Launching Potions: A Curious Tale With Renee Gittins

Renee Gittins is the Creative Director and CEO of Stumbling Cat, an indie studio based in Seattle. With a diverse skill set encompassing business operations, software engineering, and creative direction, Renee leads her team with a unique blend of expertise. Before her role at Stumbling Cat, she served as the General Manager of Phoenix Labs in Vancouver and held the position of Executive Director at the IGDA. Renee is a dedicated advocate for diversity in the gaming industry, actively promoting initiatives to foster inclusivity and empower developers from all backgrounds. She also serves as the Chair of the IGDA alum board and consults for numerous organizations, leveraging her experience to drive positive change within the industry. In this episode… The journey of launching a video game studio is akin to brewing a magical potion — a delicate balance of ingredients, timing, and intuition. What is the alchemy behind successful game launches? Seasoned gaming professional Renee Gittins emphasizes the role of marketing and community support in achieving company success. Building a strong community and fostering meaningful connections with players are crucial for sustaining momentum and cultivating brand loyalty. However, the entrepreneurial journey is marked by ebbs and flows, requiring resilience and adaptability. Renee shares that in the face of challenges, finding inspiration becomes paramount.  Tune in to the latest episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, where host Lizzie Mintus sits down with Renee Gittins, the Creative Director and CEO of Stumbling Cat, for an insightful discussion on her journey in launching an indie studio. Renee shares her career background, insights into Stumbling Cat's Kickstarter process, her personal journey of overcoming social anxiety as a leader and entrepreneur, and the strategies she employed to refine her leadership skills.