Interview with Svetlana Krutskikh aka svetakru

Hello, Sveta. Thank you so much for agreeing to give this interview for Gamerschan. So let's get started. Well, are you ready for an intense interrogation? I promise to ask proper questions, but with a twist. First, a brief dossier.

Krutskikh Svetlana Evgenievna

Nickname on GAMER.ru: svetakru

Position: walking communicator

Weight: 43 kg

Height: 160 cm

Hair Color: chestnut

Eye Color: green with flecks

Bad Habits: drinking coffee

Place of Birth: Altai

University: someday I will finish it)

Seen in disreputable places was, but that was a long time ago and not true was not.

Let's get started. Asking you to introduce yourself is silly, so just tell me, what is your official position at Gamer.ru, and what are your responsibilities according to the job description?

If we want to be completely official, I am the media director of the social network for gamers GAMER.ru.

My role, in general terms, is to comprehensively promote the project in the market and help companies and their products to get promoted with us.

Also, my responsibilities include finding strategic partners and overseeing all current issues. I think many remember our special project with “Igromir 2009” – GAMER.ru became the epicenter of discussions about all events at the gaming exhibition. You can now observe the close friendship between GAMER.ru and the channel “First Gaming”. In the near future, we will all be waiting for the launch of two more projects: a partner program with “NVIDIA” and a very interesting special project together with the organizers of CRI 2010 for young specialists who want to work in the gaming industry.

In searching for partners for the project, I am guided by the only rule: 'Work only with the best.'

How did you get into the Gamer.ru team? Did you come on your own, did someone lead you, or were you invited?

I came while at the “Bureau of Pirogov” (the studio that developed GAMER.ru). Interestingly, I left my previous job symbolically right before the New Year. In our country, New Year is more epic than Judgment Day in Israel; life pauses until the end of January. But now I understand that I should have rejoiced and gathered strength—I was on the brink of great changes.

When I met Armen during the interview, I immediately realized—we would work well together. He impressed me with his simplicity, energy, and clear vision of goals. And to this day, I can confidently say that I have the best boss!

After a year and a half in the studio, Armen invited me to 'participate in a new project, which needs to be built from scratch.' The process of building is currently in full swing. We will calm down only when the counters show a six-digit number.

Did you work anywhere before Gamer.ru? Do you think a girl should work?

I worked at a very large company that instilled discipline in me. I came there at 18, as a reckless girl with a smile from ear to ear. Now I wonder how they even hired me for such a position, everyone around was much older?? I controlled advertising and marketing issues in the management apparatus. I dealt with things far from computer games: insurance, recreation and tourism, medical care, and the restaurant business.

As for the second part of the question, everyone to their own. I love working and can't live without the dynamic rhythm of life. My colleagues will confirm this: most often, when they arrive, I am already there and busy with work. I basically don't have a notion of a workday. I'm interested in my projects, and I can dedicate my free time to them. Sometimes it comes up at night or on weekends, and that’s not scary).

You let slip that you are studying at university and taking exams. What university do you attend, and what are you studying? Can you manage to combine both?

I study at the Moscow State University of Printing. I’ll be getting my diploma next year. I think I won’t be able to resist the temptation to write it based on materials from the GAMER.ru project. But, honestly, I’m a lousy student. I only attend exams (\shame**)

By the way, who did you want to be when you were a child? It used to be said that all boys wanted to be cosmonauts and all girls wanted to be ballerinas. But personally, since childhood, I wanted to play games and get paid for it; what about you?

I grew up as a creative child; as far back as I can remember, I sang with a comb in hand and danced. I even held contests among the kids in my yard. The prizes, however, weren’t NVIDIA graphics cards. Everything I found at home and deemed unnecessary went into the 'prize fund;' it only took my mom to be distracted.

By the 11th grade, I started thinking about where to apply. Despite my internal desire to be on stage, the Institute of Culture was crossed off, and I had to choose the most pragmatic profession from the arts — Public Relations. To this day, I don’t regret my choice; this job brings new emotions every day. You can create loud events with your own hands and manage entire processes while still remaining behind the scenes—that’s what’s needed!

By the way, what is the gender situation like in your team? Are there many other girls besides you?

