Meet Squanch Presents: Rayna Balogh!

A GOOD ONE. A REALLY GOOD ONE. Folks, we've got the one and only Rayna Balogh, our totally awesome Director of People Operations, ready to answer your burning questions! She's an OG here at SG, so rest assured you've found the best of the best of the best source for squanchy details.

CHECK IT BELOW!

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Rayna Balogh, Director of People Operations

What do you do at Squanch?

I mostly make bad jokes but I also dabble, on the odd occasion, in the art of Workplace Compliance and Personnel Development. I’m the person sending you your formal offer letter, welcoming you to the team on your first day, and making sure you get paid. I’m also the person working with your lead to ensure that Squanch Games is everything you hoped it would be and that you’re “Leveling Up” professionally.

What got you into the industry?

I’m a textbook extrovert with a penchant for helping people, so People Operations (which is also commonly referred to as Human Resources) was always going to be a natural fit for me. The road to the video game industry, however, was a long one. Video games were a focal point of my childhood; my life and friendships all seemed to revolve around them. Growing up sucks, though, and by the time I hit my 20s, I convinced myself that I needed to “take myself more seriously.” I ended up starting my career in  Healthcare Compliance--where no one found me funny--before slowly transitioning into the Tech Sector in the San Francisco Bay Area when I met my partner (who also works in the video game industry). He didn’t judge me for my cringe-worthy Dance Dance Revolution phase or my former unabashed loyalty to Xbox, so I was able to rekindle my love of games. When we both moved across the country to North Carolina, where my friend Tanya Watson was growing this little operation called Squanch Games, I knew I had to throw my hat into the ring. I’ve never looked back!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Oh, man, where do I start?! Our studio is founded on creating games that incorporate Justin Roiland’s off-the-wall comedic style and our employees have a sense of humor that is woven throughout everything we do. Back in the olden days, when offices were a thing, there would be times when I’d make the rounds to catch up with people. Our chats would eventually devolve (or evolve, depending on perspective) into improv-like joke sessions, where we’d just end up riffing off of each other until my stomach was sore from laughing. We still do this over Slack these days but I can’t wait until it’s safe to return to an office because, I guess to answer the question: I love our employees and am so energized by our team! 

What was the first game you ever played?

Probably Duck Hunt (I just dated myself), because it was packaged with Super Mario Bros for the original NES and my motor skills weren’t developed enough for the latter. Joke’s on me, though: no one’s motor skills were developed enough for that janky Duck Hunt gun. I can still hear that dog laughing at me...

If you could order food from anywhere in the world right now, where would you order from?

This is probably where I forget everything I’ve ever eaten. The first thing that comes to mind are bourekas and fresh pita from the outdoor markets in Israel. Bourekas are little pastries that have different fillings ranging from chocolate to cheese and make great breakfast goodies. Pita in Israel has a spongy, fluffy texture–especially when it's hot and fresh–that is still unmatched in my mind. Having some of those would be like a warm hug, transporting me back to when I lived in the Middle East.

What is the first thing you would do in a zombie apocalypse?

Obtain a weapon with reusable ammunition, like a crossbow (always go the crossbow, okay) and then probably have a very stern conversation with my dogs about how we’re going to survive this thing. Never leave the dogs.

What existential question keeps you up at night?

Whether or not I ever feel like a plastic bag, as Katy Perry once asked.

What are your top three binge-worthy TV shows?

I’m not a huge TV person, but I definitely have a thing for Schitt’s Creek.  

Are people “in line” or “on line” at the grocery store?

“In the queue,” definitely. But do people really say “on line?” I’m alarmed.

What advice would you give others who want to get into games?

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. And never give up. Both very trite things to say–but they really are true. This industry can be a challenge to break into; you just have to find the little cracks and start whacking at them with the proverbial crowbar. Internships make great inroads to the industry. Also, dare I say it: target smaller studios! We may not have the largest booth at GDC, but every single one of our team members is a real human who is accessible to other humans, and it’s so important to make connections in this industry. 

Combine those things with a demonstrable interest in learning, growing, and becoming a better version of yourself–personally and professionally–and you’ll be “in” in no time.

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