Welcome to another episode of Digital Artcast, where we delve into the vibrant world of indie game development! Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Renee Gittins, the ingenious mind behind the captivating indie game *Potions: A Curious Tale*, and the Creative Director at Stumbling Cat based in Seattle. Renee's journey into the gaming industry has been nothing short of remarkable. With a wealth of experience managing over 10 game projects spanning AAA, R&D, and indie ventures, she's established herself as a multi-disciplinary leader with a knack for steering teams towards success. As a Solutions Architect, Renee blends her technological prowess with business acumen to develop ingenious strategies and mobilize resources, ensuring her projects thrive even in the face of complexity. But like any journey, Renee's path had its share of challenges. Despite the excitement of launching *Potions* on International Women's Day, the game faced a setback when overshadowed by a flurry of old-school games dropped by a gaming giant. Undeterred, Renee took to TikTok to voice her frustrations (tiktok.com/@rikukat), only to encounter toxicity from some corners of the gaming community. Yet, she refused to be silenced, emerging stronger and more determined than ever. Our conversation delves into the highs and lows of indie game development, highlighting Renee's unwavering resolve and positivity amidst adversity. Despite the hurdles, *Potions* has triumphed, garnering a wave of support from fans worldwide. The flood of heartfelt messages and fan mail serves as a testament to the game's impact and Renee's resilience. Join us as we explore Renee's journey, from navigating the pitfalls of indie game development to championing diversity and inclusivity within the gaming industry. Her story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring developers and a reminder of the transformative power of perseverance. Don't forget to check out *Potions: A Curious Tale* on Steam and connect with Renee and Stumbling Cat through the links below. Let's spread the love for indie games and celebrate the indomitable spirit of creators like Renee! š¦ Stumbling Cat: https://www.stumblingcat.com š® Potions: A Curious Tale on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/37... š¦ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/reneegittins šØ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rikukat šŗ YouTube Channel: @RikuKat #indiegamedev #creativedirector #PotionsGame #diversityingaming