Women in Game Dev Community Spotlight: FeliseKat
To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting talented women in game development from our very own community. Read this exclusive interview with Keoma Blake aka ‘FeliseKat’ to discover her journey into game development, her inspirations, and how she’s making the gaming industry a more inclusive place.
A Creative Mind, A Lasting Impact
Meet Keoma Blake aka ‘FeliseKat’
Avid gamer and game developer with a passion for representation and impactful stories.
“Every game starts with a single idea—a moment where creativity meets courage.”
Q: Tell us about yourself and what got you into video games.
A: I’m a passionate gamer who decided to return to school a few years ago to pursue my dream of making games. I earned my Associate’s degree and am now working toward my Bachelor’s. Video games have always been a source of joy and inspiration for me, and I’m excited to contribute to the industry.
Q: When did you decide you wanted to make games, and why?
A: I’ve always had a spark for creating games, but growing up, I was often discouraged from pursuing it—even from playing games. That changed when I came across a petition on Reddit to save a game development class from being canceled due to low enrollment. It turned out to be at the school I was transferring to, and that moment solidified my belief that I could make games. I want to tell stories that matter to me and create characters that reflect the diversity of the world. There’s so much room for innovation in this industry, and I’m excited to be part of it.
Q: Do you have a favorite programming language so far?
A: I’ve explored several programming languages, but my current favorite is C#. It’s the backbone of the Unity game engine, and it has opened up so many creative possibilities for me as a developer.
Q: Who are some people in the industry that inspire you?
A: Ebonique Wool inspires me with her work on The Sims 4, bringing authentic representation to characters and storytelling. Jay-Ann Lopez created Black Girl Gamers, a community uplifting Black women and redefining stereotypes. Muriel Tramis, the first Black woman game designer, used games like Mewilo and Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness to tackle themes of colonialism and resistance. Keisha Howard founded Sugar Gamers, promoting inclusivity and innovation in gaming. Latoya Peterson co-founded Glow Up Games and worked on Insecure: The Come Up Game, inspired by Issa Rae’s hit show, which celebrates culture and creatively centers diverse narratives.
Q: What has your game dev journey been like so far?
A: It’s been a rollercoaster of challenges, creativity, and growth. Game development combines problem-solving with artistry, and I love the process of bringing ideas to life.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of game development for you?
A: Those “aha” moments when a tricky idea finally clicks and works in the game.
Q: What has been the most challenging part of game dev for you?
A: Knowing when to stop tweaking and refining. I could spend hours perfecting lighting and lose track of time!
Q: Do you have any goals you’re hoping to achieve?
A: My dream is to collaborate with a team of creative minds at a game studio to craft games that resonate emotionally with players and leave a lasting impact. I want to create experiences that people will cherish and remember.
Q: Why do you think representation is important in game development/the gaming industry?
A: Representation is essential in game development because it gives people the indescribable feeling of truly being seen. There’s nothing quite like recognizing your stories, your family, your culture in a character or a world—it creates a connection that resonates deeply. Games have the ability to reflect lives, spark empathy, and allow players to step into someone else’s shoes, even if just for a moment.
It’s not just about how things look; it’s about how they feel—the nuances of body language, mannerisms, and unspoken moments that tell a story. Authentic representation educates and clarifies, sharing cultural truths through the voices of those who live them. It’s about unapologetically being present and refusing to let harmful narratives persist. Representation in games isn’t just decoration—it’s transformation, connection, and empowerment.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share for anyone wanting to start making games?
A: Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. The world needs your unique stories and perspectives. Embrace the learning process and take that first step—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Q: Are there any beginner friendly learning programs you’d recommend?
A: Python is a great starting point. Its syntax is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for learning programming fundamentals.
Q: What’s your favorite video game of all time?
A: It’s a tie between Final Fantasy 7 and Resident Evil 3. These games shaped my love for storytelling and immersive gameplay.
Q: What game currently has a hold on you/what are you currently playing?
A: I’m completely hooked on Avowed. The branching dialogue and morally complex choices make it an unforgettable experience. I love games that let me explore shades of gray, where I can be a neutral good with a hint of chaotic neutral and a dash of lawful evil.
Q: What are some of the projects you’re currently working on, or you’ve recently worked on?
A: I’m currently developing a 3D walking simulator in Unity, where players navigate a mysterious location and solve puzzles to find their way out. I’m also excited to join the upcoming 'The Muse in You' Game Jam, with Black Girl Gamers in collaboration with Women Led Games + Dames 4 Games. It’s an incredible opportunity to team up with fellow creatives and bring unique game ideas to life.
Q: Lastly, a closing message for readers!
A: It’s never too late to create, to code, to dream. Every game starts with a single idea—a moment where creativity meets courage. If you’ve ever thought, ‘I can tell a better story,’ or ‘I can make a better world,’ then why not go ahead and start. The gaming industry isn’t complete without your voice, your vision, and/or your story. So be unapologetically yourself and make something uniquely you.