September 28, 2025 • 16 mins
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The difference between thriving and burning out as a game industry entrepreneur often comes down to one critical factor that's rarely discussed: your support system. While creative talent and technical skills are essential, navigating the unpredictable waters of game development without a strong network of relationships is a recipe for isolation, missed opportunities, and eventual collapse.
Entrepreneurship in the gaming world presents unique challenges—market volatility that can render a hot mechanic obsolete within months, funding uncertainty that keeps even promising projects on shaky ground, and the complex integration of creative and technical disciplines. These pressures can overwhelm even the most talented individuals when faced alone. We explore how different types of relationships serve distinct purposes in your entrepreneurial journey: mentors who've navigated similar waters before you, peer networks who understand your day-to-day struggles, subject-matter experts who fill knowledge gaps, creative collaborators who energize your work, and personal relationships that keep you grounded.
Building this network isn't left to chance. Our ten actionable steps provide a strategic approach to mapping your current support system, actively seeking mentors, joining peer communities, establishing reciprocal relationships, leveraging both in-person and online networking opportunities, and maintaining connections through regular check-ins. The results speak for themselves: better decision-making from diverse perspectives, reduced isolation, access to hidden opportunities, increased resilience during setbacks, and a stronger sense of purpose within the industry. Remember that while you may be the visionary behind your studio or project, you don't have to—and shouldn't—walk this challenging path alone. Your support network could be the difference between becoming another burnout statistic and building something that endures.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:20):
Hey there, Press Starters, and welcome to the
Press Start Leadership Podcast,the podcast about game-changing
leadership, teaching you how toget the most out of your product
and development team and becomethe leader you were meant to be.
Leadership coaching and trainingfor the international game
industry professional.
(00:41):
Now, let me introduce you toyour host, The Man, the Myth,
the Legend, ChristopherMifstude.
SPEAKER_01 (00:50):
Hey there, Press Starters, and welcome back to
another awesome edition of thePress Start Leadership Podcast.
On this week's episode, we'll bediscussing the importance of a
support system for entrepreneursin the video game industry.
How building strong industryrelationships can boost
resilience, growth, andlong-term success.
(01:10):
The video game industry is boththrilling and relentless.
For entrepreneurs in this space,whether you're building an indie
studio from scratch or launchinga niche development service, the
journey is rarely linear.
You face creative, technical,financial, and emotional
challenges in equal measure.
The reality is that no matterhow talented or driven you are,
(01:32):
going it alone is a recipe forburnout and missed
opportunities.
A strong support system forentrepreneurs in the video game
industry is not just a nice tohave, it's a critical component
of long-term success.
This support can come in manyforms mentors, peer networks,
advisors, collaborators, andeven personal relationships that
(01:52):
help you stay grounded.
In this podcast, we'll explorewhy a support system matters so
much for video gameentrepreneurs, the forms it can
take, and actionable steps forbuilding and maintaining one
that will help you navigate thechaos of game development and
business ownership.
Why a support system isessential for video game
(02:12):
entrepreneurs.
The romanticized idea of thelone creative genius doesn't
hold up in the modern gamingecosystem.
The scope of projects, the speedof market changes, and the
complexity of funding modelsmean you will inevitably face
situations that requireinsights, skills, or emotional
resilience you simply cannotsupply on your own.
Without a strong support networkin the video game industry,
(02:35):
entrepreneurs often fall intocommon traps.
Isolation.
Spending months or years withoutfeedback from trusted peers can
make it harder to spot mistakesor pivot when needed.
Decision fatigue.
Without someone to talk thingsthrough with every choice feels
heavier and riskier.
Emotional burnout.
The industry's ups and downs canerode your motivation if you
(02:57):
don't have people to share theload.
Missed opportunities.
Connections often lead topublishing deals,
collaborations, and investorintroductions.
Without a network, you limityour reach.
On the flip side, when you havea strong support system, you get
faster problem solving throughshared experience.
Access to funding andpartnership leads.
(03:17):
A safe place to vent and processsetbacks.
