Hi! I’m Cat Burton, a games industry veteran of 17 years.
This is The Goth Boss Podcast where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
From burnout and imposter syndrome to scaling teams and finding funding, I share honest stories and conversations with inspiring people across the games industry.
Whether you’re leading a studio, building your first game or growing a team, my goal is to help you survive and succeed in the games industry.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi! I’m Cat Burton, a games industry veteran of 17 years.
This is The Goth Boss Podcast where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
From burnout and imposter syndrome to scaling teams and finding funding, I share honest stories and conversations with inspiring people across the games industry.
Whether you’re leading a studio, building your first game or growing a team, my goal is to help you survive and succeed in the games industry.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan Pinchbeck is the co-founder of The Chinese Room, the award-winning studio behind many wonderful games including Dear Esther, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, Little Orpheus, Still Wakes The Deep and most recently Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2.
In this episode, we talk through Dan’s incredible journey with the studio. From its early days making Half-Life 2 mods to becoming one of the UK’s most distinctive storytelling studios. Dan opens up about the highs and lows of running a team and what really happened behind the scenes. He gives an honest insight into how he navigated creative burnout and what led him to leave the studio before Bloodlines 2 shipped.
We also get into some big industry topics: the AI hype sweeping game dev, what’s broken in the games industry and what gives him hope for the future of smaller studios.
Chapters:
00:00 The Origins of The Chinese Room
03:49 Starting with Mods: Conscientious Objector, Antilion Soccer, Dear Esther & Korsakovia
05:11 Moving to Commercial Games: Dear Esther and Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs
07:02 Shifting from Walking Simulators to Horror Games
12:39 The Formation of The Chinese Room as a Company
16:33 The Impact of Studio Size on Development
20:23 Funding Struggles and the Studio Downsizing in 2017
25:57 Recovery and the Sumo Group Acquisition
29:06 Little Orpheus and Maintaining Creative Control After Acquisition
34:01 The State of the Game Industry
39:26 The Impact of AI on Game Development
45:46 Challenges for Indie Developers
48:27 Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
01:02:43 What's next for Dan
About Dan:
Dan Pinchbeck is a writer, creative director, and co-founder of the acclaimed UK studio The Chinese Room. With a background in academia and digital arts, he’s known for pioneering narrative-driven experiences that blur the line between storytelling, atmosphere, and player agency. Dan’s work has helped shape modern indie game storytelling and inspired a generation of developers to experiment with emotion and meaning in games. You can find him on:
Dan's Website: https://www.danpinchbeck.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpinchbeck/
About Me
Hi, I’m Cat Burton! I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and advice. The Goth Boss Podcast dives into the real challenges of making games and running game studios by sharing honest stories and inspiring conversations with my industry friends.
You can connect with me on:
GothBoss (Games Consultancy & Coaching): https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gothbosscat
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The game industry might be unpredictable, but your career doesn’t have to be.
In this episode, I share ten practical tips to help you stay strong while working through these really tough times.
Chapters:
00:00 10 Practical Tips for Resilience
02:00 Tip 1: Focus on What You Can Control
03:04 Tip 2: Be Ready for Change
05:25 Tip 3: Lift Others Up
07:23 Tip 4: Stay Visible
09:41 Tip 5: Protect Your Energy
12:49 Tip 6: Build Your Confidence
16:10 Tip 7: Lead with Transparency and Trust
19:41 Tip 8: Stay Curious and Keep Learning
22:09 Tip 9: Create Financial and Mental Stability
24:59 Tip 10: Redefine Success
27:15 Recap
Links:
UK game industry Slack: https://www.ukgamesindustry.com/
Imposter syndrome episode: https://youtu.be/hOTjI38cnCg?si=vogYLgBkFVvJ0AP3
Burnout episode: https://youtu.be/1tKNL_iuk1c?si=L_HSNh-5hA1vfWlR
About Me:
Hi, I’m Cat Burton!
I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and advice. The Goth Boss Podcast dives into the real challenges of making games and running game studios by sharing honest stories and inspiring conversations with my industry friends
You can find me on:
Goth Boss Studios: https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gothbosscat
Take Part:
Send me your questions to answer in future episodes! Or if you would like me to interview someone to hear about their game industry career, game or studio, please recommend them. Send me a message at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if the key to solving the climate crisis, social inequality and even human behavior wasn’t found in policy papers, but in games?
