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Rich Keeble talks about playing Monoco and the unforgettable Trash Can Man in GOTY winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, fan impact, and the art of bringing legendary video game characters to life. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio 🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire: Instagram: @readyaimfirestudio TikTok: @readyaimfirestudio Twitter/X: @rdymfr LinkedIn: ReadyAimFire Bluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe now and rediscover the games you love. Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2026 ReadyAimFire

Alix Wilton Regan talks Mass Effect, Divinity, Cyberpunk 2077, and playing the legendary Lara Croft in Tomb Raider. Hear her behind-the-scenes stories, fan impact, and the art of bringing legendary video game characters to life. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio 🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire: Instagram: @readyaimfirestudio TikTok: @readyaimfirestudio Twitter/X: @rdymfr LinkedIn: ReadyAimFire Bluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe now and rediscover the games you love. Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2026 ReadyAimFire

Celebrate the holidays with Neil Newbon in this special Christmas episode as he answers fan questions and shares insights from his incredible career. Best known for his award-winning performance as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, Neil chats about acting, performance capture, gaming, and more in this festive Q&A 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio 🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire: Instagram: @readyaimfirestudio TikTok: @readyaimfirestudio Twitter/X: @rdymfr LinkedIn: ReadyAimFire Bluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe now and rediscover the games you love. Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2026 ReadyAimFire

Samantha Béart, the voice and performance behind Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3, joins us to talk about bringing one of BG3’s most beloved characters to life, the emotional impact of player stories, and the craft behind her performance. They also dives into a new title Absolum and shares what to expect from the upcoming project Fading Echo. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio 🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire: Instagram: @readyaimfirestudio TikTok: @readyaimfirestudio Twitter/X: @rdymfr LinkedIn: ReadyAimFire Bluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe now and rediscover the games you love. Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2026 ReadyAimFire

Mark Takeshi Ota the voice of Sun Wukong from Black Myth: Wukong, joins Tom to discuss acting in games, motion capture & bringing characters to life. Mark shares his journey across titles such as Dead Island 2, Baldur's Gate 3 & The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio 🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire: Instagram: @readyaimfirestudio TikTok: @readyaimfirestudio Twitter/X: @rdymfr LinkedIn: ReadyAimFire Bluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe now and rediscover the games you love. Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2026 ReadyAimFire

Jennifer Hale joins us to talk about voicing Commander Shepard in Mass Effect, how the role was shaped collaboratively, and what it takes to build a legendary career in voice acting. From cold reads and intense BioWare recording sessions to shaping one of gaming’s most iconic characters, Jennifer shares insight, humour, and stories from across her incredible career. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio 🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire: Instagram: @readyaimfirestudio TikTok: @readyaimfirestudio Twitter/X: @rdymfr LinkedIn: ReadyAimFire Bluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe now and rediscover the games you love. Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2026 ReadyAimFire

