Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Ever wonder what separates good game development leaders from truly exceptional ones? The answer lies not in their technical expertise or industry connections, but in how they think. Critical thinking—that deep analytical ability to dissect problems, anticipate challenges, and craft strategic solutions—has become the defining skill for leadership success in the fast-paced world of game development. This episode di...
Apr 20, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 195
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Forget what you thought you knew about effective game studio leadership. The high-stakes world of video game production demands more than just decisiveness and authority—it requires the transformative power of empathy. This episode dives deep into how empathetic leadership revolutionizes the development process, exploring practical strategies studio heads can implement immediately. We break down the misconception ...
Apr 13, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 194
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! How do you lead a video game studio through constant uncertainty? The answer lies in mastering a delicate balance of optimism and strategic caution. Today we dive deep into the leadership approaches that transform industry volatility from a threat into a competitive advantage. The video game landscape constantly shifts beneath our feet—with technological leaps, evolving player expectations, and fierce competition ...
Apr 06, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 193
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Game development is a complex creative endeavor that demands diverse skills, substantial resources, and meticulous planning. For indie studios operating with limited budgets and small teams, these demands can feel overwhelming. That's where strategic outsourcing becomes not just helpful, but potentially transformative. Our latest episode unpacks the complete framework for optimizing outsourcing partnerships t...
Mar 30, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 192
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Ready to level up from developer to studio head? The path demands more than just technical expertise—it requires a complete transformation in how you think, lead, and envision the future of game creation. This deep dive explores the leadership metamorphosis that aspiring studio heads must undergo to successfully navigate the complex world of game development management. We start by examining the fundamental mindse...
Mar 23, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 191
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! What separates successful game studios from those that struggle? The answer often lies in research methodology. Whether you're leading a small indie team or scaling a AAA studio, your ability to gather, analyze, and implement data-driven insights directly impacts your game's potential for success in today's hyper-competitive market. We dive deep into the multifaceted world of game development resear...
Mar 16, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 190
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Burnout has become the silent productivity killer in game development studios worldwide. When creative professionals constantly push boundaries while facing tight deadlines, technical challenges, and market pressures, their mental and physical wellbeing often pays the price. This episode dives deep into recognizable burnout symptoms specific to creative teams and offers a comprehensive framework for building susta...
Mar 09, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 189
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Feedback can be a double-edged sword in the fast-paced environment of game development, but mastering its use is crucial for success. Often, the distinction between valuable insights and unhelpful criticism can determine whether your project flourishes or flounders. In today's episode, we explore the nuances of feedback management and its impact on both projects and personal leadership growth. As we discuss s...
Mar 02, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 188
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! What if the key to unlocking innovation in the video game industry lies in embracing mistakes? Imagine transforming setbacks into stepping stones for success. In this episode, we're turning the spotlight on how leaders can harness the transformative power of errors to foster a culture of growth and creativity. We discuss the inevitability of mistakes, the importance of anticipating them, and the value of crea...
Feb 23, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 187
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to staying ahead in the ever-evolving video game industry by mastering strategic trend analysis. We'll guide you through the transformative power of predictive analytics and trend insights, revealing how they can drive innovation and secure a competitive edge. Discover why attending industry conferences and focusing on execution quality are game-changers, and explore the resurgence of retro...
Feb 16, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 186
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to leading indie game studios toward prosperity in 2025 with our latest episode! We promise you'll learn how to transform your studio from merely surviving to truly thriving through actionable strategies. As the video game industry navigates turbulent times, we dissect the essential leadership tactics that can set your studio apart. From enhancing financial resilience and diversifying reven...
Feb 09, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 185
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the blueprint to indie game studio success with our latest episode, packed with insights that promise to revolutionize your strategic planning process. Have you ever wondered how some indie studios manage to not only survive but thrive in the highly competitive gaming industry? We break down the essentials of strategic yearly planning, guiding you through setting clear year-end goals, critical nine-month mi...
Feb 02, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 184
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Transform your approach to New Year's resolutions with a unique ritual that could redefine your 2025. Discover how naming your year can set the tone for personal growth, mindfulness, and intentional change. Join me, Christopher Mifsud, on this episode of the Press Start Leadership Podcast, where I share my own journey of naming each year—from the audacious "Year of Nobody Fucks with a Lion" to the e...
Jan 26, 2025•6 min•Season 1Ep. 183
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! What if the secret to transforming your leadership style lies in the world of tabletop role-playing games? Join us on the Press Start Leadership Podcast as we explore how the strategies in games like Dungeons & Dragons can revolutionize the way you lead your team. I, Christopher Mifsud, will guide you through the fascinating parallels between RPGs and effective leadership. Discover how player-driven storytelli...
Jan 19, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 182
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets of informal leadership and discover how it can transform your organization from the inside out. Have you ever wondered how leadership could thrive beyond titles and traditional hierarchies? Tune in to this week's episode of the Press Start Leadership Podcast to explore the dynamic world of informal leadership, where everyone is a potential leader. Learn how fostering a culture of shared lea...