In this episode, I sit down with Trevin York, founder of Dire Lark, to explore how Games for Change are reshaping the way we tackle global challenges. From climate action and healthcare to finance and education, Trevin reveals how playful design can turn complex, serious topics into experiences that inspire real-world impact.
We dive into the power of data to understand players, what it takes to design for transformation and the surprising business realities of running a purpose-driven game studio. You’ll hear how AI is influencing funding and what aspiring designers can do to build games that truly make a difference.
If you’ve ever wondered how games could actually change the world, this conversation will make you rethink what “serious play” really means.
Books:
Design for the real world by victor Papanek: https://amzn.to/43d7nKK
Design when everybody designs by ezio manzini: https://amzn.to/3KKd2lh
Designs for the pluriverse by Arturo escobar: https://amzn.to/4nMxzV3
Ideas Arrangements Effects by the Design Studio for Social Intervention: https://amzn.to/477DpJx
The Transformational Framework by Sabrina Culyba: https://amzn.to/4n446Vt
Trevin's book - The Game Needs to Change: https://www.routledge.com/The-Game-Needs-to-Change-Towards-Sustainable-Game-Design/Prax-Whittle-York/p/book/9781032836195?srsltid=AfmBOoq7wZEBpY_yHJWvlB1iKJPOXi4CLmyWnPxGWdl4q1DXIl7DWJ69
About Trevin
Trevin York has spent over a decade collaborating with talented teams to make games and other interactive experiences focused on effecting lasting change. As the founder of Dire Lark, Trevin works with organizations ranging from tech startups to game studios to international firms, bringing game design techniques and processes to projects aiming for real-world positive impacts across a variety of contexts. You can find Trevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevin-york/, and Dire Lark at: https://direlark.co.uk/
About Cat
Hi, I’m Cat Burton! I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and ecosystem building. The Goth Boss Podcast is where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Unity has had a rough few years including PR disasters, project cancellations, layoffs, a now-cancelled runtime fee policy and a recent security flaw. Many developers have switched engines in the last few years as a result. But is Unity still the right engine for your next game?
In this episode, I break down Unity’s recent challenges, compare it to Unreal, Godot and GameMaker, and explain why many developers still stick with Unity in 2025.
Topics:
• Unity’s controversies & leadership shakeups
• Which engine to choose for for different project types
• Godot’s rise as an indie favorite
• Why Unity still excels for prototyping, mobile and AR/VR
Subscribe for more weekly insights into the games industry.
Chapters:
00:00 Unity's Current Crisis
01:01 A Few Difficult Years For Unity
04:20 Unity's Strengths and Advantages
06:51 Comparing Unity to Unreal Engine, Godot and Game Maker
07:09 Unity vs Unreal Engine
08:36 Unity vs Godot
09:48 Unity vs Game Maker
11:10 Where Unity Still Wins
12:27 Summary
14:15 Goth Boss Studios Podcast - Video Intro.mp4
References:
Pocket Gamer’s article about John Riccitiello calling people idiots: https://www.pocketgamer.biz/unity-ironsource-john-riccitiello-marc-whitten-merger/
John Riccitiello’s apology in Pocket Gamer: https://www.pcgamer.com/unity-ceo-apologizes-for-calling-developers-fking-idiots-promises-to-do-better/
Unity announces, then cancels, Gigaya: https://unity.com/blog/games/introducing-unitys-latest-sample-game-gigaya
Unity layoffs 2022-2025: https://www.blog.udonis.co/mobile-marketing/mobile-games/unity-layoffs
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I discuss the current challenges facing the games industry, including significant job losses, studio closures and the impact of rising costs and market saturation. I share insights from conversations with industry veterans and offer practical advice for navigating these turbulent times. The discussion also touches on the future of the industry, including potential recovery and the importance of networking and visibility for everyone in the industry.
Chapters:
00:00 The Turbulent State of the Games Industry
06:09 Understanding the Causes of Industry Challenges
15:13 Navigating the Future: Strategies for Survival
24:53 Hope for Recovery: Insights and Predictions
References & Articles
The move towards film/TV structure: https://www.wiggin.co.uk/insight/a-litany-of-layoffs-how-the-games-industry-might-mitigate-some-of-its-pain-by-looking-to-film-and-tv/
Layoffs statistics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%932025_video_game_industry_layoffs
About Me
Hi, I’m Cat Burton! I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and coaching. The Goth Boss Podcast dives into the real challenges of making games and running game studios by sharing honest stories and inspiring conversations with my industry friends.