More confidence in decisionmaking.
Emotional stability duringcrunch periods or setbacks.
The forms a support system cantake.
A support system forentrepreneurs in the video game
industry can be made up of manydifferent relationship types.
The more diverse the network,the better equipped you are to
(03:38):
face a wide variety ofchallenges.
Mentors Mentors are experiencedprofessionals who have navigated
similar challenges and can helpyou avoid common pitfalls.
A mentor might guide you throughpublishing negotiations,
production pipelines, or eventeam leadership struggles.
Peer networks.
Other entrepreneurs in the videogame industry can provide mutual
(04:00):
support because they understandthe challenges firsthand.
Peer networks are often whereyou find practical tips,
emotional reassurance, andpotential collaborators.
Advisors.
Advisors or subject matterexperts you can consult on
specific topics, marketing,monetization, funding, or legal
matters.
They may not be deeply involvedin your business, but their
(04:21):
specialized insights areinvaluable.
Creative collaborators.
Sometimes your support comesfrom your own team or
co-developers.
Having people you trustcreatively can make the work
more enjoyable and reduce theisolation of leadership.
Personal relationships.
Friends, family, and loved onesprovide emotional stability.
(04:41):
They may not understand everynuance of your pitch deck or
development cycle, but theirencouragement and grounding
influence matters.
The specific challenges in gameentrepreneurship that require
support.
Unlike some industries, videogame entrepreneurship involves
unique challenges that make asupport system even more
important.
Volatility of the market.
(05:03):
Trends shift fast.
A mechanic or genre that is hottoday may be relevant in six
months.
Having a network means you getearly warnings and insights.
Funding uncertainty.
Pitching the publishers,courting investors, or running
crowdfunding campaigns are allhigh stress, high stake
endeavors.
Mentors and peers who have beenthere can help refine your
(05:23):
approach.
Creative and technicalintegration.
Game development demands,collaboration between artists,
designers, engineers, andproducers.
Balancing these perspectives iseasier when you have trusted
sounding boards.
Leadership Isolation.
As the founder or lead, youcarry the ultimate
responsibility.
A support system lets you sharethe emotional load, even if you
(05:45):
can't share the finaldecision-making power.
Actionable step number one.
Before you can strengthen yoursupport network, you need to
know what you already have.
Make a list with three columns.
Professional support, mentors,advisors, peers in the industry.
Creative support, collaborators,colleagues, industry friends.
(06:08):
Personal support.
Family, close friends, trustedconfidants.
Identify where the gaps are.
Do you lack an experiencedmentor?
Are you missing peers who cangive you honest feedback?
Knowing where you're thin helpsyou target your networking.
Actionable step number two.
Actively seek out mentors.
Finding a mentor is not aboutcold calling famous industry
(06:29):
veterans.
Start with people who have atrack record in the type of
games or business model you'repursuing.
And here's some ways to connect.
Attend industry events andconferences, such as GDC,
Gamescom, PACs.
Join mentorship programs run bytrade groups or incubators.
Ask peers for introductions topeople they respect.
Offer value in return, even ifit's just helping them research
(06:52):
something or sharing feedback ontheir projects.
When reaching out, be specific.
Instead of will you mentor me?
Try, I admire your work oninsert project.
And I'm navigating a similarchallenge.
Could we have a 20-minute callto discuss your approach?
Actionable step number three.
Join peer communities.
A peer network can be the mostconsistently active part of your
(07:13):
support system.
Look for Slack or Discordcommunities for game developers,
local game dev meetups orco-working groups, online forums
for niche genres or technologiesyou work with.
Be an active participant, notjust a passive observer.
Share your own challenges, butalso help others solve theirs.
This builds mutual trust andensures your network will be
(07:34):
there when you need it.
Actual step number four.
Build relationships before youneed them.
The worst time to startnetworking is when you're in a
crisis.
Instead, think of your supportsystem like planting a garden.
You nurture relationshipsconsistently so that when you
need help, you already havetrust and rapport.
Tips for relationship building.
