CASE STUDY
COMBAT MISSION + EXPEDITION

Wargaming.net

Crisis stabilization for 100M+ player gaming infrastructure. Transformed deployment processes from 60 days to 5 days through strategic optimization.

Role: Deputy Chief Technology Officer • Period: 2012–2013

Capabilities Delivered
Deployment Speed
90%
Faster site launches
Launch Time
5 Days
From 2 months
Players Supported
100M+
Global infrastructure
Sites Launched
5+
In 6 months
Autonomous Teams
3+
Field engineering
Network Ops
24/7
Provider-grade backbone

LA Site Launch

CrisisE3 Deadline90% Faster
↓
What Was Done
  • Took direct operational control with E3 less than a month away
  • Implemented parallel processing methodologies
  • Optimized equipment distribution across sprawling data center
  • Established 24/7 deployment protocols
  • Created standardized deployment checklists
  • Worked 12-14 hours daily for hands-on guidance
Outcome
  • Deployment time reduced from 2 months to 5 days
  • Equipment handed over to network engineers on schedule
  • Successful E3 exhibition launch
  • Second site (Washington D.C.) launched 2 months later
↑

Field Engineering Teams

New FunctionAutonomousGlobal
↓
What Was Built
  • Envisioned autonomous teams capable of independent site launches
  • Leveraged extensive data center industry network
  • Assembled highly skilled and experienced engineers
  • Intensive training program on optimized deployment process
Outcome
  • 5 new sites launched across various locations
  • All launches completed within 6 months
  • Teams operated without direct involvement
  • Scalable deployment capability established
↑

Network Operations Department

New Function24/7Provider-grade
↓
What Was Built
  • Given full autonomy to build network team from ground up
  • Recruited Oleg Yudin — renowned network expert from Corbina Telecom
  • Assembled talented network engineers despite location challenges (Minsk)
  • Addressed single-architect bottleneck issue
Outcome
  • Network stabilized within couple of months
  • Backbone elevated to top-tier telecom provider standards
  • Dramatic improvement in infrastructure satisfaction
  • Both internal Wargaming and external partners benefited
↑

Process Optimization

MethodologyReplicable
↓
What Was Implemented
  • Standardized deployment checklists
  • Parallel processing methodologies
  • 24/7 deployment protocols
  • Equipment distribution optimization
  • Hands-on guidance and sourcing materials locally
Outcome
  • Processes continued to serve company for years
  • Enabled rapid global expansion
  • Created foundation for autonomous team operations
  • Replicable across different geographies
↑

Operating Model Established

Autonomous Field Teams

Several independent teams of field engineers, each capable of launching new sites without direct leadership involvement. Self-sufficient units with standardized processes.

Standardized Deployment

Deployment checklists, parallel processing methodologies, and 24/7 protocols. Reduced launch time from 2 months to 5 days consistently.

Network Operations Center

Dedicated network team led by industry expert, operating at top-tier telecom provider standards. Eliminated single-architect bottleneck.

Scalability Achieved

The operating model enabled rapid scaling: from struggling with single site launches taking 2 months, to deploying 5+ sites in 6 months with autonomous teams. Each component — field engineering, network operations, and deployment processes — was designed to work independently while maintaining quality standards.

Lasting Legacy

Although our journeys with Wargaming eventually diverged, the established teams, implemented methodologies, and optimized processes continued to serve the company for years to come. They played a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality infrastructure for World of Tanks and other Wargaming projects.

Key Insight: For a rapidly growing product, unwavering technical and technological support is paramount. However, this doesn't always necessitate reinventing the wheel. Often, the key lies in swiftly assembling the optimal configuration using existing organizational, technical, and process-based elements.

What Continued

  • Autonomous field engineering teams — continued launching sites independently
  • Network operations department — maintained provider-grade backbone quality
  • Deployment methodologies — standardized processes replicated globally
  • Knowledge transfer — new team members trained on established processes

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