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Disciplines

Monetization

The Monetization team is a little like our own personal Ebenezer Scrooge — in the best possible way. All while keeping in mind our priority, our players’ happiness, they tell us where the money goes, how much of it we can afford to allocate to our different activities and give us ways to increase our revenue. They’re also to thank for the smooth running of our large in-game events and sweet, sweet promotion offers and combat missions!

Aleksander Volkov
Monetization Team Lead in MS-1

Sounds complicated, right? To keep it simple, the main role of his team is to earn for the studio and the company as much as it takes to cover the KPI goals. That’s how you would describe his work to the stranger at the bar in one sentence. Still, there’s much more to say about Alexander and his complex work for Wargaming! 

So, let’s get into it!

Could you tell us the story about your career path and education? Maybe give some professional background.

Regarding my career path in education, I received my bachelor’s degree in Quantum Information Technologies back in 2010. However, when I decided to continue my higher education journey with a degree in Manager-Economist the following year, that’s when I truly connected my life with the IT industry. That same year, I applied for the position of Billing Customer Specialist at Wargaming. Upon successfully being accepted into the role, I gained great experience in customer support and assistance with financial issues such as payments and refunds and security issues and hacks into player accounts.

From 2013 to 2019, I worked in the leadership positions of the Customer Care teams. I focused on building and optimising the work of billing support teams in solving financial issues, direction, and security of player accounts. My responsibilities included creating an operational sales plan for in-game content, cooperating with internal departments to prepare items for sale in the online premium shop, and analysing and optimising the effectiveness of the content sold.

Moreover, I have been actively developing my collaboration skills by working closely with the Game Store, Content, Creative Media, Analytics, and Development teams. This has enabled me to build strong relationships not only within the team but also beyond it.

Since 2022, being already in the position of Monetization Team Lead, I have been responsible for driving the overall strategy and evolution of products monetization methods, processes and policies. I focus on delivering new experiences to empower products with innovative monetization options and mechanics and driving upsell opportunities. I partner closely with internal cross-functional teams such as Development, Product Management, Marketing, and Analytics to ensure that features are operationalised and launched quickly, efficiently and seamlessly. I am also highly collaborative in my approach when aligning strategies with product stakeholders.

Name several reasons why you chose to join the gaming industry. What is so attractive about the game industry?

Joining the gaming industry was an easy decision for me. I had always been fond of computer games since my youth, so it just felt natural to move into a field to where I could devote my passion. It’s great when your work is a hobby. You just enjoy what you do and still get paid for it! 

And another thing –  working in the gaming industry simply doesn’t let you grow old! You always keep up with the times, always with interest in anticipation of something new! I just enjoy what I do and still get paid for it. Plus, it’s fascinating to be part of this ever-changing industry.

Could you share your perspective on what is so unique about Wargaming?

To be honest, I’ve been working in Wargaming for so long that it is difficult to compare. I would say that what makes this company so unique is that they genuinely care about employees. The key value here is the team and employees! The team spirit and camaraderie here are strong, and I feel supported by my colleagues daily. Also, working with professionals here for me is truly important. It gives me the power to grow and get better at what I do every day!

What’s so special about the Monetization discipline and your area of responsibility?

Monetization is the direction where you should be the first and keep track of the potential and opportunities for additional revenue. It’s always a challenge at work! Achievements and records today – tomorrow is the norm. I love seeing tangible results from my job and recognising my team’s efforts in helping Wargaming grow. Monetization requires a combination of knowledge, creativity, and experience – something that we have in abundance here! It’s just a pleasure to see how your work results are measured in absolute numbers as a component of our company’s revenue!

Could you share your thoughts about the privileges of being in Lithuania? What do you like the most about this country? Tell the fact why everyone should visit Lithuania!

Lithuania is an open and free country! My family and I have been living in Vilnius for a relatively short time, but we have already fallen in love with this city. It has become a second home for us. Vilnius is a beautiful green city with a centuries-old history that the old town keeps. So many parks and cultural places where you can have a great free time with your family, relax and recover!

People in Lithuania are incredibly welcoming and friendly as well. Without fail, everyone you meet will greet you with a smile and be ready to lend a helping hand if needed. They make sure you feel right at home no matter where you come from.

Separately, I would like to note the number of various cultural events and activities that Vilnius is full of! Everyone can find something for their soul and body! In my opinion, for people who are active and looking for adventure, Lithuania can give great and bright moments in your life! My personal recommendation of what is worth seeing here is the dawn from the height of the flight of a balloon that took off from Vingis Park.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are pretty wide-ranging. I’m a big fan of chess and enjoy playing classic strategies with friends. I also love spending quality time with my family outdoors – from going on hikes in nature to travelling to nearby countries both for leisure as well as to explore their cultural and historical sites. I find that immersing myself in different cultures helps broaden my knowledge and perspective of the world. In addition, it’s also a great way to spend time with loved ones and make memories together!

What advice would you give to a new joiner?

My advice is never to give up and always think outside the box. To be successful in this role, you must be organised and have a passion for problem-solving, with dedication and attention to detail. You should strive to stay on top of market trends, industry news and, of course, our products. Working as a team is also essential – it’s important to be willing to support and collaborate with your colleagues when needed. A great way to do that is by being open-minded and embracing different opinions and perspectives. Finally, remember to enjoy yourself! This job can be challenging but also very rewarding – so make sure you take time out for yourself where needed.