In an insightful conversation, Julia Kraskovskaia, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at WN Media Group, shares with The Future, her remarkable journey from a career in radio to becoming a key figure in the global gaming industry. With over a decade of experience, Julia has played a pivotal role in expanding WN Media Group’s presence internationally.
She discusses her experiences living in Cyprus and Turkey, how WN Conferences have evolved over the years, and the challenges of scaling these events globally. As WN Media Group continues to thrive, Julia reflects on the constant evolution of the gaming industry and what it takes to stay relevant across diverse regions.
“It was where I wanted to be”
Could you tell us more about your background and how you transitioned into the gaming industry and WN Media Group?
Before entering the gaming industry, I hosted a morning radio show and worked as the editor-in-chief for that radio station. It was such a fun and creative time in my life. I majored in English and literature at university, and I could never have imagined myself ending up in the IT industry. However, I’ve been playing video games since I was very little, and when I realized in my 20s that I could actually work in this industry, I knew it was where I wanted to be.
In 2009, I started as a PR Manager at a game development and distribution company, Nevosoft, that at first focused on PC games and later shifted to mobile. Initially, my role was focused on community management and representing the company at trade shows, but I soon discovered that my real passion was in business development. I was drawn to the thrill of B2B interactions, scouting for games to publish, speaking at industry events, and discovering new opportunities for the company’s growth.
In 2012, I had the opportunity to lead the team responsible for organizing the first WN Conference (back then, it was called White Nights). In 2019, Pavel Ryaykkonen, Nevosoft’s co-founder, structured his assets into a new company, WN Media Group, and invited me as a Partner.
Today, as COO, I oversee our efforts to grow the gaming ecosystem through professional events, an online networking platform, a talent agency, educational activities, media outlets, and more.
What excites you most about your role as COO and partner at WN Media Group?
What excites me most is embracing the constant uncertainty that comes with working in such a dynamic industry. I truly believe that uncertainty is a fundamental part of human life. While some may find it frustrating, I think if you can’t change something, you have to find a way to embrace it and even enjoy it. That’s what I do every day. The gaming and tech industries are always evolving, and instead of trying to control that change, I’ve learned to adjust and grow with it.
As a company, we are super flexible and always open to new opportunities. So whenever we sign up for a new project or unlock a new region, my job is to make sure that everything happens under the best possible scenario, no matter what. It keeps things fresh and pushes me to continuously find creative solutions and new opportunities.
A thriving tech scene
You’ve been living in Cyprus for a while now, after spending time in Turkey. What motivated these moves, and how have these locations influenced your work at WN Media Group?
Both Turkey and Cyprus have special places in my heart. My move to Turkey was initially driven by WN Media Group’s decision to expand further into the region, allowing me to experience first-hand the incredible energy of the gaming community there. Moving to Cyprus felt like a homecoming in many ways. Cyprus has a thriving tech scene, and I have so many friends living here – perhaps more than anywhere else in the world right now.
Being based in different countries taught me two important things. First, your happiness is inside you – if you’re a happy person, you’ll be happy anywhere. And second, it’s so much more enjoyable to live somewhere nice, where the sun shines all year round. Workwise, Cyprus is a great place to be because it offers so many opportunities. As we like to say here, in Cyprus you can network even while bringing your kids to kindergarten! And I believe that the greatest success comes from collaborating with great minds.
Also, we organized gaming events on the island even before it became trendy – back in 2018, we had our first gaming industry C-Level summit in Limassol. This week, we’re hosting our third full-scale WN Conference here, and I’m just happy to invite everyone to my home now.
A wide range agenda
WN Media Group has been organizing events for over a decade. How has the vision for these events evolved over the years?
The core vision has always been about creating spaces where developers, publishers, investors, and service providers can connect. But over the years, we’ve expanded beyond just the “what” to focus more on the “how” – how we create more accessible and community-driven environments. Our events have evolved into different formats that gather people from various countries, and now we have an entire ecosystem that supports them long after the events end.
The upcoming conference in Limassol (September 12-13) is significant. What can attendees expect, and what trends will this event focus on?
Our agenda covers a wide range of topics, from shifts in publisher-developer dynamics to a comprehensive update on AI advancements in game development. We’ll also dive into user acquisition and monetization strategies, alternative stores and platforms, and the legal aspects of the industry.
Highlights include exclusive insights from Google on the latest trends in the mobile space and a panel discussion on investment opportunities within Cyprus’ gaming ecosystem. We’ll be featuring Eschatology Entertainment, founded by former Wargaming and Valve veterans, and Unfrozen, who recently made waves at Gamescom with their announcement of a new Heroes of Might & Magic game, set to be published by Ubisoft.
