"This master's program added all the extras I love: game development, narrative design, and game asset creation"
Artyom Grigoryan, an alumnus of the Digital Learning Games master’s program, is a passionate game producer and Agile Coach who seamlessly combines creativity with technical expertise. With a background in Information Security and a Master’s degree from Tallinn University, he applies his skills in storytelling, gamification, and innovative problem-solving to craft impactful digital projects. In this interview, Artyom shares fascinating insights from his study journey and beyond.
How did you start your studies in Tallinn University’s School of Digital Technologies?
Eight years after earning my Bachelor's degree in Information Security in National Polytechnic University of Armenia, I decided it was time to return to academia and pursue a Master's degree. I began exploring universities worldwide to find the best fit. With no rigid criteria in mind, I was open to any program related to digital technologies. However, my search didn’t take long. As soon as I came across the Digital Learning Games program at Tallinn University, I knew I had found the one. The program description immediately resonated with me, and the prospect of studying games captivated my interest. Without hesitation, I decided to apply.
What stood out most about the program?
It felt like heading to your favorite restaurant craving a burger, only to discover a combo meal with fries, soda, and extra snacks—and you just have to go for the combo! For me, digital technologies were the “burger,” but this program added all the extras I love: game production, game development, narrative design, and game asset creation. As a product manager and Agile coach with a background in software engineering, I saw this as a chance not only to dive into game development but also to refine other passions of mine. For example, storytelling—I’ve written and published two novels—and creating game assets, like music and sound design, which ties back to my experience playing in a metal band. Naturally, I went for the combo!
Have you worked on some interesting projects during your study years? Please tell a little about them.
If I had to choose the top three highlights from my studies, here’s how they’d rank:
Third Place: Our LIFE project podcast.
This project wasn’t game-related, but it was an absolute blast! My team and I produced two episodes for the Tallinn University Student podcast. I loved every part of it—working in the studio, recording, and editing. I even booked a studio to record piano tracks and create music themes. The teamwork experience was fantastic; we had a group of six, with everyone pitching in by hosting, scripting, and brainstorming ideas.
Second Place: “The Parallax Door,” a dark visual novel.
This project was part of the Design and Integration of Game Assets course and was, without a doubt, the most mystical and intense work I’ve done. The story follows two siblings, a brother and sister, living as expats. The brother moves abroad to start his Ph.D., bringing his sister along at their parents’ insistence to help her through a tough time. But things take a sinister turn when the sister starts seeing strange things, like a moving door handle, and becomes convinced someone is following them. Meanwhile, her brother attributes it to her mental health struggles. It’s a dark and complex tale, and we only managed to create a few episodes. I hope to finish it one day!
Honorable Mentions:
O Buddy, Where Art Thou? – A point-and-click adventure game made in the Advanced Game Development course.
Smart Sustainable City (SSC) – A city builder game developed for the Game Development course.
P vs S – A quirky board game featuring balloon-shooting activities (yes, really!) created for the Game Design Logic course.
First Place: EcoBio Inc., our Nord Eco Jam project.
This game jam at Tallinn University was an unforgettable experience. My team of four created a card game called EcoBio Inc., which tackled greenwashing in a hilariously absurd way. The goal was to educate players about the ridiculous marketing tactics brands use to greenwash their products. Players could come up with combinations like a “gluten-free fridge,” an “all-natural taxi service,” or “sugar-free spinach.” The game was so well-received that it’s been referenced in subsequent Nord Eco Jam events as a success story. I’d gladly play it again—it was that much fun!
Where do you work now and what exactly do you do there?
Before coming to my studies, I spent six years heading the IT department of an investment company in Armenia, where I gained extensive experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Most recently, I joined an Estonian game development startup as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach. My role involved helping the team streamline game development production by implementing the best solutions for development processes that benefited the startup, its team, stakeholders, and ultimately, the players.
However, I decided to focus on my strongest area—Agile Coaching—and launched my own brand, Art Goes Agile, where “Art” is me! The brand is dedicated to bringing Agile solutions to companies and teams, helping them tackle complex products, adapt to market changes quickly, deliver faster, and consistently meet customer expectations.
My studies, particularly in game development and academia, have significantly contributed to this journey. Working with empirical data, conducting evidence-based research, and integrating theoretical methodologies—skills I honed during my Master's program—have been invaluable. My Master's Thesis, CyberTycoon – Serious Game with a Focus onCyberattacks on Roblox: Design and Development, earned me a Cum Laude diploma and was an excellent opportunity to apply these approaches.
In addition, I’ve launched educational channels, including a YouTube series, where I combine education and entertainment—an edutainment channel I’m very excited about. Through this platform, I teach the Scrum framework and share Agile tips to help others on their professional journey.
Is there interest towards developing Digital Learning Games in your country?
Game developers today are often seen as rock stars, drawing plenty of interest to the industry. However, the field faces significant challenges. Breaking in as an employee can be tough, and starting as an employer is no easier.
I’m from Armenia, where there are some standout examples of innovative games, like Shadowmatic, a captivating puzzle game, and ARloopa, which explores AR and VR experiences in gaming. Despite these successes, there’s a clear need for more education in game development, particularly in game design. Currently, most people either rely on self-teaching or approach game design using instincts developed as players, which isn’t always enough to fully master the craft.
How do you use skills gained while studying in the School of Digital technologies in your daily life?
As an Agile Coach, my skills often extend beyond just coaching teams and optimizing processes. The knowledge I gained in game development, such as incorporating gamification, helps me enhance user engagement and experience in various products and projects (even when working on non-gaming products!).
Which features should a good digital game have?
It’s hard to provide a definitive answer because, for me, games are a form of art. Just like in music, where I enjoy rock and metal but also find great tracks in hip-hop, pop, and jazz, the appeal of games is subjective and diverse. Similarly, while I’m drawn to psychological thrillers and horror books by authors like Stephen King, I also admire the works of Jon Fosse and J.M. Coetzee, even though they belong to completely different genres.
The same principle applies to games. I have my favorite types, but there’s no single formula for what makes a good game. Creativity and imagination are limitless in art, and that’s what makes it so compelling.
What problems do you see in the Digital world nowadays and how can we solve them?
It’s 2024, and AI is undoubtedly the talk of the year. People are captivated by its potential: some predict it will dominate most digital jobs, while others see it as a powerful tool to complement human efforts. But here’s an intriguing thought—can you tell whether these answers are genuinely mine, or if I’ve prompted an AI to generate them? This ambiguity highlights a key issue in today’s digital landscape.
Personally, I find working with AI incredibly enjoyable. I value its role in digital technologies and have embraced it wholeheartedly, without hesitation or skepticism. To me, the focus should be on leveraging AI to its fullest potential and using it wisely to reap the greatest benefits in this era of rapid technological evolution.
What is your favorite digital tool?
Apple Watch. Why? It’s a long story. Maybe next time.