60 acast.com The Reset with Cat Burton https://gothboss.co.uk en Cat Burton Personal Growth,Empowerment,Game Industry,Creative Industries,Startups,Founder,Leadership,Executive,Coaching,Advice,Burnout,Imposter Syndrome,Sustainable Success Cat Burton Hey, I'm Cat Burton!


Strategic advisor & coach, recovering people pleaser and someone who spent 17 years in games and creative tech quietly burning out while looking absolutely fine on the outside.


The Reset is a podcast for anyone in that same boat. Short episodes on burnout, imposter syndrome, exhaustion, masking, people pleasing and building a life that you love. Honest, authentic insights to help you find sustainable success.


One topic. One small action you can take today.


Listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Hey, I'm Cat Burton!


Strategic advisor & coach, recovering people pleaser and someone who spent 17 years in games and creative tech quietly burning out while looking absolutely fine on the outside.


The Reset is a podcast for anyone in that same boat. Short episodes on burnout, imposter syndrome, exhaustion, masking, people pleasing and building a life that you love. Honest, authentic insights to help you find sustainable success.


One topic. One small action you can take today.


Listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> true Goth Boss Studios info+6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589@mg-eu.acast.com 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 gothboss episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589/1780935564351-b6d58e7b-abc8-4b50-a0e9-1a9be800af31.jpeg https://gothboss.co.uk The Reset with Cat Burton <![CDATA[Why You're Scared of Taking Action]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT 21:34 6a33b3e701f3226851722047 false https://www.gothboss.co.uk 6a33b3e701f3226851722047 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 why-youre-scared-of-taking-action full 21 Got something you know you need to do, but you just... don't? Maybe it's asking someone out, changing career, starting a business, or finally admitting that your job title doesn't fit you any more. In this episode I dig into why our brains cling to "better the devil you know" even when it’s making us miserable. I share my own fears and leaps of faith, and walk you through the questions that will help get you unstuck. You're probably never going to feel completely ready,  so here's a little pep talk to help you be brave and take action.


Send me your questions/comments at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast 


You can also find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Got something you know you need to do, but you just... don't? Maybe it's asking someone out, changing career, starting a business, or finally admitting that your job title doesn't fit you any more. In this episode I dig into why our brains cling to "better the devil you know" even when it’s making us miserable. I share my own fears and leaps of faith, and walk you through the questions that will help get you unstuck. You're probably never going to feel completely ready,  so here's a little pep talk to help you be brave and take action.


Send me your questions/comments at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast 


You can also find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Sunday Dread Sunday Dread Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT 21:13 6a2a78b5438158000bcb60d7 true https://www.gothboss.co.uk 6a2a78b5438158000bcb60d7 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 sunday-dread full 20 Hands up if you ever get that creeping feeling on a Sunday evening that the weekend's over and Monday's lurking on the horizon.


Most of us know that feeling, but if it's happening every single week, it's worth figuring out what it's actually telling you.


In this episode we dig into what could be causing your Sunday dread, how to identify the specific things draining your energy and some small practical things you can do to make your week a little easier.


Key topics: Sunday dread, work anxiety, burnout, workplace stress, neurodivergence, ADHD, meetings, boundaries, commuting


P.S. In this episode I mention one of my favourite books: The Dip by Seth Godin. It’s brilliant. Here’s the link to Amazon/Audible (affiliate) if you wanted to give it a read/listen: https://amzn.to/4uRChUU 


I highly recommend it. It’s got me through a lot of big/tough decisions.


P.P.S. Affiliate links cost you nothing, but if you buy the book I get a tiny commission. Which helps me to keep releasing the podcast for free. It genuinely helps me out when you click an affiliate link, and you get more free content in return.


Send me your questions/comments at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast 


You can also find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Hands up if you ever get that creeping feeling on a Sunday evening that the weekend's over and Monday's lurking on the horizon.


Most of us know that feeling, but if it's happening every single week, it's worth figuring out what it's actually telling you.


In this episode we dig into what could be causing your Sunday dread, how to identify the specific things draining your energy and some small practical things you can do to make your week a little easier.


