PRGDA GDC 2025 SCHOLARS!
We are incredibly excited to announce the recipients of the PRGDA GDC 2025 Scholarship! Our scholars represent a variety of Puerto Rican professionals and students currently defining their careers in the game industry. We’re excited about what this opportunity can provide for them. Look forward to their GDC recaps in a few weeks after they return!
We are ever thankful to the LATAM Video Games Federation for giving GDC All-Access Passes to our community.
Michelle Lugo
New Scholar
Freelance Composer
Focus: Music Composition
Michelle Lugo is a music composer, arranger, and sound engineer from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since 2021, she has been making significant contributions to the entertainment industry, crafting captivating music compositions for film, television, video games, and musical theater. As part of the video game industry, she started participating in game jams doing music composition and sound design. She has now worked over 20 games, and has some upcoming releases where she is also working as a technical sound designer, using Wwise and FMOD to implement sound in video games. One of her upcoming game projects, “Elemdian”, is set to hit Steam this year, where she has credits as a music composer.
Learn more about Michelle:
Marco Rosado
New Scholar
Student at Interamerican University - Bayamón
Focus: Technical Art
“Marco Rosado is a technical artist and passionate game developer from Puerto Rico. He is currently studying Videogame Development and Design at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus. He co-founded EMP Studios, where he leads the artistic vision and oversees task distribution as part of production. In addition, he serves as the Vice President of InterEmprende, a student-led organization that fosters entrepreneurship, including initiatives that support the local game development industry.“
Learn more about Marco:
Neysha Borrero
New Scholar
Full-Time Product Lead
Focus: Software Development & Gaming Events
“Neysha Borrero is a Product Lead passionate about turning ambitious ideas into seamless, engaging products. She led the development of the Arcadia Battle Royale app, a platform that brought hundreds of players together, gamified engagement beyond competition, and redefined how gaming events create lasting community experiences. As a PRGDA GDC 2025 Scholar, she sees this opportunity as a way to deepen her expertise, connect with industry leaders, and explore new technologies that can elevate event-driven applications. Attending GDC will provide her with insights into game design, interactive experiences, and engagement strategies that will shape the next generation of gaming event platforms. Neysha is committed to growing Puerto Rico’s gaming and tech ecosystem, bringing back valuable knowledge to empower creators and drive innovation.“
Learn more about Neysha’s project:
Neftali Nahib Rodríguez Otero
New Scholar
Student at Interamerican University - Bayamón
Focus: Programming & Narrative Design
“My name is Neftali N Rodriguez Otero, I’m a junior game developer who has knowledge in narrative design and programming. My interest in making games came from wanting to know how much more can be made by asking myself, instead of playing a game why not make one? I also want to be capable of portraying the stories I write so that players can also experience them. Also, to develop the programming of the gameplay, UI elements, and other elements of the video game so that the player can have the best experience and immersion one can provide.“
Learn more about Neftali:
Gabriel Rodríguez
New Scholar
Freelance Concept Artist
Focus: Concept Art, 2D Art & UI
“Hello! I'm Gabe, an artist with a love for lizards, creating cool art, and playing video games. Ever since I was a kid, I've been inspired by the game art in 90s game guide books, which eventually led me down the path of becoming a concept artist. Now, I work as a freelance artist, focusing on concept art, 2D art, and UI for both indie games and game jams. When I'm not working, you'll probably find me gaming, cooking up something tasty, or enjoying the outdoors.”
Learn more about Gabriel:
Ricardo D. Ortiz Rodriguez
New Scholar
Student at Atlantic University
Focus: Game Design & Programming
“I am thrilled to be part of the Puerto Rico Game Developers Association (PRGDA), a community dedicated to fostering game development talent in Puerto Rico! As a game design and programming student, I have been honing my skills in game mechanics, level design, and coding. My experience with Unreal Engine and C++ has allowed me to create well-structured and interactive game environments, blending artistic vision with technical expertise.”
Learn more about Ricardo:
Edward Labarca
Returning Scholar
Independent Developer
Focus: Production
“I'm Edward Labarca - I focus on taking Developer's Games and Fast-Forwarding them by slashing production time in half. I've made two commercial games, several books, and asset-pooling projects, all under 90 days respectively. My process has been refined to impact as many people as possible as I share all my advice on my YouTube channel.”
Learn more about Edward:
Luis Esteban
New Scholar
Arts & Story Development Professor
Focus: Narrative Design, Production, Storyboarding, Pixel Art
“My name is Luis Esteban, I teach for a living, but I live for stories. In the professional side I’ve had the opportunity to lead and collaborate with various teams on production for animation and interactive media. On my free time, I enjoy sailing the high seas in games like The Wind Waker and Sea of thieves! I’m excited to connect with other adventurers of the creative fields and bring resources and knowledge back into my classrooms and projects!”
Learn more about Luis:
Christina J. Montijo Soto
New Scholar
Student at Atlantic University
Focus: 3D Characters & Environment
“Hi, my name is Christina J. Montijo Soto. I’m a student and freelance 3D artist based in Puerto Rico with 3 years of experience in Unreal Engine, Maya, and Substance Painter. I have worked in both solo as well as co-op projects, including Game Jams. As an aspiring archaeologist, my aim is to recreate captivating environments and props through a historical perspective.”
Learn more about Christina:
Yosef Rodriguez
New Scholar
Freelance Digital Artist
Focus: Character Design & Concept Art
“My name is Yosef, I'm a digital artist and member of the Toad Tavern team! When I'm not drawing, I'm working part-time as a bartender and waiter; which has been helpful as I'm the one behind the pixel art for the beverages in the game. I love to travel, make new friends, and play D&D!”
