Interview with Yaroslav Kravtsov: 5 Key Points from His Experience

Contents:

• The evolution of mobile development before the iPhone
• Conclusions and the future of mobile development
• Career growth stages in the gaming industry
• The path from the corporate environment to independent development

The evolution of mobile development before the iPhone

Your journey into the world of mobile gaming began at G5 Entertainment, where you gained experience working with famous franchises such as Star Wars, The Simpsons, The Sims, and Saints Row. This unique experience not only enriched your skills but also provided the opportunity to interact with global brands, a significant milestone in your career in the gaming industry. Working on such significant projects allowed you to gain a deeper understanding of the mobile gaming market and develop your expertise in this dynamic field. Starting at a prestigious company was a thrilling experience. Your first task was designing a level for Star Wars: Episode V, which was an incredibly exciting experience. This project may have opened new horizons in your career and allowed you to realize your creative ideas within the world of a renowned franchise. Being involved in such a significant project as Star Wars not only strengthened your professional skills but also gave you the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, an important aspect in the video game industry. It's worth noting that this was the era before the iPhone and the App Store, when mobile phones had limited features. Game distribution infrastructure was still underdeveloped, and most stores offered games only as icons and titles, without detailed descriptions or trailers. Under these circumstances, a game's success depended on its title and visual design. This created unique challenges for developers, who had to make the most of limited resources to capture users' attention.

The success of mobile development depends on the interaction of three key parties: developers, publishers, and Franchise owners. Developers constantly interact with publishers, ensuring effective information flow and prompt resolution of any issues that arise. However, communication with franchise owners is often fraught with delays in responses, which complicates the development process and can impact release dates. Effective collaboration between all parties is critical to achieving high results in mobile development.

Creating a game based on a franchise not only presents a challenge but also the need to adhere to the film's plot, which often remains a secret until release. Your team faced a situation where the film's plot differed radically from the original game concept. This highlights the relevance and importance of careful coordination with franchise rights holders. Aligning key plot and character elements helps avoid inconsistencies and ensures a harmonious interaction between the game and the film, which in turn can impact audience perception and the commercial success of the project.

Experience working with Nokia, Blackberry, and Samsung devices has proven valuable in the field of game optimization. Developing games for these platforms required creating three versions for different phone categories: from high-end models with advanced graphics to simpler devices that needed to balance image quality and performance. This process taught us to consider limited resources and adapt game mechanics to different technical specifications, significantly improving the user experience and expanding our audience.

Mobile development in Russia hasn't always been at a high level. In 2007, when I began my career, the industry was facing serious challenges. Many developers focused only on the local market, which created additional difficulties due to the spread of pirated software. This situation limited innovation and the development of mobile applications, negatively impacting the overall health of the industry. Over time, however, Russian mobile development began to adapt and evolve, resulting in the emergence of high-quality and competitive products.

The 2008 crisis was a key moment for the gaming industry. Economic difficulties and an increase in piracy forced developers to seek alternative means of generating income. In this context, mobile gaming has become one of the most promising solutions. The transition to mobile platforms opened up new opportunities for revenue and player engagement, changing the landscape of the gaming industry. Developers began to actively implement monetization models, such as free-to-play games with in-game purchases, which allowed them to attract a wider audience and generate stable revenue. Thus, the 2008 crisis became a catalyst for the growth of the mobile gaming market.

G5 Entertainment underwent an important change: they ceased developing PC games and focused on mobile games. This transition was a significant milestone in the industry, reflecting modern trends and player preferences. Mobile gaming continues to gain popularity, and G5 Entertainment is actively adapting to these changes, offering new solutions and innovations in gameplay.

Conclusions and the Future of Mobile Development

Mobile development has changed significantly since the beginning of your career. Technological advancements and the transition to modern platforms like the App Store contribute to the ongoing evolution of this industry. This creates new opportunities for developers, allowing them to implement innovative solutions and improve user experiences. In an increasingly competitive environment, it's important to stay on top of the latest trends and adapt to changes to remain a sought-after mobile development specialist.

Frequently asked questions about mobile games and their development include several key aspects. First, the requirements for mobile games have changed significantly with the advent of modern technology. Today, players expect high-quality graphics, fast loading times, and an intuitive interface. These factors are becoming critical for a product's success in the market.

Second, combating piracy remains a pressing issue for mobile game developers. Modern protection methods, such as the use of unique activation keys and cloud solutions, can help preserve intellectual property and reduce financial losses.

Finally, trends in mobile development continue to evolve. In the coming years, we can expect the popularity of augmented and virtual reality technologies, as well as games with elements of social interaction, to grow. Developers must be prepared to adapt to these changes to remain competitive in the rapidly changing mobile gaming market.