Send occasional updates aboutyour progress to your contacts.
(07:57):
Congratulate people on theirlaunches and career milestones.
Share useful articles, tools, oropportunities.
Check in without an agenda.
This creates goodwill and keepsthe connections warm.
Actual step number five.
Diversify your support.
Don't rely entirely on one typeof relationship.
A single mentor can beinvaluable, but if they're
(08:18):
unavailable during a criticaldecision point, you'll be stuck.
Likewise, peers may besupportive emotionally but lack
technical or businessexperience.
Your support system shouldideally include at least one
seasoned mentor, a peer groupyou connect with regularly.
Access the specialist advisors,marketing, legal tech, a small
group of personal relationshipswho keep you grounded.
(08:41):
Actionable step number six.
Give as much as you take.
Strong support systems are builton reciprocity.
The more you give, the morepeople will want to help you in
return.
Some ways to give back.
Share your knowledge andresources.
Connect people who could helpeach other.
Volunteer to review pitches,prototypes, or portfolios.
(09:02):
Offer emotional support duringsomeone else's crunch period.
When your relationships arebalanced, they last longer and
feel authentic.
Actual step number seven.
Leverage industry eventsstrategically.
Industry events like GDC,Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show, and
IndyCade are prime opportunitiesto expand your support network
in the video game industry.
(09:22):
But attending without a plan islike wandering into a massive
open world map without quests.
Overwhelming and inefficient.
To make the most of events,pre-schedule meetings, use
matchmaking tools like Meet theMatch or conference apps to
connect before you arrive.
Set specific goals.
For example, meet threepotential mentors, connect with
five publishers, or find twoexperienced developers willing
(09:44):
to share technical advice.
Follow up quickly.
Send a personal thank you emailor message within 48 hours of
meeting someone.
The goal is not to collectbusiness cards, the goal is to
start conversations that lead tolasting relationships.
Actual step number eight.
Use online platforms to fill thegaps.
If travel is not possible, thereare still countless ways to find
(10:04):
and connect with mentors, peers,and advisors online.
The COVID era accelerated thegrowth of virtual networking
spaces for the game industry,and they remain valuable.
Some high-value online spaces.
Discord servers for developers.
Many genres, engines, andindustry roles have dedicated
servers.
LinkedIn groups.
Search for game developer, indiegame, or game industry
(10:25):
entrepreneur groups.
Twitter slash X and Blue SkyNetworking.
Participate in industry hashtagconversations like game dev or
indie dev.
The advantage of online spacesis that they can connect you
with people globally who mightnever meet in person.
Actual step number nine, behonest about your needs.
One of the biggest barriers tocreating a functional support
(10:48):
system is pride.
Many entrepreneurs in the videogame industry feel that they
must appear as if they haveeverything under control.
Truth is, people are morewilling to help you when you're
clear about what you're facing.
For example, instead of sayingthings are fine, say we're
struggling with marketing andI'd love to talk to someone with
publishing experience.
Instead of saying we're lookingfor funding, say we're preparing
(11:08):
a pitch for co-development dealand need advice on what
publishers expect right now.
Being specific, helps yournetwork know how they can step
in.
Vague updates rarely lead toconcrete offers of support.
Actual step number 10.
Create a regular check-inritual.
Support systems are not just forcrisis moments.
They are most effective whenthey're maintained during good
times too.
(11:29):
Create a recurring check-inrhythm with your closest
industry contacts.
Examples, a monthly virtualcoffee with a mentor, bi-weekly
peer mastermind session, aquarterly review with your
advisory group.
These check-ins keep yoursupport network engaged and
updated.
They make it easier to bringpeople into the loop when
something urgent happens.
How a support system can preventburnout.
(11:52):
Video game industry is notoriousfor its high-pressure work
environments.
Long hours, shifting deadlines,and financial uncertainty can
push even the most resiliententrepreneur toward burnout.
A strong support system helpsprevent burnout in several ways.
An emotional outlet.
Being able to vent frustrationsin a safe space prevents
bottled-up stress fromescalating.
