

What We Do
The Ethical Tentacle Collective (ETC) tackles one of the video game industry’s quiet problems: mid-level managers promoted without leadership training. What this means is that these experienced artists, programmers, and designers are suddenly expected to lead their teams, without the know-how.
Unfortunately, the lack of such skills often leads to issues, for example burnout and crunch.
ETC offers something practical and built for this industry: live online courses supported by an ongoing community. We cover leadership fundamentals and specialist topics in the language of game developers and creatives. Participation in our community makes learning stick, and allows mid-managers to share their experiences and get peer support.


Why It Matters


In 2024, 53% of developers in the UK and Europe reported crunch or long hours as normal. Less than 18% of them received overtime pay.
The resulting mental health issues, such as burnout and anxiety drive talented people out of the industry.
Better mid-level leadership
can help break this cycle.
ETC gives mid-level leaders the tools to plan realistically, communicate clearly, and protect their teams.
How It Is Different
Our courses aren’t generic management training. They are tailor-made for small and mid-sized video game studios.
Instead of corporate jargon and broad statements, they use practical examples and methods designed specifically for Art, Design, and Development team leaders, as well as project managers.
We also have a unique progression system: the Skill Tree. Members earn XP by completing live courses, joining Q&A sessions, and engaging with the community. As they progress, they unlock new learning routes, perks such as 1:1 mentorship hours, and can track how their leadership skills grow over time.


The Plan
As we prepare for launch, we are already gaining interest from industry-related support organisations such as Safe in Our World and Limit Break.
ETC will become a paid service from Year 2. In our first (Beta) year we want to build the community and test the model at scale, so we are offering the service free of charge. Participating in the Beta does not require any commitment to move to the paid subscription at the end of Year 1, and it includes:
The chance to receive our flagship Team Management Fundamentals live online course for free (limited spaces).
Participation in monthly Q&A sessions, each focusing on a different industry-related subject.
Testing the Skill Tree framework (your progress will carry over if you subscribe later).
Building a community of mid-managers actively working in the industry to share experiences and provide peer support.
The opportunity to give feedback and help shape ETC into the best it can be by the end of the Beta.
The idea for ETC came from industry veteran and professional mentor Feri Zsolnai, who experienced crunch and flawed management practices first-hand.
He developed the core methods while leading a team of artists through a 1.5-year development, successfully shielding it from crunch with careful planning and person-centred leadership.


Sign Up for the Free Beta!
We’re building the Beta community for 2026.
Be the first to know when it launches.