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10 questions :: 10 game industry questions - snezana stojanovska

10 Game Industry Questions - Snezana Stojanovska

AUSTRALIAN GAME INDUSTRY Q and A - 10 Questions with Snezana Stojanovska - PR Manager at 2K Games


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Fullname: Snezana Stojanovska

Nickname: Snez

Gender: Female

Age: 24

Current Company: 2K Games

Current Project: Working on a number of titles, including The Darkness and BioShock.

Gaming Systems Owned: NDS, PSP, Xbox and Xbox 360.



1. What is your job role where you work and can you explain what it entails?

I am the 2K Games PR Manager for Australia and New Zealand. The job is a difficult one to put into words as there are many roles and responsibilities that fall under my title. However, to put it simply, I look after all the publicity for 2K and ensure that the public are made aware of our products. Regularly communicating with games press and other media outlets is crucial in my position in getting our message across.

I essentially plan how a game is to be ‘PR-ed” (creativity is the key here!) months before it is to be released and then focus on getting the media excited about these products. The best way to do this to give journalists exclusive access to a game and developers, as well as keep them in the loop whenever anything ‘newsworthy’ occurs. I plan events, record coverage wherever it is placed (possibly the worst part of my job!), work with media to come up with cool feature ideas, organise interviews, follow up on any questions/requests from journalists and finally work closely with our internal sales and marketing team to ensure all our activities are tied-in together.

*Phew*



2. What games have you been directly involved with previously?

I have recently worked with NBA 2K7 and NHL 2K7 (our fabulous sports titles!), Family Guy, Jade Empire Special Edition, Sid Meier’s Pirates! and Ghost Rider.

I have been extremely pleased with our PR activities for these titles and all have been received well by the press and public.



3. How did you get your start in the gaming industry?

I completed a degree in Marketing and PR at the University of Western Sydney in 2003. My first job out of university was at CBN Media, a promoter of games and technology where I was working as a Marketing Assistant. At first, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be in the games industry and constantly questioned whether I made the right decision. However over time, my understanding of this field grew (thanks to the boys who had the patience to go through everything with me) and in turn, I developed a somewhat passion for games. After CBN Media, I was employed as a PR and Marketing Coordinator at QVS – a smaller video game distributor then packed my bags and went to live in the UK for a few months. Following that, I moved back to Australia to take on this role and the rest as they say, is history!!

As sickening as this is going to sound, I love what I do and really believe I am quite fortunate to be a part of this is a fantastic and constantly evolving industry. Gaming is fast becoming our most preferred from of entertainment and I enjoy being a part of that







4. What has been the most positive experience of working in the games industry so far?

The most positive experience is watching how the industry just keeps on getting bigger and the games getting more advanced. I find it really exciting how widespread gaming is becoming. Years ago, gaming had a negative and somewhat ‘nerdy’ reputation – but people’s perceptions have changed, and gaming has become, dare I say it, popular.

Another positive for me is that I am given full control on how I want to PR my products – allowing me to be as creative as I wish. To look after a product from start to finish, and watch all my activities come into fruition is possibly one of the most satisfying experiences to date. I feel a sense of pride and it’s awesome to know all my hard work has paid off.

I also tend to do a lot of travelling for this role and being able to see the world is a huge bonus. I am admittedly a bit of a travelling junkie, so this job is perfectly suited to me and my lifestyle. It’s great to have your work mixed in with one of your passions.

Finally, the people I’ve met in this industry, namely the media are terrific. I have formed so many friendships over the years and have a lot of respect for them and what they do.



5. What has been the most negative experience of working in the games industry so far?

The one thing that comes to mind here is that I would love it if there were more females in the industry! I work in a male dominated field and sometimes I feel the need to tone down the ‘girly’ talk :p

Oh and another thing which I experienced in a past job… I would work really hard publicising a product and it would get slammed by the press, or worse it wouldn’t sell. I know I shouldn’t take it personally, but sometimes, it’s hard not to – especially if you put in so much effort. But I’m a woman, therefore an emotional wreck - so not all of us PR people get like that :)



6. What advice can you give to other people looking to get into a position such as yours?

Hmm advice… not sure if I am the right person to ask about this because I just stumbled upon this industry by accident! I suppose it is imperative you have strong communication skills, both written and verbal. It is also important to be pro-active, creative, organised and competent in planning.

I would suggest contacting game publishers (just not 2K because I’m here!) to see what positions are available and perhaps suggesting you do work experience. It is always a bonus to have some sort of education in either Marketing or PR and have a good understanding of the media and games. (Do your research here)



7. How do you see Australia as a market when compared to the rest of the world?

Since Australia and NZ are so far away, we tend to always be forgotten. (And boy, do I whinge about that!) It is also frustrating that due to the time difference we miss out on heaps of exclusives that overseas get a day earlier. I also think Australians are yet to completely embrace gaming, but we are slowly getting there. You people need to buy more games!







8. Got any good stories you want to share?

Hahaha ... A good PR person never reveals this kind of information. It may incriminate me :)



9. What are your favourite games and why?

Admittedly, I am complete girl gamer. I love my puzzle games such as Zoo Keeper (after all these months, I still go back to it) and adventure/role playing titles. One of my personal favourite was Fahrenheit released early last year.

I have been playing The Darkness (a preview version) lately and even though I am not much of FPS fan, this game has seriously got me hooked.



10. If you could meet any gaming character in real life, who would it be and why?

What kind of question is this???

Errr... how about I go for the typical answer here. I say Lara Croft. I want her to reveal her secret on how she manages to look so damn good in those shorts!


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