Getting to Knowmade: Vlad Stoiana
Vlad Stoiana
UI/UX Engineer
Ooh, it’s time for Vlad - part of our incredible UI/UX team! He engineers all the bits and bobs and buttons that make up menus and all the fun things we need to make games, well, function! And what a marvellous job he does too!
Welcome, welcome, Vlad! What is it you do at Glowmade?
I’m a UX/UI Engineer. I work on the programming side of everything that's related to user interface (menus, popups, prompts etc.)
Now how would your parent describe your job?
Game programmer.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I got this position after working as Generalist Game Developer at Climax Studios, and as a Gameplay Programmer at Ubisoft. I really liked this position as it allowed me to work on experiences that are as close to player facing as possible. Being in a small company is also nice as you can get your voice heard more easily.
What made you want to pursue games?
I liked games ever since I was young, whether it was playing on the old Terminator consoles or playing ball outside with friends and inventing all sorts of whacky rules. There was never one specific moment, I always knew I wanted to be involved in the games industry.
Share something you love doing outside of everything video games.
Researching history or discussing politics.
Who or what inspires you?
I try to constantly motivate myself to leave some sort of legacy behind me.
Share something you appreciate about yourself. Give yaself a pat on the back, why don’t ya?
I'm passionate, perseverant and un-selfconscious.
What game do you wish you could’ve developed?
Elden Ring.
What's your personal motto? Or just your fave inspirational quote.
E pluribus unum. "One out of many" or "One from many."
What's the best thing about working at Glowmade?
Being a small company, I can get my voice heard when it comes to implementing various features. Also pastries!
(Another win for Pastry Wednesday!!)
Anyone on the team who stands out as a role model, or source of inspiration, perhaps?
Sam Dalton, for sure.
What are your top tips for someone looking to get into games?
Try to make some of your own games and get a portfolio ready. It's hard until you manage to land the first job.
In your opinion, who is the cutest Glowmade pet?
Tuna. 100%.
If you had to pick one game to play for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Rimworld.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Pretty much anything regarding to sweets.
(Yeah, me too, Vlad… me too…)
