Every great journey starts with great people, and ours began 25 years ago.
As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we’re interviewing some of the people who helped shape Gameloft into what it is today.
We spoke with Maya Slavcheva, UI/UX artist at Gameloft Sofia, about her early steps in the industry, what gaming meant to her at 25, and the proud moments that have marked her 18 years at Gameloft.
Where were you at 25?
My previous job was a cake decorator, but in the evenings and in my free time, I used to draw in Photoshop and dreamed of working in illustration, animation, and games.
What were you playing at 25?
I bought my first PC and PlayStaion when I was around 22. I had a few PC games that I really loved: Syberia, Myst, Prince of Persia, Asterix & Obelix XXL, and Tomb Raider. I also loved replaying some of my old games for Sega Mega Drive 2, like Aladdin, Hercules, Batman, Lion King, Jungle Book, and others.
Why gaming?
Games are very close to animated films, which I've always liked and found inspiring, but you don't just watch them, you take part in them by guiding the character, solving puzzles, and completing missions. The visual style of a game is also very important to me. I'm really impressed by the variety and creativity of what artists in the industry create. Games and cinema inspire each other.
Most important advice?
Don’t panic! As someone with 18 years of experience at Gameloft, I can say that the most valuable thing is communication with the team. If there's something I don't understand, I ask. It's important to keep learning new things, upgrading your skills so we can help each other, and adapting to changes. For example, while 18 years ago it was possible to work only in 2D, today it's essential to know at least one 3D software. For physical health, it's good to get up from the computer every hour for a short walk and stretch, and for mental health, it's helpful to socialize with colleagues during breaks.
Your inspirations?
My main inspiration comes from animated films and the concept and production art behind them. I usually go to the cinema when new animated movies are released, and I follow what’s coming next. I also love watching behind-the-scenes videos and interviews with the creators that share insights into the making of each production. I admire many artists working for animation studios. I also enjoy fantasy art, like the artwork in Magic: the Gathering, Blizzard games, League of Legends, and others.
Proudest moment?
I feel proud every time the studio releases a new game, but Shrek Party, the first game I worked on from scratch, is special. I created the level tile sets and props, a lot of menus and icons, and even some of the characters. One of the moments where I truly felt seen, appreciated, and valued was when the Sofia studio chose my t-shirt design. So many people came up to me to congratulate me on the design, which made me really happy, and my colleagues still wear those shirts with enthusiasm.
Favorite game?
I played a lot of Asphalt 7: Heat, Minion Rush, and Rayman Legends, and they were my favorite for a long time. I like games where you're a detective solving a mysterious story, or an explorer on an adventure. I also love when a game has multiple paths and endings based on the choices you make. Some unique titles that have left a strong impression on me are Detroit: Become Human, Heavy Rain, Uncharted, and Tomb Raider.