You can connect with me on:
GothBoss (Games Consultancy & Coaching): https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gothbosscat
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Freeman's 20 year career spans many areas of the games industry. He's a freelance journalist, mock reviewer, copywriter and so much more. He's worked with a huge list of notable brands and publications including The Guardian, BAFTA, Epic, the BBC, EA, Vice and PC Gamer. While we do talk about games journalism, this episode quickly turned into an honest and authentic conversation about his career journey and personal struggles. What we're left with is a wonderful love letter to the games industry. I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Career Journeys in the Games Industry
03:08 The Evolution of a Freelance Career
05:44 Finding Authenticity in the Creative Space
08:58 The Role of Community and Support
11:40 Mental Health and Acceptance in the Games Industry
14:26 The Importance of Open Conversations
17:44 Embracing Imperfection and Vulnerability
20:21 Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth
24:02 Meeting People and Making Friends in the Games Industry
31:39 Balancing Work and Personal Life
35:06 Understanding Energy Levels and Productivity
38:22 Mock Reviews for Games
44:09 How Game Development Roles Overlap
48:38 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in the Games Industry
57:59 The Future of Gaming and Cultural Impact
About Will
With 20 years in games journalism, Will Freeman has contributed reviews, critiques and features to some of the biggest names in the industry, from The Guardian and Edge to Eurogamer and IGN. Will is also a trusted partner for studios and publishers of all sizes, delivering insightful mock reviews that help shape games before release. You can find Will on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willfreemanota/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/spadgy.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spadgy_ota
About Me
Hi, I’m Cat Burton! I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and coaching. The Goth Boss Podcast dives into the real challenges of making games and running game studios by sharing honest stories and inspiring conversations with my industry friends. You can find me on:
GothBoss (Games Consultancy & Coaching): https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gothbosscat
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today's episode of The Goth Boss Podcast I sit down with my friend Cinzia Musio a leading voice in diversity and inclusion in games.
We unpack the challenges and the myths of diversity and inclusion.
We also discuss the practical steps that leaders can take to build truly inclusive spaces.
Empathy and collaboration is going to make the games industry a much better place for everybody and Cinzia is going to tell you all about how you can make it happen.
Chapters
00:00 Cinzia's Journey into Diversity and Inclusion
10:19 Challenges in Diversity and Inclusion in the Games Industry
15:33 The Political Landscape and Its Impact on D&I
20:25 Practical Steps for Inclusive Workplaces
25:37 Language and Communication in D&I Practices
28:42 Measuring Diversity Beyond Quotas
32:21 Creating a Thriving Team Environment
33:55 Future Aspirations for Diversity in Gaming
36:24 Empathy as a Leadership Skill
40:09 Debunking Myths in Diversity and Inclusion
47:33 Success Stories in Diversity Efforts
About Cinzia
Cinzia Musio (She/They) is an award-winning Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant in the UK, with an approach focusing on intersectionality, and Director at Code Coven. They work across the industry with helping build awareness and education, and using data to drive a culture of inclusion, knowledge sharing, and allyship. Cinzia is a Training Consultant and Researcher for Limit Break, a BAFTA member, and helps manage a UK Games Industry Slack community of over 8000 people. When not at work, Cinzia can be found doing various crafts or cuddling cats.
You can find Cinzia on:
http://cinziamusio.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinzia-musio/
https://linktr.ee/cinzia_musio
About Me
Hi, I’m Cat Burton! I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and coaching. The Goth Boss Podcast is where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
You can connect with me on:
Goth Boss Studios: https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gothbosscat
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join me for an insightful conversation with Lee Kemp from Tea Imp Games as we delve into the world of game design.
Discover the nuances of a game designer's role, the challenges of balancing creative projects with consultancy and his journey of developing the indie game Thingamajigs.
Whether you're a studio leader or an aspiring designer, Lee's experiences and tips offer valuable lessons for anyone in the gaming industry.
