Now You See Me: Interview with Romanova

Romanova is, at this point, already an FGC icon. She's a commentator, a competitor, a cosplayer, a community specialist. She does her best to support newcomers to the scene, especially as a role model to any girls who want to enter the scene. Please enjoy the interview!

Disclaimer! This is a transcript of the interview, so it was formatted to fit the textual article. Most of the sentences were reworded while retaining 100% of the meaning, tone, and intent.

You've been in the community for quite a while, and you're known for many great things you've done. How did you initially get into the community? What's your FGC origin story?

Oh. In 2016, when Joshua Gray worked as a producer at ESL at the time, I was brought in as a cosplayer for the ESL MKX Season Two Pro Series or possibly the Pro League finals in Burbank, California. I had a Cassie Cage cosplay that caught their attention, and they decided to bring me on board. While I was there, working the event, I watched the tournament and met some amazing people like SonicFox, Biohazard, and others, including Ketchup and Mustard. It was fascinating, and I had never realized before that there was a competitive side to fighting games despite playing them for a long time. It's weird because I used to follow MLG Halo, so I knew other games had competitive scenes. I don't know why I never connected the dots with fighting games. That moment was an eye-opener for me. About a month later, Biohazard asked me if I was going to Winter Brawl, and I was like, "What's that?" He explained it was an event, and since I was living in Delaware at the time (kind of in between Delaware and closer to Philadelphia in Pennsylvania), it wasn't a far drive. So, I decided to go. It was my first offline event, where I spectated and participated in one of the cosplay contests. A few months later, I attended my first Combo Breaker and competed. I went 0-2 in MKX, but it was still a blast. I've been hooked ever since that moment in 2016, and all it took was being at the right event.

You've been heavily involved in commentary for various NRS games and gained recognition for your expertise in Dragon Ball FighterZ. Do you notice a significant difference in how you approach commentary for these games?

Ah, absolutely. I believe the one thing that’s common across any fighting game is the stories within the community. Each game has its own narrative, sharing different stories about the players and their journey as competitors. Following these stories over time is one of my favorite aspects of commentary, witnessing the growth of individuals and understanding where they came from.

But there are substantial differences, particularly in the type of games those are. Mortal Kombat, for instance, started as a non-tag game, and MK1 is now a tag game. Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 3v3 game. Dragon Ball is much faster-paced, with a lot happening in a single moment. Depending on the game, MKX could be fast, but MK11 tends to be a bit slower. This provides more time in MK commentary to elaborate on the on-screen action compared to Dragon Ball, where you need to be quick due to the fast-paced nature. Additionally, the mechanics play a role; for example, in Dragon Ball, a complete turnaround can occur if a player is down to their last character with sparking. Despite the differences, both are equally exciting to commentate on.

You have a degree in art and design for games, but you're working in the community. Do you find it more fulfilling or relaxing to work with the community instead of in game development?

Uh, well, after college, I couldn't land a job in my field, so I spent a few years soul-searching and ended up working in banking as a personal banker as a backup plan. It was a stable career option in case I never got into my desired field. However, in 2016, I got an opportunity to interview for a contract position in QA at NetherRealm. The first interview didn't pan out, but I got the position in the second interview. I started there in October 2016, and that's where my journey began.

I wasn’t sure at that time if QA was the right fit, but I later worked at Hi-Rez Studios, where an internal opportunity for a community associate/community specialist role for Paladins opened up. I interviewed for it and got the position, and later, I discovered that it aligned well with my personality. As an extrovert and people-pleaser, making others happy and bringing them joy in the gaming community felt like a natural path. I had observed community managers in action at NetherRealm, such as Tyler Lansdown, and decided to give it a try.

It turned out to be something I excelled at, and I had already been marketing my own brand, which helped me apply those skills to the job. I spent about four years at Hi-Rez, then had the opportunity to work at Bandai for almost two years. While it was a great experience, I missed the East Coast, and in September, I found a full-time remote position at an indie studio, Robot Entertainment. It has been fantastic so far, and I'm currently in the process of moving back to the East Coast. Despite the great experience on the West Coast, the chance to work remotely while being back on the East Coast is too good to pass up. I enjoyed my time doing social marketing for titles like Tekken and Dragon Ball, and it was a phenomenal experience.

