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María Santoro
Unreal Engine Evangelist for the Americas, France, Spain and Portugal at Epic Games
Professional Background
Martina Santoro is a renowned figure in the gaming and animation industry with over a decade of experience developing video games and interactive content. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish OKAM STUDIO in 2010, where she spearheaded projects that contributed significantly to the local community and the broader landscape of the gaming industry. As a passionate advocate for gaming and a leader within her field, Martina has played pivotal roles in various organizations aimed at promoting and advancing game development in Latin America.
In her journey, she took on the role of President of the Argentinean Game Developers Association, where she worked diligently to support and foster growth in the local game development scene. Her dedication and vision also saw her become one of the co-founders of the Latam Video Games Federation, an organization that aims to unify and elevate the gaming industry throughout Latin America.
Today, as an Evangelist for Unreal Engine at Epic Games, Martina engages with diverse audiences including game developers, animation teams, and educational and enterprise partners across the Americas and globally. Her work involves empowering these communities with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic world of game development.
Education and Achievements
Martina's educational background is as impressive as her professional career. She holds Licentiate degrees in Cinematography and Film/Video Production from both the University of Buenos Aires and Universidad del Cine, which laid the foundation for her expertise in animation and interactive content. Additionally, she pursued studies in Political Science and Government at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, giving her a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, governance, and culture in the gaming industry.
Her insights and contributions to the field are well-documented, particularly through her work with the Interamerican Bank of Development, where she co-authored the influential book "Video Games: More than Just a Game: The Unknown Successes of Latin American and Caribbean Studios." This work highlights the growth and successes of video game studios across the region and is a testament to Martina's commitment to showcasing the potential of Latin American creativity and innovation.
Martina has been recognized for her impact in the industry by being selected as one of the "Women in Gaming: 100 Professionals of Play" and also as one of the "100 game changers" in the industry by GameIndustry.biz. These accolades reflect her outstanding contributions and influence in shaping the future of gaming and interactive media.
Additional Contributions
Beyond her roles as founder and executive, Martina served as Editor-in-Chief at Inside Games Latam, where she provided invaluable resources for the Latin American games industry. Her editorial leadership in this capacity ensured that industry insiders had access to critical news, updates, and insights relevant to business and development practices in the gaming world. Additionally, she held the position of Content Manager at Hatch Entertainment Ltd, where she further honed her skills in managing engaging content within the gaming sector.
Having also been a part of the academic landscape, Martina served as the Head of the Animation and Interactivity Career at Universidad del Cine, nurturing and inspiring a new generation of creators in the fields of animation and interactive media. This role enabled her to share her extensive knowledge and passion for the industry with students eager to explore careers in game development and animation.
With a career marked by significant achievements and contributions to the gaming industry, Martina Santoro continues to be an influential leader, shaping the landscape of game development and interactive storytelling in Latin America and beyond.
