Meet Andrey Ryabovol, our Product Director of World of Tanks Blitz and a true tank connoisseur. He’s an avid gamer and lover of all things digital, who loves to get creative with the latest technologies. So if you have an idea for WoT Blitz – you know who to call!

Tell the story about your career path and education. Maybe professional background

My career started with pursuing financial education in 2008, but at the same time, I was also passionate about gaming and started to work in this industry. I had the opportunity to work on various mobile titles, from simple games for J2ME phones to games on iPhones and Androids.

But it’s been the last 10 years that were most significant for me, as I was part of the Wargaming team working on WoT Blitz. It’s been a great experience and one of the most exciting challenges in my career. It’s definitely something that opened up a lot of doors for me personally and professionally.

Name several reasons why you chose to join the gaming industry. What’s so attractive in the game industry?

First of all, it is the games themselves. What can be more fun than working on a game? I think it’s the dream of every child who’s into gaming!

 I absolutely love being part of the gaming industry. It’s such a great chance to be creative and make something that people can enjoy playing. 

Also, the game industry relies on the latest technological advances. I’m excited about all the new technologies that are being used in this sector – things like AI, blockchain, persistent online worlds, virtual reality and so on. Plus, there’s always something new to learn here, which I think is really cool.

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

Wargaming is a big company which really cares about games. I’m proud to say that Wargaming stands out from other companies by always putting our players first. I think it’s in our DNA. Our passion for making the best game possible ensures that we go above and beyond when it comes to developing new features, updates and content. We strive to create a truly unique gaming experience that keeps our players coming back for more. 

What’s so special about your area of responsibility?

My team and I are responsible for the whole World of Tanks Blitz game. What I find so special about this is that we are able to create an entirely different, unique experience for mobile gamers compared to our flagship World of Tanks PC game. We’ve designed new technologies to ensure our mobile game can stand independently and offer something fresh and exciting that you won’t find in any other version.

My team and I are constantly striving to improve our game by adding new content and polishing up existing mechanics with frequent updates. We never stand still; we’re always looking for ways to improve our product! It’s been amazing to see how far World of Tanks Blitz has come since its initial launch, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Could you share your thoughts about the privileges of being in Lithuania? What do you like the most about this country?

Lithuania is a wonderful country. The people here are incredibly welcoming and friendly. I was struck by how warm everyone was! Apart from its inviting atmosphere, Lithuania also offers something special in terms of game development: a team of talented developers with plenty of experience. I believe it is a great place to make games.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies outside of work include playing computer games, football, and snowboarding. I love the feeling of carving through fresh powder on a crispy winter day! But it’s also fun to just relax and play some video games. Sometimes my wife tells me that I’m working on making games at work, but then when I come home, I play them. It’s hard to explain to her that I play completely different games when I’m not at work.

Who are you when you close office doors/laptop?

Since we recently moved to Vilnius and rented places close to each other, it’s quite often that we meet with colleagues every day. Sometimes it feels as if we live on a big university campus. It’s like we’re all in our 20’s 2.0!

What advice would you give to a new joiner?

I’d advise them to be proactive and learn. In our industry, everything is very connected. If you are in marketing, try to learn some development. If you are in development, check our analytics. If you are a manager, try to make an icon. Understanding the whole process and all roles would be super beneficial for the career