(12:13):
Perspective shift.
Talking to people who haveweathered similar challenges can
help you see problems astemporary and solvable.
Workload relief.
Peer networks can recommendreliable contractors or services
that take tasks off your plate.
Encouragement.
Sometimes all you need to keepgoing is someone reminding you
why you started.
(12:33):
Burnout is not just anindividual issue.
It impacts your leadership, yourteam, and the quality of your
projects.
A healthy support system is oneof the best preventative
measures.
Maintaining long-termrelationships.
Building a support system is onething.
Keeping it strong over years isanother.
Here are ways to maintain thesevaluable connections.
(12:54):
Express appreciation.
Don't only reach out when youneed help, but thank people for
their time and guidanceregularly.
Offer updates.
Let your network know how theiradvice and help impacted your
work.
Share opportunities.
Send relevant job postings,funding announcements, or tool
recommendations.
Be consistent.
Drop a quick thinking of youmessage even during busy times.
(13:18):
Relationships fade when they areonly activated in emergencies.
Consistency is the foundation oftrust.
Building your support system.
If you're unsure where to start,here's a simple timeline.
Months 1 to 2.
Map your current network andidentify gaps.
Month 2 to 3.
Reach out to at least twopotential mentors and join one
(13:40):
new peer group.
Month 3 to 4.
Schedule monthly or bi-monthlycheck-ins with your closest
contacts.
Month 4-5.
Offer value back to your networkintroductions, feedback, and
resources.
Month 5-6.
Evaluate what's working.
Double down on the relationshipsproviding the most impact.
The long-term payoff of asupport system.
(14:02):
When you invest in building andmaintaining a support system for
entrepreneurs in the video gameindustry, you're not just
networking.
You're creating a safety net, asounding board, and a source of
strategic advantage.
Long-term benefits includebetter decision making from
diverse perspectives, reducedisolation and emotional strain,
access to opportunities youwouldn't find alone, increased
(14:25):
resilience in times of crisis,and a greater sense of purpose
and belonging in the industry.
Some final thoughts.
The video game industry willtest your limits as an
entrepreneur.
Markets shift, funding fallsthrough, and projects pivot
unexpectedly.
The difference between those whoburn out and those who adapt
often comes down to the strengthof their support network.
(14:47):
If you don't yet have a solidsupport system as a video game
entrepreneur, start small.
Reach out to one peer.
Ask one mentor for a short call.
Join one new online community.
Over time, these steps compoundinto a web of relationships that
will carry you through the highsand lows of the industry.
You may be the visionary behindyour studio, but you do not need
(15:08):
to walk the path alone.
All right, and that's thisweek's episode of the Press
Start Leadership Podcast.
Thanks for listening, and asalways, thanks for being
awesome.
Hey there, Press Starters, and welcome to the
Press Start Leadership Podcast,the podcast about game-changing
leadership, teaching you how toget the most out of your product
and development team and becomethe leader you were meant to be.
Leadership coaching and trainingfor the international game
industry professional.
(00:41):
Now, let me introduce you toyour host, The Man, the Myth,
the Legend, ChristopherMifstude.
SPEAKER_01 (00:50):
Hey there, Press Starters, and welcome back to
another awesome edition of thePress Start Leadership Podcast.
On this week's episode, we'll bediscussing the importance of a
support system for entrepreneursin the video game industry.
How building strong industryrelationships can boost
resilience, growth, andlong-term success.
(01:10):
The video game industry is boththrilling and relentless.
For entrepreneurs in this space,whether you're building an indie
studio from scratch or launchinga niche development service, the
journey is rarely linear.
You face creative, technical,financial, and emotional
challenges in equal measure.
The reality is that no matterhow talented or driven you are,
(01:32):
going it alone is a recipe forburnout and missed
opportunities.
A strong support system forentrepreneurs in the video game
industry is not just a nice tohave, it's a critical component
of long-term success.
This support can come in manyforms mentors, peer networks,
advisors, collaborators, andeven personal relationships that
(01:52):
help you stay grounded.
