Leksa Fadeeva, Lead Support & Localization Manager at Helio Games, Managing Partner at GDCy, Founder of Cyprus_IT Girls group
▫️How did you get into the games industry?
Video games have always been part of my life — from Need for Speed and Doom to The Sims teaching me that time is not an unlimited resource.
I joined the industry in 2014 and got hooked immediately. There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing your work becomes part of an experience enjoyed by thousands. Over 8 years at Helio Games, I've trained 7 team members, written tens of thousands of lines of in-game text, and recently dove into vibe coding. Alongside that, I've been growing Cyprus_IT Girls — a safe community space for women in IT, founded in 2017.
▫️The story behind GDCy
By 2020, we'd been living in Cyprus for 3 years. After COVID lockdowns, we missed meeting people in person. Game developers are some of the most creative and fun people around, so the idea was simple: gather a small group from local game studios for a drink. That became the very first GDCy event, and the events never really stopped.
My role changes constantly: writing, design, welcoming guests, talking to sponsors. It's difficult for me to measure my contribution, but being part of the community's growth is incredible.
▫️Which game mechanic would you bring into real life?
Fast travel. I absolutely love driving, but sometimes I wish I could snap my fingers and instantly appear somewhere else. One moment on the couch, the next in the mountains, by the sea, or even in another country.
▫️What's your superpower?
Being a Libra 😁: calm and balanced on the outside, constantly analyzing on the inside. When I finally decide something, it's very hard to change my mind. And if I truly want something, I'll find a way.
Found something in the story that resonates? Connect with Leksa:
@LeksaFadeeva | Linkedin