Push Forward: Becoming a Manager with Khrystyna Tokar, Head of Animation
At Push Gaming, we believe in growing talent from within—and few stories reflect that better than Khrystyna Tokar’s, our Head of Animation. Khrystyna joined us with zero experience in slot games and has since grown into a key leadership role within the business and the figurehead of our animation team.
From working on the iconic Razor Shark to stepping into management and mentoring new talent, Khrystyna shares how curiosity, collaboration, and a supportive environment helped shape their journey over nearly seven years at Push.
When you first joined Push with no background in slot games, what were some of the biggest learning curves you faced, and how did you overcome them?
When I first joined Push, I had no experience in slot games or the specific workflows involved in making them. The biggest learning curve was understanding not just how these games function from a technical and mathematical standpoint, but also how to create animations that enhance the player’s experience while staying within certain constraints. I’ve always believed it’s important to understand the “why” behind processes, not just follow instructions blindly, so I spent a lot of time digging into how things worked. That mindset helped me build a solid foundation early on.
Razor Shark was your first game and has become a standout title for Push Gaming and across the industry—what do you think contributed to its success, and what did you take away from that experience?
Razor Shark was my first project at Push, and it’s been amazing to see how well it’s done in the industry. I think its success comes down to a mix of great visuals, clever game mechanics, and timing. For me personally, it was an exciting introduction to game development. It set the tone for what was to come—learning how different disciplines come together to create a memorable player experience. That project also taught me the value of collaboration and trusting the process.
How has collaboration with other artists influenced your approach to animation?
Working with the talented artists on our team has had a huge influence on me. Their illustrations have always been top-notch, and that level of quality naturally pushes me to match their standards in animation. Over time, our collaboration has become a rhythm, where we understand each other’s strengths and how to bring the best out of each asset. It’s helped me think more about storytelling through animation and how to support the art direction, rather than just make things move.
What was the transition into a managerial role like for you, and how did Push Gaming you during that shift?
The transition into management wasn’t something I actively pursued—it happened more organically, thanks in large part to the encouragement and support of my manager, Kaj. She played a key role in helping me build confidence and grow into the role. Push has always had a very supportive and friendly atmosphere, which made the transition smoother. Even though the role came with a lot of new challenges, I felt like I had the space to learn and adapt without fear of failure.
What’s been the most surprising or unexpected lesson you’ve learned since stepping into management?
One of the most surprising things has been just how much the human side of the job matters. Technical skills are important, of course, but dealing with people—their motivations, their stress, their growth—is a whole different kind of responsibility. It’s taught me to be more patient, more observant, and more reflective. And probably the biggest personal lesson: just because I can handle something alone doesn’t mean I should.
Looking back over nearly 7 years at Push, how has the company’s growth changed your day-to-day work and perspective on the industry?
When I joined Push, we were around 30 people—it felt like a small family. Now, we’re much bigger, and with that growth has come more structure, more processes, and more moving parts. My day-to-day has shifted from being hands-on with animation all the time to balancing that with team oversight, planning, and process improvements. It’s made me appreciate the complexity of the industry more deeply and taught me how important adaptability is. Even with all the changes, the spirit of the company—collaborative, quality-focused, and people-first—has stayed the same, and that’s something I really value.
From learning the ropes to leading the way, Khrystyna’s journey is a perfect example of what happens when opportunity meets passion at Push Gaming. As the company continues to grow, we’re proud to support careers that evolve organically—driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a culture that always puts people first.
Whether you're just starting out or ready to take the next step, there’s room to grow at Push.
Are you looking for a role that supports your development? Take a look at our current vacancies, you might just find the role for you!