Career Progression in the Gaming Industry

I started my career in the gaming industry with a deep passion for video games and an understanding of their mechanics. Initially, I studied various aspects of game development, including programming, design, and testing. I participated in several independent projects, which gave me valuable experience working in a team and an understanding of the process of creating games from idea to implementation.

Over time, I began to build my network of contacts by attending gaming conferences and participating in hackathons. This allowed me not only to meet industry professionals but also to learn about new trends and technologies. I actively used social media and platforms such as LinkedIn to promote my projects and build connections.

Gradually, I began to receive job offers from large gaming studios, where I was able to apply my skills and knowledge in practice. I was constantly learning, taking courses and seminars to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and improve my skills. This path was not only professional but also personal growth for me, opening up new horizons in the world of video games.

In two years, I rose from level designer to lead level designer. This transition was unexpected for me, as the lead position opened up due to the departure of other specialists, and not just due to my skills. I realized I was ready to create the game of my dreams, quit my job, and developed a prototype. After approaching publishers, unfortunately, we were unable to secure funding, but I soon received an offer from Nival.

I participated in the development of Skyforge as a level designer. My main task was to create engaging game locations that would combine interesting mechanics and an atmosphere that would help players immerse themselves in the game world. I worked closely with the team to ensure a harmonious interaction between level design and gameplay elements. My contributions included not only map design but also gameplay optimization, which created a unique user experience.

Returning to my role as a level designer, I realized that after two years, I hadn't reached the level of a leading specialist. Working on mobile games has its own unique characteristics: their development cycle is only 4-6 months, after which the project is released, and that's it. Unlike mobile projects, Skyforge requires large teams and years of effort, as it is an online game that requires ongoing support. Skyforge is significantly more complex, and I had to learn a lot of new skills to succeed in this field.

I joined the Nival team just a few months before release, and my main task was to fix bugs and finish unfinished aspects of the game.

Obsidian adheres to the more relaxed pace of development typical for single-player projects, where the working day ends at 5-6 pm. For the team, the idea of ​​staying late to fix critical bugs or working on weekends was unusual, even strange. They perceived us as people with wild habits.

At Obsidian, I observed a team of people of all ages, including those over 50 and even 70 years old. This is inspiring, as it is rare to find developers over 35-40 in the Russian IT industry. In our industry, an approach that often overloads employees with workloads leads to burnout. This situation highlights the importance of supporting diversity on the team and creating conditions for a long-term career in development, which can significantly increase productivity and creativity.

Many note that the absence of crunch and a more reasonable work schedule significantly increases developer happiness, even in older age. This underscores the importance of creating a comfortable working environment in software development, which, in turn, can lead to increased productivity and reduced stress. Developers who work in a balanced environment often perform better and are more satisfied with their careers.

Yes, that's true. The history of the gaming industry shows that the first slot machines appeared in America in 1972, and the industry has been actively developing since then. In Russia, the gaming industry only began to take shape in the mid-1990s. In 2007-2008, it faced a serious crisis that had a significant impact on its further development. Since then, Russia has seen growing interest in video games, mobile games, and online gambling, opening up new opportunities for investment and innovation in this area.

I am convinced that the Russian gaming industry will eventually reach the level I witnessed at Obsidian. Creating high-quality games and attracting players is only part of success. An important aspect is caring for the team, its stability, and long-term well-being. Employee resilience and job satisfaction are key factors that contribute to the development and prosperity of game development. Investing in the team not only improves the quality of the product but also creates a positive atmosphere, which in turn attracts more players and contributes to the growth of the company as a whole.

The Path from the Corporate Environment to Independent Development

Your first games were Message Quest and Smash Bash. How did the ideas for these projects come about? How much time and effort did it take to combine their development with your work at Mail.ru?

My path to game creation began in childhood. At the time, I was doing simple crafts and dreamed of creating something high-quality and finished. While working at G5, I already had an idea for a game, but I didn't have any drawing or programming skills. So, I decided to realize my concept in the format of a visual novel, applying my photography skills.

Creating visual novels requires not only technical skills but also the ability to write gripping stories. Unfortunately, I couldn't cope with this task on my own. I realized that to develop a compelling story, I needed the help of professional writers. My attention is too focused on technical aspects, which prevents me from focusing on creating a compelling narrative. Therefore, I am seeking collaboration with experienced writers who can help me develop ideas into full-fledged visual novel stories.

After this, I went on to develop an Android game that had no plot and was based on finding elements in photographs. I invested $200 in advertising, but only made $2. This experience has become an important lesson for me, emphasizing the importance of characters and storylines in game projects.

