1Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself and your background.
My name is Andrei Songraf, and I've been managing game development for over five years. My role involves overseeing the entire development process, ensuring that both the creative vision and technical pipeline run smoothly while guiding the team toward the best possible outcome for our projects.
2What led you to become a Game Developer / Marketer?
Games are a powerful way for our team to connect with people and share creativity using cutting-edge technology. It’s an art form that truly captivates me. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing players enjoy the worlds we've created.
3What is your role in the company, and what traits should a game developer / marketing professional possess to be successful in their role?
To succeed in roles like Game Designer and Creative Lead, one must be a strong team player, think systematically, and find creative solutions. It is crucial to understand the team's strengths and help them thrive while ensuring everyone is aligned with the project’s vision.
Managing workflows efficiently is vital to delivering a quality product with limited resources.
4Tell us more about your studio / company.
We’re an indie studio that develops games for multiple platforms. We're flexible and experimental in different genres.
5What is your own definition of a great game?
The best games stand the test of time because they focus on a core idea and build everything around it. A great game has simple yet brilliant mechanics that enhance the overall experience. It's about crafting a powerful and engaging experience with a clear vision.
6Describe the genres of the game(s) your studio / company specializes in, as well as its main characteristics.
We’ve explored different genres, and our teams are specialized accordingly. Each team brings a unique skill set that aligns with their project.
7Tell us more about your ideation process.
Every game begins with a clear, exciting idea and solid core mechanics. The ideation process varies, but refining those ideas requires experience both as a gamer and a developer.
Sometimes, the concept can even come from a dream!
8Congratulations! As the winner of the NYX Game Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
It’s an honor! We’re thrilled to receive this recognition, but it also reminds us to keep improving. As developers, we’re aware of areas we can enhance, which motivates us to strive for excellence.
9How has winning an international award help promote your company and game?
We track all mentions of our game, and international recognition like this helps us reach a broader audience. It’s a great way to showcase what we’re working on and to motivate the team.
10What are the challenges of developing / marketing your winning entry(ies)?
The biggest challenge for us was creating two main characters, the second of which needed to be fully functional and controlled by artificial intelligence.
11How has the country, you are based in, helped during your ideation process?
The aesthetics of the '80s and retro-futurism inspired us. It's more of a philosophical question of whether the current environment directly impacts the creative process.
12What are the current trends in the game industry that you are most excited about?
I am excited to see single-player RPGs making a comeback. I love this genre and hope to contribute to it in the future, perhaps even inventing a new sub-genre.
13What are the top THREE (3) favorite things about the gaming industry?
The people, the ideas, and the endless possibilities for innovation.
14What resources would you recommend to someone who is searching to improve their game designs and development ideas / skills?
You can learn a lot from industry talks, podcasts, and articles. But nothing beats hands-on experience. The gaming industry evolves rapidly, and the best way to grow is by practicing and addressing real-world challenges.
15Where do you see the evolution of the gaming industry in the next 5-10 years?
With the current pace of innovation, it’s hard to say. However, I am excited about the potential for complete virtual immersion—it's a bit risky, but as long as it helps people grow, it can be a positive direction.
16Who inspired you in your life, and why?
Historical figures who have had a significant impact on the world inspire me. I greatly admire their ability to lead and inspire others.
17What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I am passionate about what I do and have big dreams. That passion drives me to keep learning and improving at an incredible pace.
18Do you have anything else, which we haven’t covered, that you would like to include in this interview?
We sincerely thank the NYX Game Awards for organizing an outstanding showcase of games!