As a seasoned engineer, Michal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a leader and manager of a team of engineers. For individuals looking to pursue a career in the gaming industry, he recommends starting by making your own small game or game project, or starting in a QA position and learning on the job.
Can you tell us about your background and how you became an Engineering Manager at Wargaming?
With over 15 years of experience in the game development industry, I have honed my skills as an engineer and worked on several games from conception to release. After all these years, I feel that I have accumulated enough knowledge and experience to share with aspiring game developers. I want to help cultivate the next generation of talent while still having the opportunity to continue writing code and being a hands-on contributor.
How do you approach leading and managing a team of engineers to ensure the successful development and deployment of projects?
When building my team, I prioritize individuals with a passion for game development. This industry requires a certain level of dedication and it is essential to have team members who are truly invested. I believe in my team and trust that they are driven to perform their best work. I am always available to offer support and guidance, drawing on my years of experience to provide a different perspective. My goal is to foster a supportive and collaborative environment where team members feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them.
Can you give an example of a particularly challenging project you have led and how you overcame any obstacles during the development process?
Working on game projects inherently presents challenges. When leading a team, I approach each project with a shared responsibility mentality, where the entire team is responsible for delivering the best possible outcome, rather than relying on individual members or a lead. This approach fosters a sense of accountability and collaboration, leading to the successful delivery of our shared goals.
Can you share any specific strategies or techniques that foster a culture of innovation and creativity within engineering teams?
It’s for sure openness and supportiveness. As a lead I always listen to every new idea and I’m open to apply them whenever possible. I also reward every innovation we implement. This why my team knows it’s worth trying.
Can you share any specific advice for individuals looking to pursue an Engineering career in the gaming industry?
Getting into the game industry is extremely hard. The bar we set for engineers to get an entry-level job is much higher in comparison to any other programming opportunity. Unfortunately, universities can’t prepare individuals fully for a career in game development. Future Game Devs must be proactive in seeking out additional resources, such as books or open-source projects, to further their skills and knowledge. I always advise aspiring game developers to start by creating their own small game projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable in understanding the realities of the industry and what is required to secure their first job. Additionally, our company recently introduced an engineering internship program where we provide an immersive experience of what it's like to work as a game developer. While the journey may be long, persistence and a willingness to learn, even in a QA role, will ultimately lead to success in this field.
Feeling inspired and want to join Wargaming? Go to our Career page and find a position that will be perfect for your set of skills!