In this podcast, we'll explorewhy a support system matters so
much for video gameentrepreneurs, the forms it can
take, and actionable steps forbuilding and maintaining one
that will help you navigate thechaos of game development and
business ownership.
Why a support system isessential for video game
(02:12):
entrepreneurs.
The romanticized idea of thelone creative genius doesn't
hold up in the modern gamingecosystem.
The scope of projects, the speedof market changes, and the
complexity of funding modelsmean you will inevitably face
situations that requireinsights, skills, or emotional
resilience you simply cannotsupply on your own.
Without a strong support networkin the video game industry,
(02:35):
entrepreneurs often fall intocommon traps.
Isolation.
Spending months or years withoutfeedback from trusted peers can
make it harder to spot mistakesor pivot when needed.
Decision fatigue.
Without someone to talk thingsthrough with every choice feels
heavier and riskier.
Emotional burnout.
The industry's ups and downs canerode your motivation if you
(02:57):
don't have people to share theload.
Missed opportunities.
Connections often lead topublishing deals,
collaborations, and investorintroductions.
Without a network, you limityour reach.
On the flip side, when you havea strong support system, you get
faster problem solving throughshared experience.
Access to funding andpartnership leads.
(03:17):
A safe place to vent and processsetbacks.
More confidence in decisionmaking.
Emotional stability duringcrunch periods or setbacks.
The forms a support system cantake.
A support system forentrepreneurs in the video game
industry can be made up of manydifferent relationship types.
The more diverse the network,the better equipped you are to
(03:38):
face a wide variety ofchallenges.
Mentors Mentors are experiencedprofessionals who have navigated
similar challenges and can helpyou avoid common pitfalls.
A mentor might guide you throughpublishing negotiations,
production pipelines, or eventeam leadership struggles.
Peer networks.
Other entrepreneurs in the videogame industry can provide mutual
(04:00):
support because they understandthe challenges firsthand.
Peer networks are often whereyou find practical tips,
emotional reassurance, andpotential collaborators.
Advisors.
Advisors or subject matterexperts you can consult on
specific topics, marketing,monetization, funding, or legal
matters.
They may not be deeply involvedin your business, but their
(04:21):
specialized insights areinvaluable.
Creative collaborators.
Sometimes your support comesfrom your own team or
co-developers.
Having people you trustcreatively can make the work
more enjoyable and reduce theisolation of leadership.
Personal relationships.
Friends, family, and loved onesprovide emotional stability.
(04:41):
They may not understand everynuance of your pitch deck or
development cycle, but theirencouragement and grounding
influence matters.
The specific challenges in gameentrepreneurship that require
support.
Unlike some industries, videogame entrepreneurship involves
unique challenges that make asupport system even more
important.
Volatility of the market.
(05:03):
Trends shift fast.
A mechanic or genre that is hottoday may be relevant in six
months.
Having a network means you getearly warnings and insights.
Funding uncertainty.
Pitching the publishers,courting investors, or running
crowdfunding campaigns are allhigh stress, high stake
endeavors.
Mentors and peers who have beenthere can help refine your
(05:23):
approach.
Creative and technicalintegration.
Game development demands,collaboration between artists,
designers, engineers, andproducers.
Balancing these perspectives iseasier when you have trusted
sounding boards.
Leadership Isolation.
As the founder or lead, youcarry the ultimate
responsibility.
A support system lets you sharethe emotional load, even if you
(05:45):
can't share the finaldecision-making power.
Actionable step number one.
Before you can strengthen yoursupport network, you need to
know what you already have.
Make a list with three columns.
Professional support, mentors,advisors, peers in the industry.
Creative support, collaborators,colleagues, industry friends.
(06:08):
Personal support.
Family, close friends, trustedconfidants.
Identify where the gaps are.
Do you lack an experiencedmentor?
Are you missing peers who cangive you honest feedback?
Knowing where you're thin helpsyou target your networking.
Actionable step number two.
Actively seek out mentors.
Finding a mentor is not aboutcold calling famous industry
(06:29):
veterans.
