We relocated to Vilnius in 2021 for work and were living near the Baltic Sea. When the war started, my wife Irina and I decided that nothing was keeping us in Lithuania, especially given the cold climate. We had planned to spend our vacation in Spain before the war, and despite our doubts, we went there. The people were lovely, and the atmosphere in Spain was warm and inviting.

We started thinking about moving to Spain. However, when we began investigating the required documents, we realized we didn’t have enough income to apply there. So I suggested, "Why not Portugal?" We had visited Portugal ten years earlier, as tourists in Lisbon, and had really enjoyed it. We decided to move to Porto instead of Lisbon. Porto feels different. It's the northern part of Portugal, with a different kind of charm compared to Lisbon.

Porto is quieter, which was important for us. The calm atmosphere, combined with the sunny weather and excellent seafood, made it an easy choice. 

How has living in Porto influenced your creative work, and has your vision changed in any way?

My work is pretty focused, so living in Porto hasn’t dramatically changed my creative output. I live about 20 minutes from the ocean, although the last time I went to the beach was two weeks ago. My work involves a lot of communication, writing and team management, so I need a calm environment.

I thought I’d become someone who works from the beach with my family around, but that hasn’t happened. I’ve found that I work best in a structured setting. What Porto has given me is a clear sense of work-life balance and a more relaxed, safe environment that’s good for mental health.

I also appreciate the flexible working hours in Playsense. I can often finish work earlier, especially since I wake up early because we have a kid. After work, I enjoy walking around - whether it’s to the grocery store or just for a stroll. It’s a nice way to unwind.

You’ve found a perfect work-life balance in Portugal!

Yes, absolutely. The work-life balance here is clearer and more manageable. I used to work remotely, but it wasn’t quite the same as working remotely in Porto. Here, the balance is more straightforward, and I can set priorities better.

With your BA in Visual and Cultural Studies, how do you apply your theoretical insights to your practical work?

My BA degree was mostly theoretical, focusing on visual art and cinema, with just some practical work. While studying, I started working as a videographer to gain practical experience. That hands-on work allowed me to apply what I was learning in theory to real projects.

I began working at Wargaming early on and over the years I transitioned from an artist to a managerial role. The job was always challenging and never repetitive, which kept me engaged for over a decade. I enjoyed the daily new challenges and creative tasks. Every project was different, and the creative aspect never got old. Even as I transitioned into management, I continued to find the work engaging. The variety and constant innovation were key factors here, I guess.

How do you balance creativity with project deadlines when leading a team?

It involves a lot of communication and finding the right balance. Sometimes clients need something functional rather than perfect. My role often involves guiding my team to balance high-quality work with practical deadlines. It’s about managing expectations and ensuring that creativity doesn’t compromise efficiency. I try to encourage my team to take breaks and clear their minds.

And how has working remotely affected this?

Working remotely has been surprisingly effective. It’s easier to stay in touch with the team and handle urgent matters without the restrictions of office hours. This flexibility allows for better communication and adaptation to project needs.

Which projects in Playsense stand out as special for you?

Well, in my current position, I usually handle the communication, focusing on management. But there's one project that really stands out for me —Operation Snatch, that we made for the World of Tanks: Blitz. I had a chance to do some shots myself, which made it extra special. 

Video games! You’ve been working in the industry for a long time! When have video games first become a part of your life, and what are you currently playing?

Video games have been a significant part of my life since the '90s, when I first got my hands on an 8-bit console. Every evening, my father and I would sit down together and immerse ourselves in the simple yet captivating worlds those games offered. Those moments sparked a lifelong passion.

As I grew older, my gaming experience evolved. I eventually got my first PC, and that’s when Heroes of Might and Magic III entered my life. I was completely absorbed, spending entire days strategizing and exploring its rich fantasy world. The depth and complexity of that game left a lasting impression on me.

Recently, after more than a year, I finally completed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This game captivated me with its incredible freedom and endless opportunities for experimentation. It’s also a game my whole family enjoys together - my son has even become quite skilled at taking down Bokoblins!

Currently, I’ve returned to the beautifully crafted world of the original Mass Effect. Despite its technical issues, this game remains my number one space-themed adventure. The depth of the story, characters and universe are unparalleled, and it continues to hold a special place in my heart.

Have you witnessed any significant changes in the industry’s evolution over these years?

The industry has seen significant changes and continues to evolve. One of the most notable improvements has been in the narrative quality of AAA games. We’ve seen the rise of titles that rival films and books in their ability to tell stories—The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Disco Elysium are perfect examples of this shift.

The service model has also profoundly impacted player immersion, creating an ongoing dialogue between developers and players. Games are no longer static; they evolve over time with new content, updates and community-driven changes. Some games have thrived for over a decade, sustained by vibrant communities that unite hundreds of thousands of players.

As a huge fan of the indie scene, I have to highlight how many modern projects are now accessible to enthusiasts and budding developers. There’s no better game than one created by players for players like themselves.

If you could change anything about your career, what would it be?

You know, I would probably consider stepping into this kind of role earlier in my career. It’s one of those things where you always wish you’d started sooner. 

Honestly, I don’t dwell too much on what I’d change. I see mistakes as opportunities to learn - acknowledge them, fix them and move on. I wouldn’t change a thing. Over the previous years, we’ve built such an amazing team at Playsense. We’ve supported each other through thick and thin, and I’m surrounded by the most incredible people. Spending a decade to reach this? Totally worth it. (Laughs.)

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in a few years? Any specific goals in mind?

Personally, I picture myself and my family living the “life on wheels”, traveling around, hiking and just enjoying life.

Where? In Europe?

Absolutely! Even in Portugal! There are so many amazing spots here that you can explore endlessly. When we were planning our vacation this year, we kept coming back to options inside Portugal because there’s so much to discover. By the way, I’m heading to Lisbon this week with my son for a Massive Attack concert.

I’m not looking too far ahead these days. I prefer to focus on the present and set goals for the upcoming week. Maybe that’s not the best approach, but it’s what works for me right now. (Laughs.)