Jumping into the gaming industry with non-gaming experience may seem daunting, but it is far from impossible. Roger Mao, our Marketing Manager for World of Tanks in China, is living proof of this. With 17 years of experience in marketing field and nearly four years of experience at Wargaming, Roger's journey demonstrates that passion, adaptability, and transferable skills can pave the way for a successful career in gaming.
Roger, you had extensive experience in marketing with Fortune 500 brands in non-gaming. How did you find your transition into the gaming industry?
It was not an easy job at the beginning, because no matter how much experience I had in marketing, I was new to the gaming industry. To quickly adapt to this new industry, I implemented a multi-faceted strategy. I immersed myself in collecting industry information both online and offline, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape.
I engaged with colleagues across various functions within the company. These conversations were crucial in developing a deep understanding of our brand identity, product offerings, and target consumers. I wasn't afraid to ask questions. I sought clarification on working processes, key deliverables, and performance metrics.
What were your key learnings during the 1st year after you joined Wargaming?
First and foremost, I quickly realized the importance of continuous learning. Stepping into a new industry, working with a fresh brand and product, and adapting to unfamiliar processes can be overwhelming.
Secondly, I learned the invaluable lesson that it's perfectly acceptable to ask seemingly "stupid" questions. Overcoming the fear of appearing uninformed and having the courage to seek clarification has proven to be a time-saving strategy, allowing me to grasp concepts and dive into the business more rapidly.
Lastly, I discovered the immense value of relying on colleagues' support. The respectful and supportive environment at Wargaming has been a cornerstone of my growth.
What is special about Wargaming culture?
It’s interesting that people play games when working. And playing not only our own games but also other games. This approach reflects our open-minded culture and the trust we place in our team members.
Simultaneously, exploring competitors' games helps us stay ahead of industry trends and understand what makes other titles successful.
This unique aspect of Wargaming's culture demonstrates our commitment to fostering creativity and continuous learning.
Wargaming is known for its supportive work environment. How does the company contribute to creating such an atmosphere?
Caring for people is the most appreciated part of Wargaming. I’ve worked for different Fortune 500 brands previously, and Wargaming is one of the best brands that treasures people. From setting up and maintaining comfortable working environments for employees to conducting charitable and volunteering events across all our locations.
Wargaming understands the importance of celebration and recognition. Birthdays are never overlooked, and project completions are met with enthusiastic festivities. The company thoughtfully provides gifts for employees' children, acknowledging that a happy family contributes to a more content and productive workforce. Regular celebrations foster a sense of community and appreciation among colleagues, boosting morale and team spirit. Not to forget about everyday well-stocked pantry, always brimming with free fruits and drinks, ensuring that team members stay refreshed and energized throughout the day.
With teams in different locations how do you ensure effective communication and collaboration across different time zones?
It’s quite normal to work in different time zones with your team in a global company.
We recognize that a flexible working environment is crucial, and Wargaming has embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly.
To maintain high-quality output and meet deadlines, we've implemented a robust suite of communication and collaboration tools. For example, regular teams meeting, share folders, Miro, Asana task, etc.
Our teams are empowered to work in ways that best suit their local contexts while remaining aligned with our global objectives. This approach not only boosts productivity but also enhances employee satisfaction and work-life harmony.
Talking about work-life harmony. You're an avid sports enthusiast, you participate in marathons and triathlons. How does this help in your work and impact leadership style?
Sports plays an important role in my life. It’s beneficial not only to my physical health but also to mental health. Marathon is a long-time running challenge. You must know yourself better and try to get familiar to the route you run. You must manage and allocate your energy to control your pace. Finally, never give up until you make it.
The parallels between endurance sports and successful marketing are striking. Just as a marathon requires intimate self-knowledge and familiarity with the course, effective marketing demands a deep understanding of your consumers, brand, and products.
The ability to push through challenges and never give up until crossing the finish line directly translates to the business world. This resilience is crucial when facing obstacles in marketing campaigns or navigating complex project timelines.
What are your views on the future development of the gaming industry? What trends or opportunities do you see?
It is a very competitive market, especially on the PC end, and in China. Consumers are easily lost in the information explosion era. A mobile game competes not only with other mobile games but also with any apps that drive consumers' focus during fragile times.
A PC game competes with even wider rivals: other PC games, mobile games, apps that help consumers kill time, etc. However, the potential for growth is always there. WoT PC is a high-quality, long-life game with a good reputation.
Delivering exciting game updates to keep active engagement with existing players will contribute to MAU and revenue. Reaching and converting precise target audiences to enlarge the new player pool is also an important approach to make our business successful.
What would you recommend to aspiring marketing professionals who think of joining the company like ours from a non-gaming industry?
Take my experience with Wargaming as a prime example. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, even those without prior gaming industry experience.
If you're intrigued by our company and brand, start by immersing yourself in research. Dive deep into online resources, explore our website, and engage with our social media channels. Most importantly, don't hesitate to try our games firsthand.
Once you become a Wargamer, my strongest recommendation is to fully embrace the gaming culture. Play our games regularly, not just as a job requirement, but as a passionate gamer. This hands-on experience helps you to understand the market, the competitors, the consumers, and the product well.
We hope that Roger's insights served as an inspiring example for those considering a leap into the gaming industry. His personal story proves that, professionals from various backgrounds can find rewarding careers in Wargaming. Don’t hesitate to check our career opportunities at the https://wargaming.com/en/careers/ now.