Tune in for a blend of professional insights and personal stories that highlight the art and science of game design.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Game Design
02:31 The Impact of Location on Game Development
05:23 The Importance of Office Environments for Juniors
08:21 Design Reviews and the Role of a Game Designer
11:37 Understanding Game Mechanics and Player Experience
14:23 Analysing Game Design Processes
17:20 Common Pitfalls in Game Development
20:22 Balancing Freelance Work and Personal Projects
24:29 The Importance of Design in Game Development
25:44 When to Bring a Designer into the Team
26:30 The Role of Designers in Problem Solving
28:26 Challenges in VR Game Design
30:16 Introducing Thingamajigs: A Wholesome Game Experience
33:22 Navigating the Indie Game Development Landscape
33:48 How to Effectively Collaborate with Designers
37:30 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Game Development
39:00 What's next for Lee
About Lee
Lee Kemp is a skilled design lead with a head for production and a focus on getting games to release. He’s led teams from 10 to 100 people, from tiny indie hits to platform launch titles.
In his current role as the head of an indie studio (Tea Imp Games), Lee leads the design on internal IPs. Externally, he's also freelance design lead who helping other studios find their creative footing around their own design issues.
You can find him on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemplee/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/designergoblin.bsky.social
Tea Imp Games: https://www.teaimpgames.com/
About Me
Hi, I’m Cat Burton! I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and coaching. The Goth Boss Podcast is where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
You can connect with me on:
GothBoss (Games Consultancy & Coaching): https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gothbosscat
P.S. We gave a little shoutout to our friend Dan Blatherwick who is an amazing sound designer for games. He also made the music for this podcast! You can find him at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danblatherwick/
Portfolio: https://danblatherwick.co.uk/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you feel like you're “always on”? Are you constantly checking emails, LinkedIn and social media? Do you find yourself looking at work accounts or posting to Slack outside of office hours?
In this episode of The Goth Boss Podcast, I’ll share practical strategies to break the habit of constantly checking apps and emails, and help you set digital boundaries. Learn how to protect your focus and model healthy disconnection so your team feel empowered to do the same.
If you're looking for a way to avoid burnout, learning to switch off is the first step.
Got your own tips to add? Please share them with others in the comments!
Chapters:
00:00 The Pressure of Being Always On
08:03 Breaking the Cycle of Digital Addiction
14:01 Practical Steps to Disconnect
15:17 Action Points
16:28 Leading by Example
~~~~~
Hi! I’m Cat Burton, I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and coaching.
The Goth Boss Podcast is where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
GothBoss (Games Consultancy & Coaching): https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gothbosscat
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The Goth Boss Podcast, I speak with marketing expert Haley Uyrus about how indie and AAA game developers can effectively market their games. We discuss strategies ranging from defining business objectives and understanding audiences, to making the most of social media, mailing lists, events, and store pages like Steam. Haley also shares insights on current trends and future predictions for game marketing.
If you have any questions or comments, you can send me a message at gothboss.co.uk/podcast.
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Marketing fundamentals in gaming
03:30 Understanding Your Audience
06:22 The Evolution of Social Media in Marketing
09:28 The Resurgence of Mailing Lists
12:38 Behind the Scenes: Humanising Game Development
15:37 Indie vs. AAA Marketing Strategies
18:31 The Role of In-Person Events in Marketing
24:32 Maximizing Steam Page Effectiveness
33:42 Understanding Fractional Roles in the Games Industry
39:58 Marketing Trends and Predictions for 2026
Haley Uyrus is an award winning brand marketing director and creative leader, having worked 12+ years in the industry on games like Fall Guys, LEGO Fortnite, and most recently Sonic Rumble.
You can connect with her on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-uyrus-a0059212/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/absintheuse.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brand.sorceress
Hi, I’m Cat Burton! I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and coaching. The Goth Boss Podcast is where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
GothBoss (Games Consultancy & Coaching): https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gothbosscat
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Should You Keep Going… or Walk Away?
In this episode of The Goth Boss Podcast I talk about one of the toughest calls you’ll ever have to make: knowing when to stick with something and when it’s time to pivot.
I share my own experiences that led to me starting Goth Boss Studios and a simple framework to help you figure it out, inspired in part by Seth Godin’s The Dip.
We’ll explore how to spot the difference between a temporary setback and a true dead end.
I'll remind you how to check your success metrics and your energy to know if something is worth sticking with.
Getting an outside perspective can make all the difference, so remember to ask a mentor or coach for their unbiased opinions.
If you’re stuck on whether to push through or change direction, this episode will help you make the decision.
Book recommendation:
Seth Godin's The Dip: https://amzn.to/3UXezWV
Chapters:
00:00 Navigating the Decision to Pivot or Persist
05:46 Understanding The Dip: Insights from Seth Godin
07:58 Evaluating Your Situation: Five Key Checks
08:33 Check 1: Check your metrics
10:15 Check 2: Check your energy
11:29 Check 3: If you stopped doing this thing, what would you lose?