Start with people who have atrack record in the type of
games or business model you'repursuing.
And here's some ways to connect.
Attend industry events andconferences, such as GDC,
Gamescom, PACs.
Join mentorship programs run bytrade groups or incubators.
Ask peers for introductions topeople they respect.
Offer value in return, even ifit's just helping them research
(06:52):
something or sharing feedback ontheir projects.
When reaching out, be specific.
Instead of will you mentor me?
Try, I admire your work oninsert project.
And I'm navigating a similarchallenge.
Could we have a 20-minute callto discuss your approach?
Actionable step number three.
Join peer communities.
A peer network can be the mostconsistently active part of your
(07:13):
support system.
Look for Slack or Discordcommunities for game developers,
local game dev meetups orco-working groups, online forums
for niche genres or technologiesyou work with.
Be an active participant, notjust a passive observer.
Share your own challenges, butalso help others solve theirs.
This builds mutual trust andensures your network will be
(07:34):
there when you need it.
Actual step number four.
Build relationships before youneed them.
The worst time to startnetworking is when you're in a
crisis.
Instead, think of your supportsystem like planting a garden.
You nurture relationshipsconsistently so that when you
need help, you already havetrust and rapport.
Tips for relationship building.
Send occasional updates aboutyour progress to your contacts.
(07:57):
Congratulate people on theirlaunches and career milestones.
Share useful articles, tools, oropportunities.
Check in without an agenda.
This creates goodwill and keepsthe connections warm.
Actual step number five.
Diversify your support.
Don't rely entirely on one typeof relationship.
A single mentor can beinvaluable, but if they're
(08:18):
unavailable during a criticaldecision point, you'll be stuck.
Likewise, peers may besupportive emotionally but lack
technical or businessexperience.
Your support system shouldideally include at least one
seasoned mentor, a peer groupyou connect with regularly.
Access the specialist advisors,marketing, legal tech, a small
group of personal relationshipswho keep you grounded.
(08:41):
Actionable step number six.
Give as much as you take.
Strong support systems are builton reciprocity.
The more you give, the morepeople will want to help you in
return.
Some ways to give back.
Share your knowledge andresources.
Connect people who could helpeach other.
Volunteer to review pitches,prototypes, or portfolios.
(09:02):
Offer emotional support duringsomeone else's crunch period.
When your relationships arebalanced, they last longer and
feel authentic.
Actual step number seven.
Leverage industry eventsstrategically.
Industry events like GDC,Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show, and
IndyCade are prime opportunitiesto expand your support network
in the video game industry.
(09:22):
But attending without a plan islike wandering into a massive
open world map without quests.
Overwhelming and inefficient.
To make the most of events,pre-schedule meetings, use
matchmaking tools like Meet theMatch or conference apps to
connect before you arrive.
Set specific goals.
For example, meet threepotential mentors, connect with
five publishers, or find twoexperienced developers willing
(09:44):
to share technical advice.
Follow up quickly.
Send a personal thank you emailor message within 48 hours of
meeting someone.
The goal is not to collectbusiness cards, the goal is to
start conversations that lead tolasting relationships.
Actual step number eight.
Use online platforms to fill thegaps.
If travel is not possible, thereare still countless ways to find
(10:04):
and connect with mentors, peers,and advisors online.
The COVID era accelerated thegrowth of virtual networking
spaces for the game industry,and they remain valuable.
Some high-value online spaces.
Discord servers for developers.
Many genres, engines, andindustry roles have dedicated
servers.
LinkedIn groups.
Search for game developer, indiegame, or game industry
(10:25):
entrepreneur groups.
Twitter slash X and Blue SkyNetworking.
Participate in industry hashtagconversations like game dev or
indie dev.
The advantage of online spacesis that they can connect you
with people globally who mightnever meet in person.
Actual step number nine, behonest about your needs.
One of the biggest barriers tocreating a functional support
(10:48):
system is pride.
Many entrepreneurs in the videogame industry feel that they
must appear as if they haveeverything under control.