You've seen the game industry from both inside and outside perspectives. Are there things that people might not realize are happening behind the curtains?

I do think that working in game development has made me less impulsive and brash when judging fighting games as a fan. You know, I still criticize when I need to, but I try to stick to constructive criticism where necessary, I understand what is helpful and what isn't. Many people quickly express dissatisfaction without providing critical feedback that could contribute to finding better solutions or help developers understand the actual issues. This is something you learn when you've been on both sides—being a fan and being part of the industry. It cultivates more patience when things don't align with your expectations in the game you're playing.

People often underestimate how long it takes to ship an update and ensure it doesn't create more problems. Updates need testing before release and approval from partners, especially on platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo. PC releases can be approved faster, thanks to platforms like Steam. Delays in releases might occur for specific platforms due to the time it takes for partners to test and certify the build. For example, a release might be delayed for Nintendo Switch because it takes time for Nintendo to review and approve the build. People might grow impatient, not realizing the intricacies involved. It's not about tormenting the players; there's a valid reason for the delays.

Working in a predominantly male-dominated industry, we might be aware of issues above the surface. But as someone within the industry, do you believe there are also internal problems and challenges that need to be addressed?

I mean, absolutely, I would be lying if I claimed there were no issues within the industry. While there has been improvement, there is still much work to be done. Instances of stories about various publishers and developers facing lawsuits due to problems within the industry, particularly situations where individuals, especially women in public roles, are not adequately protected from harassment, are unfortunately not uncommon. This remains an ongoing challenge, but there is progress as companies are adjusting their policies to encourage a more open discussion about these issues.

At my current workplace, for instance, they've actively shifted policies over the years to become more stringent on any form of harassment. I believe this is a positive step, and more companies should follow suit by implementing strict policies. It's essential to ensure a safe and respectful workplace environment. While the industry has improved, it's crucial to acknowledge that there's still a journey ahead to consistently uphold the values they are striving to establish.

Are there any differences in compensation between men and women in the industry? Is there equality in opportunities and pay, or are there disparities?

Well, I don't have the chance to ask about others' salaries compared to mine. Personally, I've reached a point where I advocate for the salary I believe I deserve, especially with seven years of experience. I'm grateful for the compensation I received at Bandai, as I felt it was fair and appropriate. This experience helped me understand my worth, and when presented with a new opportunity, I confidently communicated my salary expectations. It's about fighting for what you know you're worth, staying informed about industry averages, and having confidence in your experience, knowledge, and skill set. This self-assurance is important when negotiating compensation.

I recently talked to Sherryjenix, and she shared a story about a tournament where she beat a guy who didn't know her. When she eventually won against him, he started laughing, saying, "I can't believe that girl beat me." Hearing this, I was shocked and wondered if this is still happening. I noticed the comments section was closed on your interview with Jaidlyn, and when I searched for discussions about it on reddit, I found a ton of toxic and misogynistic comments. Do you believe there will be a time when women can enter the esports or fighting game scene without facing bullying or toxic comments about their careers?

I believe there might be a time in the future where such incidents are minimal. However, no matter how far we progress, there will always be some jerks. It's still a problem now, especially online, where anonymity allows people to behave poorly. Just the other day, I posted a YouTube video, and while most comments were positive, there was one that stuck with me. The person said, "I didn't know females were into Tekken." It's frustrating because some of the best female competitors are in Tekken. Why make such a comment without doing a simple online search? It's strange to hear these things in 2023, but unfortunately, it happens. The solution is to keep normalizing the presence of women in the gaming scene, encouraging more women to join, and creating a welcoming environment for them. The more normalized it becomes, the more women will feel encouraged to compete, get better, and hopefully, these incidents will be less shocking in the future.

Your support for everyone entering the FGC is strong, and you've done a lot for newcomers. I believe you serve as a role model for many girls. Does this put any pressure on you regarding how to behave or present yourself? Do you think about this at all?

