Kellee Santiago

Overview

Kellee Santiago is a highly influential Venezuelan American video game designer and producer known for her pioneering work in independent games, her commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive art, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the industry. This timeline highlights key moments in her life and career, showcasing her journey from aspiring artist to a leader in shaping the future of gaming.

Main Milestones

Birth in Venezuela

1979

Kellee Santiago was born in Venezuela. This cultural background would later inform her perspectives on storytelling and art, influencing her approach to game development and sparking her interest in creating experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

Studies at USC School of Cinematic Arts

Early 2000s

Santiago attended the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, focusing on film and interactive media. This period exposed her to the power of visual storytelling and the emerging potential of video games as a medium for artistic expression, solidifying her desire to pursue a career in the field.

Co-founding thatgamecompany

2006

Together with Jenova Chen, Kellee Santiago co-founded thatgamecompany (TGC). This marked a pivotal moment, as TGC became renowned for its visually stunning and emotionally resonant games, pushing the boundaries of traditional gameplay and narrative.

Release of "Flow"

2007

Thatgamecompany's first major release, "Flow", garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards for its innovative gameplay and aesthetic appeal. Kellee played a key role in the production and design of "Flow", which established TGC's reputation for creating artful and emotionally evocative gaming experiences.

Release of "Flower"

2009

"Flower", another critically acclaimed title from thatgamecompany, further solidified Santiago's and the company's commitment to creating unique and meaningful games. "Flower"'s focus on environmental themes and its innovative control scheme demonstrated a dedication to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling.

Release of "Journey"

2012

"Journey", thatgamecompany's most successful title to date, achieved widespread recognition for its stunning visuals, evocative soundtrack, and unique multiplayer experience. As producer, Santiago oversaw the complex development process, helping to create a game that resonated with players worldwide and cemented TGC's legacy.

Departure from thatgamecompany

2013

After the successful launch of "Journey", Santiago decided to leave thatgamecompany to pursue new opportunities and challenges within the gaming industry. This marked a transition in her career, allowing her to explore different aspects of game development and leadership.

Head of Developer Relations at PlayStation

2015 - 2017

Santiago served as Head of Developer Relations at PlayStation, where she worked to support independent developers and bring innovative games to the PlayStation platform. This role allowed her to champion emerging talent and contribute to the diversification of the gaming landscape.

Managing Director at IE Business School Game Center

2018 - 2021

Santiago served as Managing Director at IE Business School Game Center. This role allowed her to pursue her interest in video game design and the video game industry on the academic level. She supported the next generation of game designers and game industry leaders.

Partner at Coherence

Present

Currently, Kellee Santiago is a Partner at Coherence, a platform for building large-scale multiplayer experiences. This role allows her to contribute to the development of tools and technologies that empower developers to create even more ambitious and engaging games.

Other Themed Timelines

Awards and Recognition

Early Life and Education

Influences and Design Philosophy

Post-Thatgamecompany Ventures

Thatgamecompany: Collaborative Game Development

Themed Timelines

Talks

Media Collections

Overview

Other Themed Timelines