Key topics: Sunday dread, work anxiety, burnout, workplace stress, neurodivergence, ADHD, meetings, boundaries, commuting


P.S. In this episode I mention one of my favourite books: The Dip by Seth Godin. It’s brilliant. Here’s the link to Amazon/Audible (affiliate) if you wanted to give it a read/listen: https://amzn.to/4uRChUU 


I highly recommend it. It’s got me through a lot of big/tough decisions.


P.P.S. Affiliate links cost you nothing, but if you buy the book I get a tiny commission. Which helps me to keep releasing the podcast for free. It genuinely helps me out when you click an affiliate link, and you get more free content in return.


Send me your questions/comments at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast 


You can also find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[You're Not Lazy]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT 20:33 6a2a785534a0c5b2c29cfdf0 true https://www.gothboss.co.uk 6a2a785534a0c5b2c29cfdf0 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 youre-not-lazy full 19 If you've ever called yourself lazy or had someone else say it to you, this episode is for you.


Chances are, you're probably not lazy at all. You're likely depleted, overworked, burning out and running on empty.


In this episode we talk about where that horrible label comes from and what we do when we're low energy that makes things worse.


I remind you why rest isn't a reward & how it is an essential part of the process.


Key topics: burnout, depletion, rest, energy management, self-criticism, doomscrolling, productivity guilt, overscheduling


Send me your questions/comments at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast


You can also find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/ 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> If you've ever called yourself lazy or had someone else say it to you, this episode is for you.


Chances are, you're probably not lazy at all. You're likely depleted, overworked, burning out and running on empty.


In this episode we talk about where that horrible label comes from and what we do when we're low energy that makes things worse.


I remind you why rest isn't a reward & how it is an essential part of the process.


Key topics: burnout, depletion, rest, energy management, self-criticism, doomscrolling, productivity guilt, overscheduling


Send me your questions/comments at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast


You can also find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/ 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Reset The Reset Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT 7:42 6a2728a5401089d02d6b0101 true https://www.gothboss.co.uk 6a2728a5401089d02d6b0101 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 the-reset full 18 The podcast is back! And it's had a bit of a makeover (or a make-under as I’ve stopped doing video, at least for now). In this update episode, I explain why I've been away for so long, why I've renamed the podcast and what you can expect going forward.


If you're someone who looks fine on the outside but is quietly struggling underneath, this is for you.


It’s good to be back!


Key topics: burnout, sustainable success, ADHD, imposter syndrome, masking, people pleasing, career pivots, purpose


Send me your questions/comments at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast


You can also find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The podcast is back! And it's had a bit of a makeover (or a make-under as I’ve stopped doing video, at least for now). In this update episode, I explain why I've been away for so long, why I've renamed the podcast and what you can expect going forward.


If you're someone who looks fine on the outside but is quietly struggling underneath, this is for you.


It’s good to be back!


Key topics: burnout, sustainable success, ADHD, imposter syndrome, masking, people pleasing, career pivots, purpose


Send me your questions/comments at: https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast


You can also find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catburton/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From Half-Life 2 Mods to Bloodlines 2 w/ Dan Pinchbeck From Half-Life 2 Mods to Bloodlines 2 w/ Dan Pinchbeck Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:21:18 GMT 1:08:37 6913708f830e2623bf762cf0 true https://gothboss.co.uk 6913708f830e2623bf762cf0 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 17 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.

]]> 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.

]]> How to Future-Proof Your Game Industry Career How to Future-Proof Your Game Industry Career Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:53:14 GMT 30:00 68f7596940b81f7a89f97174 true https://gothboss.co.uk 68f7596940b81f7a89f97174 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 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 to Future-Proof Your Career

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.

]]> 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 to Future-Proof Your Career

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.

]]> Can Game Design Change The World? Can Game Design Change The World? Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT 55:46 68e91170f513ad2b8118a15f true https://shows.acast.com/gothboss/episodes/68e91170f513ad2b8118a15f 68e91170f513ad2b8118a15f 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 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.

