

[@seek3n]

I just got a viper ultimate for 150. And only has 1 chroma light. Lmao 🤣

[@undergroundbeats6418]

Jeff Gao I never knew you could see the light of the mouse when holding it 🤣. You should have a pretty Transparent palm to care about the color.

[@seek3n]

@@undergroundbeats6418 I know 1 light and is on the bottom of the mouse. Their older version has lights on the side

[@value_sniper4056]

Their products break-in like 2 seconds

[@NathanaelTan]

Chai Chee Bai!

[@ethangaming8944]

love AlienWare

[@crtmojo2705]

Never heard of him. Can’t be that great.

[@maxwalker7732]

You sound stupid

[@BruhBruh-mk5yg]

max walker i think hes joking

[@wilkinlow]

Ah the Apple equivalent in gaming.