Senior Advisor - Marketing
Katya Hanna
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“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” ― Walt Disney
Skills
Leadership and motivation
Analytical thinking
Design
Stress Management
Key achievements
- Led marketing teams of 20+
- Launched successful worldwide titles
- Initiated Bir Zeit University training
- Trained students in game dev
- Had students nominated for indie awards
On the lookout for
Passion x 1 000 000
Backstory
I was born and raised in a small village in Palestine. After earning a master's degree in psychology, I left for Canada to pursue a bigger dream: ‘seeing the world’. Since then, I've lived in more than 10 cities in Europe, ending up in Portugal. My passion for exploring new cultures led me to the video game industry, where I started at EA-Montreal, working on titles like Need for Speed and Army of Two. Currently, my portfolio boasts a rich tapestry of gaming experiences, from the high-octane thrill of titles like TERA, PC Building Simulator, Going Medieval and Need for Speed Nitro to emotionally resonant journeys like Papo & Yo and Metro Exodus. My work takes me from Korea to Mexico, leaving a mark on the indie gaming scene.
Fun facts
What was the first game that really hooked you? What moments do you remember?
Atari and Space Invader! Who could forget those classics? Nothing quite sparks nostalgia like reminiscing about Atari consoles. I'll never forget the excitement when my dad surprised us with an Atari back in the early '90s. Nobody in our whole village had ever seen anything like it! Suddenly, our house became the go-to spot. We didn't need to call anyone over – word spread like wildfire, and soon enough, our place was the heart of the town.
After school, during breaks, on holidays – you name it, we were there, having the time of our lives! It was more than just playing video games; it was like we were part of a tight-knit community, bonded by the thrill of Atari. Those were the days!
How have games influenced or shaped you?
You know, Atari and games like Space Invader weren't just entertainment for me – they were a refuge from the challenges of reality. But over time, I realised they were more than just an escape; they became a tool to face challenges I found uncomfortable. Games like Machinarium, with their eerie atmospheres and sense of being trapped, forced me to confront my own fears and uncertainties head-on. It's funny how something that initially felt like an escape became a means of ‘therapy’.
Which game character resonates with you?
One of my favorite characters from Machinarium is the protagonist's ability to think creatively and find solutions in seemingly impossible situations. Loved how the hero uses their ability in creative ways to find solutions. So, in a way, gaming has helped me tackle not just virtual obstacles, but real-life ones too and showed me that I can be resourceful and to enjoy this process too. Vola! I answered two questions in one!
If given a superpower in a game, which would you pick?
Cf. above :)