Jan 12, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 181
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to maximizing team productivity in the high-stakes world of video game development with this episode of the Press Start Leadership Podcast. Ever wondered how top leaders consistently deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget? Join me, Christopher Mifsud, as I reveal proven strategies and advanced techniques for optimizing team performance. From identifying the unique productivity b...
Jan 05, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 180
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! The five best episodes of 2024. Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your creative assets and building a thriving indie game business with our latest episode on navigating the legal waters of game development. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights into the complex legal frameworks that protect your game’s unique elements, from intellectual property rights to licensing agreements. Discover how to mitigate r...
Dec 29, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 179
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! What if fostering a culture of innovation could be the secret ingredient to creating groundbreaking games? Join us as we unravel the dynamic world of leadership in video game development, where understanding your team's unique needs and aspirations is just the beginning. We'll explore how clear communication of project visions and goals can energize your team, leading to a productive and supportive work ...
Dec 22, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 178
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Ever felt like you're juggling flaming swords while blindfolded? That's what prioritization in game development can feel like! In this episode of the Press Start Leadership Podcast, hosted by Christopher Mifsud, we promise you'll learn how to wield the ultimate leadership toolkit to cut through the chaos. Discover essential strategies for aligning team efforts with organizational goals and making de...
Dec 15, 2024•8 min•Season 1Ep. 177
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! What if you could lead your video game development team to consistently turn challenges into groundbreaking opportunities? Join legendary host Christopher Mifsud on the Press Start Leadership Podcast as he promises to unlock the secrets of adaptive leadership in the high-stakes world of gaming. This episode is a goldmine for anyone wanting to navigate the industry's complexities. Discover strategies for maint...
Dec 08, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 176
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to mastering organizational change in the ever-evolving world of video game development. What if you could transform every challenge into an opportunity for innovation and growth? On this episode of the Press Start Leadership Podcast, we promise to equip you with the essential leadership strategies needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of gaming. We'll guide you through the intricacies o...
Dec 01, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 175
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to negotiating win-win solutions in the dynamic world of video game production. Discover how thorough preparation, relationship building, and effective communication can transform your negotiation skills and lead to mutually beneficial partnerships. We'll guide you through collaborative strategies and the proper use of leverage, helping you manage conflicts and deadlocks with finesse. Learn...
Nov 24, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 174
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Can achieving a sustainable work-life balance transform the gaming industry? We make a compelling case for how this balance is not just beneficial but essential for both individual well-being and business success. Immerse yourself in the world of game development as we dissect the notorious 'crunch culture' and explore how the passionate nature of this industry often blurs the line between personal and p...
Nov 17, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 173
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! What if mastering the intricate art of outsourcing could catapult your indie game business to new heights? This episode of the Press Start Leadership Podcast offers a comprehensive guide for indie game developers who find themselves wearing too many hats. We unravel the complexities of effectively juggling roles like designer, marketer, and business manager, revealing when multitasking becomes a hindrance to growt...
Nov 11, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 172
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to mastering project management in game development as we explore whether Agile or Waterfall is the best fit for your team. We promise this episode will give you the tools needed to boost team efficiency and elevate game quality, helping you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of game creation. Host Christopher Mifsud delves deep into the strategic intricacies of both methodologies, providing i...
Nov 03, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 171
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to harmoniously blending tradition with innovation in the ever-evolving realm of game development. What if you could stay ahead of the curve while keeping your development process stable and efficient? Join me, Christopher Mifsud, as I unravel the dynamic tension between best practices and next practices, exploring how studios can leverage both to maximize success. This episode promises insights...
Oct 27, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 170
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to becoming a transformational leader in the fast-paced world of video game development. Ever wondered how the industry's top leaders maintain project momentum while fostering innovation and preventing burnout? Join Christopher Mifsud on the Press Start Leadership Podcast as he unveils ten game-changing strategies that are shaking up the industry. From crafting a compelling vision to nurtur...
Oct 20, 2024•8 min•Season 1Ep. 169
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to transforming your game production team into a powerhouse of creativity and efficiency with mindfulness as your guiding light. Ever wondered how to cut through the chaos of video game development and make decisions with clarity and focus? Join us as we explore these questions and more on the Press Start Leadership Podcast, hosted by the one and only Christopher Mifsud. This episode promises to...
Oct 13, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 168
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to building a powerful leadership pipeline within your game studio with us. Could your studio's next top leader be the intern at the desk across from you? Discover how to identify and nurture potential leaders from within your organization, ensuring a continuous supply of skilled managers and innovators. We dive into the importance of a structured pathway for leadership development, emphasi...
Oct 06, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 167
Tell us what you thought of the episode and any topics you would like us to cover! Unlock the secrets to mastering game production efficiency with the right leadership style! This week on the Press Start Leadership Podcast, we're breaking down how different leadership approaches—autocratic, democratic, transformational, laissez-faire, and servant leadership—can make or break your team's productivity, creativity, and project timelines. Whether you're navigating the collaborative pl...
Sep 29, 2024•8 min•Season 1Ep. 166