Truth is, people are morewilling to help you when you're
clear about what you're facing.
For example, instead of sayingthings are fine, say we're
struggling with marketing andI'd love to talk to someone with
publishing experience.
Instead of saying we're lookingfor funding, say we're preparing
(11:08):
a pitch for co-development dealand need advice on what
publishers expect right now.
Being specific, helps yournetwork know how they can step
in.
Vague updates rarely lead toconcrete offers of support.
Actual step number 10.
Create a regular check-inritual.
Support systems are not just forcrisis moments.
They are most effective whenthey're maintained during good
times too.
(11:29):
Create a recurring check-inrhythm with your closest
industry contacts.
Examples, a monthly virtualcoffee with a mentor, bi-weekly
peer mastermind session, aquarterly review with your
advisory group.
These check-ins keep yoursupport network engaged and
updated.
They make it easier to bringpeople into the loop when
something urgent happens.
How a support system can preventburnout.
(11:52):
Video game industry is notoriousfor its high-pressure work
environments.
Long hours, shifting deadlines,and financial uncertainty can
push even the most resiliententrepreneur toward burnout.
A strong support system helpsprevent burnout in several ways.
An emotional outlet.
Being able to vent frustrationsin a safe space prevents
bottled-up stress fromescalating.
(12:13):
Perspective shift.
Talking to people who haveweathered similar challenges can
help you see problems astemporary and solvable.
Workload relief.
Peer networks can recommendreliable contractors or services
that take tasks off your plate.
Encouragement.
Sometimes all you need to keepgoing is someone reminding you
why you started.
(12:33):
Burnout is not just anindividual issue.
It impacts your leadership, yourteam, and the quality of your
projects.
A healthy support system is oneof the best preventative
measures.
Maintaining long-termrelationships.
Building a support system is onething.
Keeping it strong over years isanother.
Here are ways to maintain thesevaluable connections.
(12:54):
Express appreciation.
Don't only reach out when youneed help, but thank people for
their time and guidanceregularly.
Offer updates.
Let your network know how theiradvice and help impacted your
work.
Share opportunities.
Send relevant job postings,funding announcements, or tool
recommendations.
Be consistent.
Drop a quick thinking of youmessage even during busy times.
(13:18):
Relationships fade when they areonly activated in emergencies.
Consistency is the foundation oftrust.
Building your support system.
If you're unsure where to start,here's a simple timeline.
Months 1 to 2.
Map your current network andidentify gaps.
Month 2 to 3.
Reach out to at least twopotential mentors and join one
(13:40):
new peer group.
Month 3 to 4.
Schedule monthly or bi-monthlycheck-ins with your closest
contacts.
Month 4-5.
Offer value back to your networkintroductions, feedback, and
resources.
Month 5-6.
Evaluate what's working.
Double down on the relationshipsproviding the most impact.
The long-term payoff of asupport system.
(14:02):
When you invest in building andmaintaining a support system for
entrepreneurs in the video gameindustry, you're not just
networking.
You're creating a safety net, asounding board, and a source of
strategic advantage.
Long-term benefits includebetter decision making from
diverse perspectives, reducedisolation and emotional strain,
access to opportunities youwouldn't find alone, increased
(14:25):
resilience in times of crisis,and a greater sense of purpose
and belonging in the industry.
Some final thoughts.
The video game industry willtest your limits as an
entrepreneur.
Markets shift, funding fallsthrough, and projects pivot
unexpectedly.
The difference between those whoburn out and those who adapt
often comes down to the strengthof their support network.
(14:47):
If you don't yet have a solidsupport system as a video game
entrepreneur, start small.
Reach out to one peer.
Ask one mentor for a short call.
Join one new online community.
Over time, these steps compoundinto a web of relationships that
will carry you through the highsand lows of the industry.
You may be the visionary behindyour studio, but you do not need
(15:08):
to walk the path alone.
All right, and that's thisweek's episode of the Press
Start Leadership Podcast.
Thanks for listening, and asalways, thanks for being
awesome.
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