What’s it really like to make games solo? In this episode of the Ready Aim Fire Podcast, Kezia & Tom chat with Ryan Laley, teacher, YouTube content creator and indie dev behind Mimic, a multiplayer survival horror game built for players and streamers.  Ryan reveals how he went from teaching game design (including a member of the Sidemen) to building a thriving YouTube community and now running his one-man studio. We talk about the highs and lows of solo development, coding, art, marketing, late night testing and the surprising ways he keeps the momentum going.  You’ll hear: How a hobby project became a full time careerWhy teaching (and even architecture) shaped his processLetting fans watch and influence development liveBuilding a community on YouTubeBehind the scenes stories from conventions, Sidemen and Mimic “I think the number one thing is having an idea that you are interested in first and foremost. Because games take a long time to make and you want to make something that you are interested in. If you don’t have interest in it, then it won’t matter” — Ryan Laley If you’re curious about indie games, YouTube dev culture, or the future of survival horror, this episode is packed with insights, laughs and inspiration . 🧭 Timestamps:00:00 - Games: Art, Story, & Interaction 06:21 - Balancing Freedom and Responsibility 12:05 - Student Foley Project Success 18:18 - Teaching's Impact: Learning and Explaining 25:25 - Engaging Players in Indie Games 27:23-  Game Launch with Diverse Maps 33:11 - Creating a Tactile Game for Son 39:45 - Blueprints: Intense Puzzle Gaming 43:27 - Role of a Game Publisher 51:05 - Passion Essential in Game Development 55:03 - Wholesome Feedback at Game Exhibitions 59:28 - Leveraging Audience to Fund Indie Game 👤 Guest Info:Ryan Laley - Is a notable figure in the game development community, known for his expertise in Unreal Engine. He shares comprehensive tutorials and educational content on YouTube & Twitch, helping thousands of aspiring developers. Ryan is also the founder of Ryan Laley Games and the creator of Mimic, a multiplayer survival horror game built for both players and streamers. 🌐YouTube  📸 Instagram 🔗 Resources & Mentions:(chronological order of appearance) KSI Sidemen Unreal EngineMimicRyan Laley GamesAmong UsPatreonResident EvilCall of DutyTwitchSteam Decka href="https://www.sony.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer"

What really happens when the person behind your favourite gaming hero finally steps into the booth knowing their voice could change a world, or let down a legion of players? In this episode of ReadyAimFire, actor and comedian Inel Tomlinson brings us into the volatile, high stakes craft of bringing video game characters to life. From embodying the fearless Quartus in Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 to revealing what it’s really like to join an established franchise as the cool-headed Keelan in The First Descendant, Inel pulls back the curtain with warmth and surprising honesty. In this episode you’ll hear: The untold emotional reality of voice acting how actors navigate secrecy, fan expectations, and the fierce vulnerability of creating a character nobody’s met yet.The unsung art of voice direction in games, where scenes are recorded out of order and directors become your “gods” often saving actors’ voices in the process.Find out what it’s like to balance the unpredictable life of a jobbing actor, from surreal filming days with set dogs and Resident Evil mansions, to grappling with the looming threat of AI in creative industries. “It’s a really tough job… you’re having to use your imagination to put yourself there, and it’s up to the voice director to transport you.” — Inel Tomlinson Step into the fire with us this conversation might just change how you think about the stories, voices, and people who shape the games you love. Press play and join the journey. 🧭 Timestamps:00:00 - Voiceover Studio for Game Development 05:54 - Blueprints: A Unique Mystery Experience 08:27 - Unveiling Game Characters Post-Audition 10:04 - Voice Director Guides Actor's Performance 13:21 -  Joining an Established Franchise Challenges 16:52 - Behind-the-Scenes in Gaming 19:41 - Wii Motion Control Memories 23:14 - Diverse Voices Enrich Gaming 26:42 - Balancing Fun and Future Uncertainty 30:23 - Real Life Resident Evil Filming 35:06 - Challenges of Solo Game Development 38:31 - AI Job Market Challenges 39:35 - AI's Impact on Video Game Ethics 44:22 - Monster Hunter's Growing Popularity 48:44 - Celebrating Button Bashing in Gaming 50:09 - Horrible Science New Series Launch 👤 Guest Info:Inel Tomlinson  is known for his voice work in Space Marine 2, The First Descendant, and other major video game titles. He has appeared on the BAFTA award-winning series Horrible Histories, and continues to work across television, radio and stage.  🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram 🔗 Resources & Mentions:(chronological order of appearance) Fractured Space on SteamPinewood Studios Official SiteRed Dwarf Official SiteAldi UKWikipedia: NESWikipedia: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES video game)a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2621340/Blue_Prince/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

