“My Background in Physics and Coding Gives Me a Superpower”

Narine Daneghyan: You’ve been in Georgia since the start of the year, right? What made Georgia the perfect fit for you?

Sergey Dmitrenko: Actually, I had plans to move to Poland, but the visa process was tougher than expected. I looked at a few other places like Serbia and Montenegro, but Georgia just felt right. The combination of the climate, the beautiful nature — especially the mountains — and how friendly the people are here sealed the deal. I’ve been able to dive into hiking and exploring the outdoors, which I love doing on weekends.

ND: Before Wargaming, you were directing music videos, commercials, and short films. How did that diverse background shape your role at Playsense?

SD: You’re right. My journey into video editing and producing started long before Wargaming. Producing naturally ran alongside my directing work. I also have a background in physics and coding, which I think gives me a bit of a ‘superpower’ — I can navigate both technical and creative concepts with ease. This mix of skills made my transition to Wargaming in 2017 feel natural.

At Wargaming, I was able to combine my directing and technical knowledge, but with a stronger focus on production. In both Wargaming and now at Playsense, the producer’s role involves balancing managerial responsibilities with creative direction. After spending five years at Wargaming and then a spin-off, I was drawn to Playsense because of its innovative concept. I believed in it from the start, which made joining the team an easy decision.

ND: How do those experiences influence your approach now at Playsense?

SD: They’ve definitely shaped me in significant ways. At Playsense, I strive to foster a collaborative environment where creativity can truly thrive. I draw on my past experiences — both the challenges I’ve faced and the successes I’ve achieved — to guide the team toward growth and innovation. And, you know, each experience has provided valuable lessons that inform my decisions and interactions with the team.

Balancing the producer’s role with creative direction is essential for our success, and those skills are even more important here. I focus on encouraging open communication and collaboration among team members, allowing everyone to share their ideas and insights. This not only sparks creativity but also strengthens our collective vision. I’m all about using my background to build a fun space where everyone feels excited to pitch in.