Johnny Goss

An interview with Johnny Goss!

QRM: Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do in the games industry?

Johnny: I'm Johnny and I'm a game developer that's just starting out. I've recently moved back to England after teaching abroad and I'm pushing to turn what I love doing in my spare time into a viable career. That includes making games, tools, tutorials and doing voice over work.

QRM: What about the games industry excites and inspires you?

Johnny: There are a ton of people working on amazingly creative projects. Honestly if I want to feel inspired, I'll just look at my Twitter feed. But I've always enjoyed playing games for the comfort and experiences they've given me over the years. When I work on a new mechanic or feature that could do the same for other people, I still get a buzz.

QRM: What about the games industry frustrates or disappoints you? What are the challenges you’re currently facing in the industry?

Johnny: I really dislike the move towards live services. It feels like some studios prioritise keeping players in their game rather than making fun experiences in them. Things like excessively randomized loot that makes it near impossible to get something you want are just terrible ways to push players to keep playing in my opinion.

QRM: If you could make one roadblock magically disappear from the games industry, what would you choose and why?

Johnny: I know it's not unique to the game industry by any stretch, but it seems like every other week I see a story where women have been sexually harassed in a game studio. If that were to stop, I'm sure more women would feel comfortable coming to the industry and the industry would be better for it.

QRM: What message would you give to allies—both individuals and companies—who want to know how to support marginalised people better?

Johnny: I'm always torn on how open I should be about my sexuality. It seems like for every person willing to cheer you on for it, there'll be another who will shut you down. I suppose just making it public that you support marginalised people helps a ton. Even if you are an ally, people might not know. Explicitly saying it out loud helps strip away the anxiety that comes from wondering whether a marginalised person can be themselves around you.

QRM: What message would you give to marginalised people who are working in games or would like to work in games?

Johnny: Make sure you have a support network. There will always be people who will have had or are having similar experiences. There'll always be people who can relate and offer support online or otherwise.

QRM: If people want to find and support you and your work, how can they do that?

Johnny: I'm keeping everything I'm doing in my portfolio over at johnnygoss.dev. Otherwise, you can find my Twitter @johnnygossdev