]]> 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’s in Crisis…But Is It Still the Right Engine for Your Next Game? Unity’s in Crisis…But Is It Still the Right Engine for Your Next Game? Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:59:47 GMT 14:22 68e500b2aa65ff9b0391a5b1 true https://gothboss.co.uk 68e500b2aa65ff9b0391a5b1 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 14 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Surviving the Games Industry: Layoffs, Studio Closures and Future Predictions Surviving the Games Industry: Layoffs, Studio Closures and Future Predictions Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:00:00 GMT 26:16 68dbf0d37be17a7f01015e0b true https://gothboss.co.uk 68dbf0d37be17a7f01015e0b 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 13 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

TIGA Report: https://tiga.org/news/weathering-the-storm-tiga-research-reveals-uk-games-dev-sector-continues-to-grow-despite-global-sector-downturn


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.

]]> 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

TIGA Report: https://tiga.org/news/weathering-the-storm-tiga-research-reveals-uk-games-dev-sector-continues-to-grow-despite-global-sector-downturn


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.

]]> Games Journalism and a Love Letter to the Industry with Will Freeman Games Journalism and a Love Letter to the Industry with Will Freeman Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT 1:06:17 68d12773203f72ea5742daab true https://gothboss.co.uk 68d12773203f72ea5742daab 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 12 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Diversity and Inclusion in Games with Cinzia Musio Diversity and Inclusion in Games with Cinzia Musio Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT 57:20 68c68a058b1c6a4828e28cba true https://gothboss.co.uk 68c68a058b1c6a4828e28cba 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 11 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mastering Game Design with Lee Kemp Mastering Game Design with Lee Kemp Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT 42:35 68baa09f4629f1c6be8ec93e true https://gothboss.co.uk 68baa09f4629f1c6be8ec93e 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 10 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Always On? How to Switch Off as a Leader Always On? How to Switch Off as a Leader Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT 17:51 68b1d6c875e437e2230116db true https://gothboss.co.uk 68b1d6c875e437e2230116db 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 9 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.

]]> 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.

]]> How to Market Your Game - With Haley Uyrus How to Market Your Game - With Haley Uyrus Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT 44:57 68a829c6718453410e266968 true https://gothboss.co.uk 68a829c6718453410e266968 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 8 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.


Chapters

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


About Haley

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


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.


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.


Chapters

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


About Haley

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


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.


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? Should you keep going...or walk away? Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT 22:20 689b5bb0e6e5400d47cc4d17 false https://gothboss.co.uk 689b5bb0e6e5400d47cc4d17 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 7 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Navigating the Job Market with Recruiter Charlotte Pook Navigating the Job Market with Recruiter Charlotte Pook Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT 57:23 689a259d2dbca7f6699110e5 true https://GothBoss.co.uk 689a259d2dbca7f6699110e5 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 6 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.

]]> 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.

]]> 5: Finding Your Purpose - The 4 Steps Of Ikigai 5: Finding Your Purpose - The 4 Steps Of Ikigai Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT 38:27 6890dd089e1c1309953b2dd6 true https://www.gothboss.co.uk/podcast 6890dd089e1c1309953b2dd6 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 5 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 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.

]]> Burnout - What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Recover Burnout - What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Recover Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT 18:37 687e5fdba2391fe432087845 false https://gothboss.co.uk 687e5fdba2391fe432087845 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 4 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.

]]> 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.

]]> <![CDATA[3: Imposter Syndrome - Why You Feel Like a Fraud (And Why You're Not)]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT 20:18 687a2604b3ed2deb17100dd7 false https://gothboss.co.uk 687a2604b3ed2deb17100dd7 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 3 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.

]]> 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.

]]> <![CDATA[2: Getting Started & Letting Go of Perfection]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:21:46 GMT 20:36 68753ca81d7f11f6c2631d65 false https://gothboss.co.uk/podcast 68753ca81d7f11f6c2631d65 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 1 2 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.

]]> 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.

]]> 1: Welcome to The Goth Boss Podcast 1: Welcome to The Goth Boss Podcast Sun, 13 Jul 2025 13:48:08 GMT 7:44 6873b8cf132b0fdbd9732de5 true https://gothboss.co.uk 6873b8cf132b0fdbd9732de5 6873b505e1ed51a8f94bb589 full 1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>