After a childhood spent backstage at the opera, what’s it like to find yourself voicing one of gaming’s most unforgettable heroines? This episode, ReadyAimFire welcomes Charlotte McBurney, the BAFTA-nominated actor behind Amicia de Rune in A Plague Tale: Innocence and A Plague Tale: Requiem, and young Jill in Final Fantasy XVI. From a whirlwind of a creative upbringing to stepping into roles that challenge heart and soul, Charlotte takes us through her journey so far, with some hilarious anecdotes and revealing insights. You’ll hear:  How Charlotte grew up backstage at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and once ‘kidnapped’ a lollipop lady off the street to perform her own version of The NutcrackerHow the Requiem script was written with Charlotte in mind, after the devs saw what she could do in the first gameWhat Charlotte really thinks about Amicia’s signature slingshot killsWhy she believes actors who truly love games change the medium from within. “I feel very, very deeply connected to Amicia. It's my first character that I ever got to play professionally. We sort of grew up together.” Charlotte McBurney If you’re curious as to how a theatrical family pedigree, late-night dinner debates with Yo-Yo Ma, and sheer creative audacity combine to shape one of gaming’s most unforgettable heroines, this episode is for you. 🧭 Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction to acting: enchanted by the opera stage 00:05:05 – Theatre's timeless influence on gaming 00:06:36 – Voice acting: the craft of amplifying expressions 00:10:12 – Charlotte’s first experience: learning on the job 00:15:44 – The emotional toll of voice acting  00:17:09 – A script that brought her to tears: A Plague Tale’s incredible writing  00:21:56 – Surprising similarities: narrative and design in gaming and opera 00:25:44 – Discovering gaming through friendship 00:28:45 – Charlotte’s favourite game scene in A Plague Tale 00:32:30 – Recording Requiem, insights into the process 00:35:20 – Amicia de Rune’s journey ends 00:37:19 – Siblings vs the Inquisition – and rats! 00:39:41 – Why Charlotte loves rats 00:44:28 – The power of character: the bond between Charlotte and Amicia 00:47:29 – Respected in the room: R&D and game development 00:51:27 – The process of performance 00:55:27 – Charlotte’s (surprising!) musical instrument of choice 58:09 – Solo show: The City for Incurable Women   👤 Guest Info:Charlotte McBurney is known for A Plague Tale: Requiem, A Plague Tale: Innocence, Final Fantasy XVI and podcast series Abridgd... Too Far! She is also part of theatre collective fish in a dress, and is currently appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe in The City for Incurable Women at the Pleasance Courtyard.  🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram 🔗 Resources & Mentions:(chronological order of appearance) Chicago Symphony OrchestraLyric Opera of Chicagoa...