12:38 Check 4: What's the alternative?
13:40 Check 5: Get an outside perspective
15:28 How I Decided to Pivot
17:09 Making the Choice: When to Pivot and When to Stick
20:17 Recommended reading: Seth Godin's book The Dip
21:13 Final Thoughts: Embracing Change and Growth
If you have any questions or comments, send me a message at gothboss.co.uk/podcast.
~~~~~
I’m Cat Burton, a games industry veteran of 17 years, studio founder and leadership coach. This is The Goth Boss Podcast where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
From burnout and imposter syndrome to scaling teams and finding funding, I share honest stories, practical strategies and conversations with inspiring people across the games and creative industries.
Whether you’re leading a studio, building your first project or figuring out your next move in games, my goal is to help you thrive and ship your games without burning out.
Links:
Goth Boss Studios: https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The Goth Boss Podcast, I sit down with Charlotte Pook to talk about what it really takes to land a job in the games and creative industries. We dig into the value of strong portfolios, how to navigate career gaps and where AI is starting to show up in recruitment. Charlotte shares her perspective on attracting diverse candidates, the changing balance between remote and on-site work and how to spot red flags in a job offer.
We also cover practical tips on negotiating salaries, building your network and making speculative applications that actually get noticed. If you’re job hunting in games or creative tech, this conversation is packed with advice to help you stand out and apply with confidence.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:31 Navigating Job Applications in the Creative Industry
02:02 The Importance of LinkedIn and Online Portfolios
04:53 Understanding Career Gaps and Job Market Trends
08:21 The Current State of The Job Market
21:33 Negotiating Rates and Understanding Studio Budgets
28:14 Identifying Red Flags in Job Opportunities
34:30 The Role of AI in Job Applications
43:42 Attracting Diverse Applicants in Recruitment
51:46 The Future of Work: Remote vs. On-Site
Charlotte Pook is an experienced Talent Acquisition Manager in the games industry and a mentor with BAME in Games and Into Games. You can connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-pook-2021/
You can find me, Cat Burton, on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton
If you have any questions or comments, send me a message at gothboss.co.uk/podcast.
~~~~~
I’m Cat Burton, a games industry veteran of 17 years, studio founder and leadership coach. This is The Goth Boss Podcast where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.
From burnout and imposter syndrome to scaling teams and finding funding, I share honest stories, practical strategies and conversations with inspiring people across the games and creative industries.
Whether you’re leading a studio, building your first project or figuring out your next move in games, my goal is to help you thrive and ship your games without burning out.
Links:
GothBoss: https://www.GothBoss.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feeling stuck or unsure what’s next in your career or business? In this episode, I walk you through the 4 key elements of ikigai: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This process will help you find clarity and purpose. If you're planning a career change, starting a business, or just craving more fulfilment in your day-to-day this episode will help you reconnect with what truly motivates you. Packed with practical examples and mindset shifts to help you take the next step.
If you have any questions or comments, send me a message at https://gothboss.co.uk/podcast.
Hosted each week by me, Cat Burton, a founder with over 17 years of experience in the games & creative industries. Through Goth Boss Studios I provide ad-hoc founder-level support and coaching. Whether you need help shipping a project, growing your studio or team, or navigating the highs and lows of running a business, I’m here to help.
Socials Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothbosscat/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gothbosscat.bsky.social
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or disconnected from the work you once loved? You might be burned out, and you’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into what burnout really is (hint: it’s not just being tired), the most common causes (like perfectionism, overwork, and people-pleasing) and how to recover. Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or full-time employee, this is an honest look at burnout recovery, setting boundaries, and building a sustainable career.
Send me your stories or questions for future episodes at gothboss.co.uk/podcast.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's pep talk is for anyone who’s been suffering from imposter syndrome, self doubt or feeling like you're just not good enough. I'll help you understand why it happens and give you some tips for how to power through it and build your confidence.
Send me your stories or questions for future episodes at gothboss.co.uk/podcast.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This pep talk is for anyone who’s been putting off a project, waiting for the perfect time, setup, or mindset. I share my own messy journey to finally launching this podcast, talk about why perfectionism holds us back, and offer some real encouragement to start your thing even if it’s not perfect (especially if it’s not perfect).
Send me your stories or questions for future episodes at gothboss.co.uk/podcast.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.