The Goth Boss Podcast

Cat Burton
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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.

  1. From Half-Life 2 Mods to Bloodlines 2 w/ Dan Pinchbeck

    11/11/2025

    From Half-Life 2 Mods to Bloodlines 2 w/ Dan Pinchbeck

    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.

    1h 9m
  2. How to Future-Proof Your Game Industry Career

    10/22/2025

    How to Future-Proof Your Game Industry Career

    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.

    30 min
  3. Can Game Design Change The World?

    10/14/2025

    Can Game Design Change The World?

    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.

    56 min
  4. Unity’s in Crisis…But Is It Still the Right Engine for Your Next Game?

    10/07/2025

    Unity’s in Crisis…But Is It Still the Right Engine for Your Next Game?

    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.

    14 min
  5. Surviving the Games Industry: Layoffs, Studio Closures and Future Predictions

    09/30/2025

    Surviving the Games Industry: Layoffs, Studio Closures and Future Predictions

    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.

    26 min
  6. Games Journalism and a Love Letter to the Industry with Will Freeman

    09/23/2025

    Games Journalism and a Love Letter to the Industry with Will Freeman

    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.

    1h 6m
  7. Diversity and Inclusion in Games with Cinzia Musio

    09/16/2025

    Diversity and Inclusion in Games with Cinzia Musio

    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.

    57 min
  8. Mastering Game Design with Lee Kemp

    09/09/2025

    Mastering Game Design with Lee Kemp

    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.

    43 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Cat Burton
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cat Burton
  • Show Website
    The Goth Boss Podcast