What goes down when several creators of a cult classic finally step into the same room – over a decade on from shaping one of gaming’s most terrifying sci-fi experiences? In this special episode of ReadyAimFire, we welcome Anthony Howell and Will Porter, two pivotal forces behind Alien: Isolation alongside our very own Kez, who provided the likeness and performance capture for Amanda Ripley. From the chaos of early table reads to alchemy inside the studio, together they reminisce over the creative process that redefined survival horror – and the Alien franchise itself.  You’ll hear: The cast’s first rehearsal felt like “table read for a film”, a rarity in video games, with the entire script in hand before anything was shotWill Porter landed his writing gig after showing a game demo in a pub. He never planned to stay, but became “part of the furniture” for a year and a halfHow Samuel’s iconic “can we see it?” line became a personal favourite of the writing team, living rent-free in their vocabularyKez’s face was scanned for Amanda Ripley, before months later she had to return – just to have her ears scanned!Anthony Howell was gifted a handmade Samuels Christmas ornament by a fan, and proudly hangs it on his tree every year. “The thrill of being part of that franchise was definitely there because it's iconic, it's a huge thing. It was more excitement than nerves.” – Anthony Howell Whether you’re new to the original, or a superfan whetting your appetite for the upcoming Alien: Isolation 2 – this episode’s a timely trip down memory lane, and an insight into the creation of a gaming classic.    🧭 Timestamps:00:00:28 - Alien: Isolation “reunion” – meeting again after over 10 years 00:02:38 - Anthony Howell’s surprise: only his second game job 00:03:18 - How games were uncharted territory for many UK actors 00:05:41 - Project Zomboid’s unique vision and unexpected cult following 00:07:31 - Designing vulnerability: traits and accessibility in Zomboid 00:08:33 - Will Porter joins Alien: Isolation to provide “overflow writing” 00:09:47 - Creative adaptation: writing for evolving game features in real time 00:13:53 - “Like a film”: sensations from the first full script table read  00:15:29 - Anthony on acting Samuels: “a good android” and emotional restraint 00:17:30 - How Kate Saxon’s theatre background shapes performance direction 00:20:11 - The epic “spacewalk” scene – bringing theatre scale to games 00:22:45 - Will on the thrill of experiencing RSC actors performing his lines 00:24:23 - Being part of something that changes a franchise 00:28:08 - The special feeling of performance capture versus ‘just’ voice 00:29:00 - Streaming the game: Anthony’s hilarious trouble escaping the pods  00:33:48 - Building fear: rules for vulnerability and horror in game design 00:41:06 - Getting her ears scanned - a first for Kez 00:42:19 - The real question: how would you survive a zombie (or Alien) attack?   👤 Guest Info:Anthony Howell is an actor who has appeared as lead roles with the RSC as well as on TV in series like Foyle’s War and Outlander. His gaming credits include Black Myth Wukong, Final Fantasy XVI and Margit in the Elden Ring series.  🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram Will Porter has written for many games as well as Alien: Isolation, including No Man’s Sky, Observation and Mafia: Definitive Edition. He’s also the...

Ever wondered what goes on inside the studio for one the most acclaimed game series of all time?  In this episode of the ReadyAimFire Podcast, hosts Kez and Tom welcome an extraordinary panel featuring the performance directors, casting directors and localisation experts whose fingerprints are all over Final Fantasy XVI, Alan Wake II,  Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and many more beloved games: Hannah Price, Oli Chance, Morgan Rushton and Martin Vaughan. Dive with us into translation trials, performance tribulations and endless T poses,  as our guests reveal what really happens when scripts are top secret, the pressure is high, and the gaming magic that fans demand has to make it to the screen.  You’ll hear: About dramatic graveside scenes with Ben Starr that had directors literally crying in the studio – and they almost didn’t shoot themHow Kez had to snog – with a mocap camera strapped to her face! (Imagine forgetting how to kiss, live on set!)The time Martin had to cast a character described as “Rebel Wilson, Kanye West, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all in one”How performance direction and localisation aren’t just technical roles, but creative, deeply personal crafts, turning even awkward technicalities (like the interruptions of endless T poses) into breakthrough moments. “That's kind of the most magical thing somebody can do, is be in that room in that stupid suit and then give a heartbreaking performance” - Oli Chance From unscripted laughter to bonding over onion rings, this is the emotion, the mess, and the beauty of storytelling in games. Settle back, press play, and enjoy!    🧭 Timestamps:00:01:07 – Introducing the performance team behind Final Fantasy XVI 00:03:12 – RADA, BAFTA, and “onion rings on a spike” - forging industry friendships 00:05:40 – From theatre to games: Hannah’s transition and juggling specificity 00:11:28 – Directing actors through grief – handling vulnerability with care 00:15:36 – The essential question that fosters safety in the booth 00:17:36 – Talkback gone wrong: the perils of studio silence 00:19:39 – Beyond the role – casting for character and chemistry 00:24:12 – Unhelpful casting notes and the “Rebel Wilson, Kanye, Ronaldo” brief 00:29:24 – Alan Wake II madness: musicals, buses, and Sam Lake’s process 00:32:51 – From cleaning toilets to Square Enix: Ollie’s unlikely career start 00:36:02 – Cultural shifts: British English and Dragon Quest VIII’s localisation 00:41:36 – Translating Japanese dialogue: subtext, literalness, and ellipses 00:45:20 – Performance capture puzzles: syncing bodies, voices, and scripts 00:49:57 – Game of Thrones meets Final Fantasy XVI – what the game really is 00:53:05 – How do you kiss in mocap? Navigating intimate scenes 👤 Guest Info:Hannah Price is a performance director, theatre director and filmmaker. Her many credits in gaming include: Alan Wake II, The Division 2, Forza Horizon 4, Hitman 2.  🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram Oli Chance is the co-founder of Shloc Limited, localisation and performance specialists. His credits include Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age and several titles in the Inezuma Irebun series.  🌐IMDb  📸a href="https://www.instagram.com/olichance/" rel="noopener...

