Player 1
Anastasiya Azarko
Q1
What’s a childhood memory or early gaming experience that stayed with you?
Ah, my Half-Life 2 era—circa 2008, when my first PC finally entered the chat. I still remember my jaw dropping at the headcrab Hedy (yes, I wanted to have it as a pet – don’t judge), and the moment when reality glitches and Gordon ends up “between places.” My tiny brain? Blown. It was probably the first time I saw storytelling and gaming merge like that. Even though I’m not a big fan of shooters, that game still has a little headcrabby corner in my heart.
Q2
What’s something you played recently—alone or with others—that really stuck with you or taught you something?
Detroit: Become Human.
Yes – again, and likely again in a few months. It’s essentially therapy, but with androids. Each playthrough reflects a different version of me – from a peaceful activist fighting for equality to someone wondering, “Do I really want to give my toaster the right to vote?” The way the game challenges your ethics and adapts to your evolving perspective is remarkable. And with the pace of real-world AI and robotics, it hits too close to home and its questions feel increasingly relevant—almost uncomfortably so.
Q3
What’s a moment in gaming that made you feel truly accomplished—like something you’d brag about in a job interview? Think boss battles, platinum trophies, or anything that shows your resilience and excellence.
Honestly, I’ve developed a strong intuition for NPC behavior and narrative cues. You know when you’re given a random object in a side quest, and you just know it’ll be vital three hours later? Call it efficient inventory management or post-apocalyptic preparedness, but I take pride in always being one step (or item) ahead.
Q4
A game that offers deep immersion, challenge, or relaxation—perfect for solo play and personal growth.
Stray. You play as a ginger cat. You jump on rooftops. You knock things off shelves. You meow at robots. It’s adorable, relaxing, and sneakily profound. The gameplay allows for thoughtful exploration, light challenges, and the occasional side quest, all while you purr your way through a heartfelt story. (Just be prepared for some rather unfriendly mutant bacteria.)
Q5
“It Takes Two” is the classic go-to, but my personal favorite must be “Split Fiction”. Both games are cleverly disguised teamwork exercises: perfect for testing coordination, communication, and yes, patience. For something a bit more intense and less relationship-counselling-themed, “A Way Out” is a great pick. You and a partner play two prisoners plotting an escape, solving puzzles, dodging bullets, and – let’s be honest – debating who really messed up that quick-time event.
Q6
Which character best reflects your role in a team project at PNO? The silent strategist, the chaos coordinator, the morale booster?
I’d say I’m the resilient foot soldier who gets the work done with a smile, think of me as someone Ellie from The Last of Us Part II (minus the apocalypse). I handle the tough, do what needs to be done, and try to lift the team’s mood when the deadline stress kicks in, and always bring snacks (literal or metaphorical).
Q7
Imagine you’re sent to the ultimate beach office. What one game would you bring to keep yourself entertained, sane, and possibly productive?
Easy. How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler. Okay, technically it’s a book – but imagine turning it into a sim-style game. Farming, fire-making, reinventing democracy… all while sipping a coconut smoothie. Sign me up.
Q8
From teamwork and adaptability to decision-making under pressure or creative problem-solving—what gaming lessons show up in your day-to-day?
Honestly, I think every game I’ve played has taught me something, whether it’s about teamwork, strategy, or just keeping calm when everything goes pixel-shaped.
Stray taught me that curiosity and small jumps can lead to big discoveries. Detroit: Become Human reminds me every time me that every decision counts, especially the ones made under pressure. Life is Strange helped me embrace rewinding, rethinking, and finding new angles when things go sideways (hello, proposal revisions). And Half-Life? It gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward, even when everything’s on fire.