While working at Mail.ru, I met Masha Kochakova, who shared her game development ideas with me. Thanks to her input, I was able to significantly develop the concept of Message Quest. After a year and a half of working together, we successfully completed this project.

Despite the fact that the Message Quest project did not bring the expected profit, it became a significant stage in my portfolio. Creative differences arose during development, which led me to the idea of ​​taking on the entire creative side of the next project and handing over the technical aspects to other specialists. This is how the concept for Smash Bash was born. This decision allowed me to focus on the creative process and create a more harmonious and cohesive project.

The concept for Smash Bash was developed during a game jam, where I quickly assembled a team of programmers and artists. This collaboration resulted in the creation of a fascinating prototype. We won a prize at the Defold engine competition, which gave us a unique opportunity to present our game at GDC.

Our game attracted attention at the Game Developers Conference, but, Unfortunately, funding didn't come through. We returned to Moscow and began looking for freelance projects. Despite the difficulties, Smash Bash continued to be an important part of my life and inspiration.

Smash Bash has evolved from a game jam to GDC. Participating in hackathons offers numerous benefits to aspiring developers. First, it's a unique opportunity to work on a project under tight deadlines, which helps develop quick decision-making and creative thinking skills. Second, hackathons facilitate networking with other developers, artists, and designers, which can lead to future collaborations. Furthermore, participating in such events allows you to receive feedback from experienced professionals, which fosters growth and development. Finally, hackathons allow you to create a visible project that can be used in your portfolio, increasing your chances of successful employment in the gaming industry.

Game jams create a unique atmosphere that helps developers enter a state of flow. This event can be compared to a holiday, when all participants are focused on achieving a common goal. In a short period of time, usually two days, you can develop a prototype and test your idea, allowing you to quickly assess its viability. Participating in game jams not only develops teamwork skills but also stimulates creativity, making these events an important part of the game development process.

Completing projects, even simple ones, brings invaluable experience in the field of game development. This skill, the ability to see things through to completion, is crucial for every developer. Creating a finished product not only allows you to improve your professional skills but also fosters self-confidence, which plays a key role in a successful career in the gaming industry.

Despite all the difficulties, you chose the path of an indie developer, rejecting the idea of ​​returning to a corporation. This decision reflects your desire for creative freedom and independence in game development. Indie development provides the opportunity to realize your own ideas and concepts, which makes this path especially attractive for creative people who want to express themselves in digital art.

I realized that it was important for me to work on my own projects. Working for a salary, I felt limited. This realization pushed me to seek new opportunities and independently implement my ideas.

Despite financial difficulties, when instant noodles began to be perceived as a "luxury food", I realized that independent development opens up prospects for an unlimited income, dependent solely on my efforts. This opportunity allows me not only to realize my ideas, but also to successfully monetize my skills, which makes the path to financial stability more accessible.

Independent development has a number of significant advantages over working for a corporation. Firstly, there is the freedom to choose projects. Developers can choose the tasks and areas that interest them, which promotes increased motivation and creativity. Secondly, independent developers can set their own work schedule, which allows for a better balance between personal life and career.

Furthermore, working outside the corporate structure often involves more direct interaction with clients, which helps to better understand their needs and requirements. This, in turn, contributes to the creation of a higher-quality product. Independent developers also have the opportunity to experiment with new technologies and approaches, which can lead to innovative solutions.

Another important aspect is the opportunity to increase income. Independent developers can set their own rates and work on several projects simultaneously, which can significantly increase their financial stability. Overall, independent development offers more flexible working conditions and more opportunities for professional growth. Working for large companies, I had plenty of opportunities to express my creativity. However, as I advanced in my career, the focus shifted to organization and management. I strove for creative work, not just being a liaison in the process. Starting your career at large studios has significant advantages. It allows you to gain valuable experience and a deeper understanding of team processes, which is a key aspect of successful development in the future. Working in such an environment helps develop collaboration skills and an understanding of project structure, which will be useful later in your professional life. Independent game development is analogous to running your own business. This process involves solving many tasks that go beyond creative work. These include finding investors and publishers, testing games, and placing products on various platforms. Successful independent development requires not only a creative approach but also strategic thinking to effectively manage the project and attract an audience.

Every experience, whether in development or teamwork, is highly valuable. It's recommended that aspiring developers begin their careers within a company to understand the internal processes and working mechanisms of a team. This will help them better prepare for indie development and avoid common pitfalls. Internship in a corporate environment allows you to master skills that will be useful in independent project development, and gain an understanding of modern technologies and methodologies.