How do you combine the technical disciplines of music, theatre and video games – to help create immersive experiences like Baldur’s Gate 3 that not only thrill, but truly move us? In this episode of ReadyAimFire, join hosts Kezia Burrows and Tom Stacey as they sit down with Kirsty Gillmore: New Zealand-born sound engineer turned acclaimed voice and performance director for some of the industry’s most celebrated titles, including Call of Duty, Valorant and The First Descendant. Discover the winding creative path that led Kirsty from acting and post-production to shaping unforgettable characters and championing emotional safety on set. You’ll hear: Kirsty's personal tips for crafting great performances: from trusting her actors to the essential question that can transform a session The challenges of directing games over a process of sometimes years, from handling developer disagreements to last-minute character additionsKirsty’s journey from games industry newbie to BAFTA BreakthroughHonest reflections on creating safe spaces, advocating for representation, and knowing when to walk away from a project. "I want my actors to feel safe physically and I want them to feel safe emotionally as well. Because…safe actors and happy actors will do better work. That’s just a thing, isn’t it?" - Kirsty Gillmore Whether you’re a fan of Baldur’s Gate 3 – or a gamer, actor or director interested in the craft behind great games performances, this episode is as heartfelt and honest as it is insightful. Jump on in and press play.  🧭 Timestamps:00:00:41 – Kirsty’s leap from New Zealand to UK games  00:02:56 – Discovering game direction as a career path  00:04:36 – Kirsty’s advice: immerse yourself, learn from workshops  00:05:42 – How her sound background shapes directing style 00:08:56 – Creating safety for actors in mocap volumes  00:10:01 – Why asking “How are you?” transforms a session  00:14:14 – The unexpected impact of Baldur’s Gate 3 performances  00:16:37 – Relatability and diversity in Baldur’s Gate 3 00:19:16 – Trusting actors’ instincts—letting them lead character journeys  00:20:11 – Navigating direction, line reads, and actor autonomy  00:22:37 – Working with high-profile or celebrity actors in games  00:26:28 – Disagreeing with game directors—when to speak up 00:33:23 – Casting do’s and don’ts: bring choices, be flexible  00:35:09 – The importance of respecting games as an art form  00:39:19 – Becoming BAFTA Breakthrough—breaking new ground as a director  00:47:45 – Proud moments: directing difficult, truthful indie game stories 👤 Guest Info:Kirsty Gillmore is an acclaimed creative freelance Voice & Performance Director and Casting Director for multi-award winning games, animation and audio drama projects. In 2021 she was selected for the prestigious BAFTA Breakthrough UK programme as a Voice Director for Games. 🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram 🔗 Resources & Mentions:🔗 Resources & Mentions: (chronological order of appearance) BBC D&D / Dungeons & Dragons Larian Studios (Baldur’s Gate 3 developer) a...

