Game Changers: Exclusive Talks with Sergei Vasiuk, Product Director at Wargaming.net
Ahead of the Live Service Gaming Summit, Sergei Vasiuk, Product Director at Wargaming.net shares his take on the biggest shifts in the space. From the new battleground, time to AI transforming gameplay, he challenges the idea that LiveOps is a post-launch feature, stressing it must be built in from day one. Check it out below
Game Changers: Exclusive Talks with Sergei Vasjuk, Product Director at Wargaming.net
Q: What’s been the most surprising shift in live service games recently?
Sergei: Time. Players have just 2–3 screen hours daily, and if one game wins that, it locks out the rest. That’s why the era of “let’s launch more live games” is fading. The real strategy now? Retain your current audience. We’re seeing fewer new live titles and more publishers doubling down on their winning IPs.
Q: What future monetization models balance player value and business sustainability?
Sergei: Compliance is now strategy. Age-gated purchases, spending limits, and the shift away from gambling mechanics (like loot boxes) are no longer optional. With direct mobile payments reducing platform cuts, we’re entering an era where ethical design and optimized net revenue go hand in hand.
Q: What tech changes excite you most in this space?
Sergei: The AI skill stack is evolving fast:
- → Personal coaches giving feedback
- → Adaptive difficulty that adjusts on the fly
- → Dynamic directors tailoring missions
- → Fully personalized gameplay loops
Q: What’s a misconception about AAA live service games you hope to challenge?
Sergei: That LiveOps is something you add after launch. It’s not a feature—it’s the operating system. If you don’t build for modular progression, social systems, UGC pipelines, or dynamic backend tooling from Day 1, you’ll be patching holes mid-flight. LiveOps starts in sprint zero.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at the Live Service Gaming Summit?
Sergei: Meeting folks from mobile—especially now that Mobile Pay is real. It changes the net revenue picture and opens up smarter monetization strategies. I’m curious how mobile teams are adapting from what console/PC have been doing for years.
🎮 Ready to shape the future of live service games? Don’t miss the Live Service Gaming Summit, where industry leaders will share bold insights, tactical strategies, and real-world lessons from the frontlines of game development, operations, and monetisation. Whether you're in production, development, or LiveOps, this is your chance to connect with the studios redefining player engagement and long-term game success. 👉 Register here