As always, networking will be at the heart of the event. Attendees will have numerous opportunities to meet potential partners, clients, and investors in a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. There will be an expo zone available for both days, two official networking events in the evening, and around 10 side events hosted by our partners.
Before the conference, registered attendees can access each other’s profiles and schedule meetings using our mobile app, making it easier to connect and make the most of the event.
Supporting gaming industry
Cyprus is becoming a hub for tech and startups, particularly in Limassol. How do you see WN Media Group contributing to the island’s emerging tech and gaming community?
By bringing international industry leaders to Cyprus and facilitating connections between local talent and global opportunities, we’re helping to position the island as a go-to destination for gaming and tech. Our events provide a platform for local companies to showcase their work and create meaningful partnerships, accelerating the growth of the ecosystem.
Since I’m now based here, it’s only natural that we plan to invest more time and energy into the local scene’s success. Stay tuned for announcements – we have a lot of exciting things cooking!
WN Media Group is more than just conferences – it also operates in game development media, education, and recruitment. How do these areas complement each other within the company’s ecosystem?
They’re all part of the same mission – fostering the growth of the gaming industry. We onboard game industry professionals through our events, where they register on our platform, WN Hub, which is a complex software solution that helps them achieve their specific goals. Whether it’s talent acquisition, corporate education, game discovery, or finding new ways to collaborate globally, we offer the resources and connections they need.
By integrating all this, we’ve built an ecosystem that supports game industry professionals at every stage of their journey, ensuring they have the tools, connections, and knowledge to succeed and grow within the industry.
How do you see the educational portal and recruitment platform contributing to the game development industry in the next 5 years?
I believe that WN Academy and WN Talents have the potential to become key ways for how talent enters and grows within the gaming industry. As the gaming sector continues to expand, especially with the rise of indie developers and remote work, having access to the right education and career opportunities will be critical. Our WN Hub platform helps bridge the gap between talent and employers, ensuring the industry has the professionals it needs. In the long term, I think this will contribute to a more diverse and innovative gaming landscape.
Focusing on opportunities
WN Media Group is known for fostering networking among game developers, publishers, and investors. In your opinion, what’s the key to building and sustaining a strong community in the game industry?
At WN Media Group, we focus on providing opportunities where professionals can meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships that last beyond the event itself. We believe that when the community grows, everyone benefits. Hence, we are also open to partnerships with other events, developer incubators and local communities.
Consistency is also crucial – we ensure our events are not just about one-time networking, but about building a space where people can return, reconnect, and continue to grow their partnerships over time. Finally, we make sure to create an environment where everyone, from indie developers to major publishers, feels welcome and valued. This approach ensures the community remains vibrant and supportive, driving innovation and success for all.
What unique opportunities does Cyprus offer for game developers and tech professionals that may not be as prominent in other regions where WN Media Group operates?
Cyprus is unique because it’s at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. This gives developers access to a diverse talent pool and emerging markets that may be harder to reach from other regions. The island’s growing tech ecosystem and favourable business environment also make it an attractive place to start or expand a gaming company.
Additionally, Cyprus offers a competitive tax framework that’s appealing to both startups and established companies. The corporate tax rates are lower compared to many other European countries, making it easier for companies to reinvest in growth.
Plus, the lifestyle here is amazing – who wouldn’t want to live and work in paradise?
Looking ahead
What’s next for WN Media Group? Are there any new initiatives or formats on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?
We’re always looking ahead! One area I’m particularly excited about is exploring cross-industry opportunities. For example, over the past year, we’ve hosted three events focused on Generative AI and how it’s being used in creative industries, including gaming. An exciting R&D direction for us now is exploring synergies between traditional video games and iGaming. We’re going to announce a summit on innovations in this sphere, which will take place in Cyprus at the end of 2024, supported by Google.
We’re also going to focus more on educational initiatives, as the demand for mentorship in the industry continues to grow. This isn’t a simple task, given the number of low-quality educational courses out there, which causes a lot of scepticism. However, our brand, reach, and deep understanding of the industry allow us to lead in this sphere. One of the most important initiatives for us is offering corporate training and education tailored uniquely to each company, taking into account its specific needs and business goals.
Lastly, we’re expanding into new regions, bringing WN’s unique blend of business development and community building to places we haven’t yet reached. Coming up soon: Saudi Arabia, more in Europe, the USA, Southeast Asia, and mainland China.