What’s it like to be taken on a hero’s journey – from relative unknowns to gaming royalty?  In this episode of the ReadyAimFire Podcast, we’re joined by Tom McKay and Luke Dale: the voices and faces behind Henry of Skalitz and Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance and its highly anticipated sequel,  Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Together with hosts Tom Stacey and Kezia Burrows, Tom and Luke peel back the curtain on what happens when a passionate studio, a committed fanbase and a host of talented creatives combine to create medieval gaming magic. You’ll hear: How Tom and Luke went from ‘mystery’ workshop auditions to embodying iconic roles, including the anxiety of “signing away your face”Stories behind the creation of memorable moments: from precision apple-shooting to not-so-precise hand cannonsThe camaraderie that comes from working almost a decade with a studio that treats everyone like familyThe craft behind KCD2’s evolutionary performance capture – and the comic relief of fighting epic battles with foam swords. “I've never worked with people for this long… Prague and that studio and obviously this game and these characters genuinely have… a really special place in my heart. And that's not PR speak. That's the truth.” - Tom McKay Whether you’re already a Kingdom Come: Deliverance fan or just curious about the creative chaos behind a blockbuster game, this episode dives deep into the process – with some good laughs along the way. Enjoy!   🧭 Timestamps:00:00:46 – How Tom and Luke landed their first game auditions 00:03:38 – Giving actors creative input on character development 00:07:38 – Being flown to Prague for a game audition 00:11:26 – Why Warhorse’s commitment stands out in the industry 00:18:24 – Favorite day working on Kingdom Come—emotional highs 00:22:55 – Navigating motion capture vs. solitary voiceover 00:27:13 – Upgrading to facial capture for the sequel 00:33:45 – Doing stunts and fight scenes—actors vs. stunt pros 00:34:44 – Who’s real? Playing historical vs. fictional characters 00:37:45 – The “dirt system” and lived-in realism in games 00:41:51 – Fandom’s role: when catchphrases become iconic 00:43:21 – What’s a "roadmap"? Demystifying game development lingo 00:50:49 – Strangest fan encounters—blurring game and real life 00:52:27 – Experiencing global recognition as a game actor 00:54:39 – Why KCD2 could be Game of the Year 00:55:16 – Validation for a hard-working, passionate team 👤 Guest Info:Tom McKay was born in Solihull, Warwickshire in the UK. He is an actor and writer, known for Imagine Me & You, Kill Command, and for playing Henry of Skalitz in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance games. After graduating from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Luke Dale was the recipient of the Alan Bates Award. As well as roles on Genius, Doctors and Holby City, he's played roles in Battlefield V and is Hans Capon in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance games.  Tom: 🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram Luke: 🌐 IMDb   📸 Instagram 🔗...

How did one of gaming’s iconic voices get – and nearly lose – his big break as Geralt of Rivia in the Witcher series?  In this episode, hosts Kezia Burrows and Tom Stacey are joined by none other than Doug Cockle. Doug takes us behind the scenes of his journey as the legendary Witcher, shares the inspiration behind Geralt’s voice, and reveals the biggest changes he’s witnessed in the games industry over the past two decades. We also delve into Doug’s personal experiences at games conventions (alongside a fan tattoo story you won’t forget), his love of Dungeons & Dragons, and how a chance networking event landed him a role as the god Bhaal in Baldur’s Gate 3. Doug reflects on his time teaching acting, the philosophy behind bringing truth to a character, and even lets slip a few lines as Geralt - including a personal message for Tom. Plus, hear about Doug’s latest adventures with the Natural Six D&D livestream and which Witcher sign he’d pick in real life. You’ll hear: How persistence (and not taking rejection personally) kept Doug in the role of Geralt Doug’s humorous pitches for cameos in the Witcher Netflix series and Cyberpunk 2077 Doug’s latest project, Natural Six, a DND series featuring fellow games talent Ben Starr, Harry McEntire, Aoife Wilson, Hollie Bennett and Alex JordanCareer advice and inspiration for young actors and games professionals.  “You have to put a little piece of yourself into it because if you don't, how are you going to find the truth of the character?” – Doug Cockle Whether you’re a Witcher superfan or just fascinated by the craft of voice acting, this episode is packed with insights and candid stories from one of gaming’s most beloved voices.  🧭 Timestamps:00:03:26 – Auditioning for Geralt:  ”Make my day” 00:04:20 – Courage pays off: when CD Projekt Red tried to re-cast Geralt!  0:07:44 – The Witcher 4: what does Doug know? 00:08:13 – Where’s Doug? Cameos that never were #1: Netflix’s The Witcher 00:09:54 – Doug’s first part – and the role of improvisation in acting for games 00:13:30 – Changes in the industry 00:15:19 – Cameos that never were #2: Cyberpunk 2077 00:17:51 – Roach on the roof (again), a glitch in the Matrix? 00:22:32 – Directing stage – an apprenticeship for actors 00:24:25 – Recording branched dialogue, voice for player choice 00:26:14 – Alan Wake 2 – Nightingale goes nude 00:29:34 – Ego in acting – disaster on the set of Marvel’s Captain America 00:33:57 – Acting: integrating yourself to find truth 00:37:35 – Using an actor’s toolbox 00:42:48 – Learning through teaching  00:45:32 – From a BAFTA Games social to Baldur's Gate 3 (thanks to Neil Newbon!)  00:50:01 – Natural Six: behind Doug and the gang’s Kickstarter-funded D&D show 👤 Guest Info:Doug Cockle is known for his voice-over roles in videogames, most notably Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series. He was nominated for a Game Award for Best Performance and won Golden Joystick Award Best Gaming Performance for his portrayal of...