Right now, I am the only woman in a male team. I have learned so much about the opposite sex during this time! Although, of course, I must admit that the guys, as true men should, help and protect me, and in this team, it’s very comfortable for me to work. Although sometimes, I do 'order' everyone to clean up the mess on their desks and wash their cups, and they just stick their tongues out in response.

Aren’t you tired of us fools since the project started? Don’t you want a vacation yet?

I’m not tired of you, but I really want a vacation. I’m planning a trip to India; I want to ride an elephant =).

You have become a real people's favorite on Gamer.ru (I don’t like the term sex symbol). How do you feel about it? And do you have any idols?

Thank you, that’s nice to hear. I have no idols, but there are certain individuals whom I genuinely admire. Recently, at @NoFate’s suggestion, I became fascinated with the life and creativity of the wonderful woman and outstanding actress—Audrey Hepburn: I’m reading her biography and watching her films.

Do you play sports, or did you just inherit a good figure? ;)

I just often forget to have lunch =).

What are you completely indifferent to?

To meat, beer, and the nightlife in the capital (I go to clubs, but not often, mainly for concerts or famous DJs). Instead, I really love hanging out with friends in cozy cafes with soft sofas and candles.

Now I'm going to ask a tricky question. Does your boyfriend get jealous of the crowds of fans 'on the other side of the monitor'?

No comments)

Regarding fans, what should a man be like to win your heart?

Always a step ahead of me. And grown up. This, by the way, is not defined by age on the passport.

Do you have any ill-wishers in the project, what do you think?

In the entire history of the project, I have only had a conflict once with @DeadlyMooN. Sweet Deadly misunderstood me and it all started rolling downhill. However, we soon made up, and the issue was resolved. Now she balances on the edge of 'I love Sveta – I hate Sveta.' And I can say that I am pleased with any attention, even from women! ^^

Honestly—without names—are there 'favorites' on the project? Those guys whose posts always make you smile, and your hand just wants to slap on a medal?

Yes, and I can name them. I have tender feelings for users @Snapp and @LaCTuk (despite the fact that Lastik now writes 'Funny :)' on everything, which isn’t that funny). They have been with us since the very beta test, and their comments always make me smile). Among the more 'young' users, I enjoy @R0ndO. Also, we are very friendly and often discuss joint ideas with @Denai, @Agrippa, @Unleashed, @Allin, @DesTinct, @ShadarRim, @Rinocrosser, and of course with you, @Ksandr_Warfire. I would like you not to forget the project and for more users like this to join us!

Do you think you gained popular love more for your righteous deeds or for (in the literal sense) your beautiful eyes?

I think the secret is not in the eyes, although they are unusual (the left one is green, and the right one is half brown).

Do you often get asked for your ICQ or Skype number? In one of our colorful press releases, they nearly wanted to raffle it off in a lottery.

Sometimes they ask. But they don’t insist. If something needs to be discussed for work, I give my number.

Let’s continue with something pleasant. You mentioned a planned contest for Miss Gamer.ru or something like that. Can you share some information?

Yes, such a contest indeed exists in our minds. Observant users, I think, have noticed that we are trying to attract more female representatives to the site. However, it is still unclear where to find them. We are trying to attract girls from games @MailRu, in particular 'ParaPa – city of dance.' For now, I won’t reveal all the secrets, but I will say that the contest will launch in late spring – early summer. And the final will most likely take place offline in the fall. For now, that’s it; time will correct everything.

Again, a question from the series of 'one old lady said': what about the idea of an all-gamer gathering offline? Are there any specific ideas about this, deadlines, etc.?

Yes, the old lady did not lie — there is such an idea. We plan a global gathering of GAMER.ru project participants in August, and we will start working on this in earnest in the spring.

In the relatively near future, a resource with a philosophy similar to Gamer.ru is supposed to open; do you think this will lead to a loss of users, or will healthy competition only benefit the project?

We are not afraid of competitors. Moreover, we need them, if only for the motivation to work better, faster, and more efficiently. And on a global level, the experience of colleagues and the formation of a modern, dynamic gaming journalism market is interesting.

Lastly, say something encouraging to all gamers.

Friends, you are in a unique space of the Runet. Here you have a real chance to reveal yourself, be noticed, make a name for yourself, and find a calling.

Don’t just sit back; take an active position and don’t forget to dream. Everything is in your hands!

P.S. Finally, for ardent fans of Sveta, I have prepared a little gift:

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