Definitely, over the years, it has shaped me into a better person overall. I've had conflicts with people, and I've reached out to apologize, whether they forgave me or not. It's part of the growth process. As you get older, you learn and evolve. I joined the FGC at 26 and now I'm 33, so there have been numerous life lessons and a development of a kinder and gentler heart. Looking back, I sometimes think certain actions were childish, but you move forward and grow. I want to be the person I would look up to – someone kind, gentle, and welcoming to anyone who approaches me, offering help regardless of who they are.

I became aware of you from WUFL when I started working for DashFight. Initially, I thought, "Wow, this is such a cool girl commentating at the events." Later, when I became the head of DashFight, overwhelmed with work, I watched the interview with you not for entertainment but as a work-related task. Yet, when I saw your conversation with Dillon, I felt your energy, and it gave me strength during a difficult time. Thank you for being in the community. You inspire not only girls who compete but also girls who manage things.

Thank you. My belief is that If I can inspire just one lady to be a part of FGC, I feel accomplished. The community has improved significantly since 2016 when I joined, with more women and a more welcoming atmosphere. However, the more, the merrier. Increased diversity balances and normalizes things, making it a better experience for everyone.

What is the best advice you ever received when you just entered the fighting game scene?

That's a great question. I think the best advice I received was to honestly not pay attention to what other people say. The person who initially gave me this advice, and who is still one of my best friends to this day, is Damascus. I love him dearly, and he always encouraged me to ignore comments, Twitch chat, and any negativity. He reminded me that I earned my spot for a reason, and I shouldn't let anyone tell me otherwise. This was crucial for me, especially dealing with imposter syndrome. Despite performing well at locals and achieving third place in Dragon Ball, I often questioned myself, as many of us do, especially those with a perfectionist mindset. We always strive to improve and become better. Following this advice helps silence the negative voices, allowing you to recognize your achievements and see where you can genuinely improve.

We talked about all the girls in this series of interviews about the impostor syndrome. It's puzzling why we often feel inadequate and struggle to be relaxed about our accomplishments. There's a popular quote circulating on Instagram about never meeting a relaxed woman. It's a shared sentiment that women are constantly thinking about how to improve and be better. Thank you for sharing your advice.

Now, let's imagine the perfect future for the FGC, especially for women. What could it look like?

In a perfect future for the FGC, I envision everyone being more helpful and kind to each other. People would let go of grudges and realize that we're all there to play games, press buttons, and nurture a community together. Despite being a smaller competitive community, we would showcase the passion and love we have for the games and treat each other with humanity. Life is too short, and I recently lost a good friend back in Georgia this year. It was a reminder that we don't know when someone's time will come. So, it's essential not to hold ill will towards others, enjoy the time we have together at events, celebrate our shared love for the games, and appreciate the ongoing support from developers that keeps the scene thriving. It's a beautiful journey that we get to experience together.

Thank you for sharing. And the last question is, who are your three favorite female representatives in the FGC?

Oh, sure. Number one would be Persia. She's the person who inspired me to pursue commentary. I've mentioned this in a few interviews because seeing her on Marvel vs. Capcom 3 commentary at Combo Breaker in 2016 was a wow moment for me. I'm fortunate to now call her a friend, but initially, she was a massive inspiration, and I still admire her phenomenal work.

I'd say number two would be Kayane. She is an incredible person. I started doing Muay Thai in 2021, and Kayane has been involved in Muay Thai and other martial arts for a long time. Beyond being a fighting game legend, she also excels in combat sports, constantly doing impressive things. She's so fierce and talented, and I always admire her.

And third, I'd probably say – I think this is tough because there are so many women I really look up to – I'd probably say third is Cat, she goes by Eidelonn on Twitter. She probably wouldn't expect to be mentioned in one of these, but she runs Combo Breaker alongside Rick. That is his wife. I just think that she's been doing this for so many years, and she's always been advocating for women in the scene, advocating for women to be treated fairly, making sure to protect women where she has a chance. She's just always been very kind and worked so hard at these events. She works alongside events like Evo as well, and I don't think she gets enough credit that she deserves for her involvement in that.