How does someone go from directing Hollyoaks on TV – to directing a BAFTA award-winning games performance in Returnal? In this episode of the ReadyAimFire Podcast, Damien Goodwin joins hosts Kezia Burrows and Tom Stacey to dive deep into the craft of performance direction in video games. Damien shares how his journey unexpectedly shifted from actor and TV director to working on high profile video game titles like Dragon Age: Inquisition, Greedfall, Helldivers 2, and Returnal. The conversation spans chance industry encounters, the evolving nature of game performance, and the increasingly important role of collaborative, actor-centric direction in delivering nuanced, emotionally compelling game narratives. You’ll hear: How a chance encounter on a train got Damien his break in video gamesInsights on the collaboration between director, actor and development team in building a character What it was like directing Returnal, including the intense emotional weight handled by lead actor Jane PerryAdvice for aspiring games performance directors.  “No two games are the same in a lot of ways. Your process evolves according to the content that you’re working on.” – Damien Goodwin Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt games performances or curious about breaking into game direction yourself, join us for this insightful episode. 🧭 Key Points & Timestamps:00:01:59 – From TV to gaming: Damien’s fortuitous path into the industry 00:05:13 – Directing performance–and the essentials of collaboration 00:08:01 – The shared language of actors 00:11:00 – Actors taking ownership–the created language in Greedfall 00:16:05 – Enhancing storytelling where player choice is crucial 00:18:27 –  How seamless gameplay and cinematics affect performance 00:22:10 – Character development takes time: protecting the actor 00:27:07 – Researching for projects (when you’re not a great gamer!)  00:29:08 – Directing VR – surprising casting for PlayStation’s The London Heist 00:31:44 – Returnal: an intense journey of discovery    00:35:58 – The impact of games marketing and social media 00:39:12 –  Innovative studios and exciting directing 00:42:35 – Tech and coding: knowing what you don’t know 00:44:53 – Adaptability, the director’s secret weapon 00:48:00 – Experiencing the satire of Helldivers 2 👤 Guest Info:Damien Goodwin is a film, television and cinematic performance capture and voice director for games. He has worked on many award-winning video games and TV series. Recent games include Helldivers 2, Star Wars Outlaws, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden and Returnal, which won Best Performance BAFTA for Jane Perry in 2022. 🌐 LinkedIn   📸 Instagram 🔗 Resources & Mentions:Sheffield Crucible TheatreSide (Audio Production for Games)Channel 4 - HollyoaksDragon Age: Inquisition (Official)BioWareThe a...