What if the key to solving the climate crisis, social inequality and even human behavior wasn’t found in policy papers, but in games?

In this episode, I sit down with Trevin York, founder of Dire Lark, to explore how Games for Change are reshaping the way we tackle global challenges. From climate action and healthcare to finance and education, Trevin reveals how playful design can turn complex, serious topics into experiences that inspire real-world impact.

We dive into the power of data to understand players, what it takes to design for transformation and the surprising business realities of running a purpose-driven game studio. You’ll hear how AI is influencing funding and what aspiring designers can do to build games that truly make a difference.

If you’ve ever wondered how games could actually change the world, this conversation will make you rethink what “serious play” really means.

Books:

Design for the real world by victor Papanek: https://amzn.to/43d7nKK

Design when everybody designs by ezio manzini: https://amzn.to/3KKd2lh

Designs for the pluriverse by Arturo escobar: https://amzn.to/4nMxzV3

Ideas Arrangements Effects by the Design Studio for Social Intervention: https://amzn.to/477DpJx

The Transformational Framework by Sabrina Culyba: https://amzn.to/4n446Vt

Trevin's book - The Game Needs to Change: https://www.routledge.com/The-Game-Needs-to-Change-Towards-Sustainable-Game-Design/Prax-Whittle-York/p/book/9781032836195?srsltid=AfmBOoq7wZEBpY_yHJWvlB1iKJPOXi4CLmyWnPxGWdl4q1DXIl7DWJ69

About Trevin

Trevin York has spent over a decade collaborating with talented teams to make games and other interactive experiences focused on effecting lasting change. As the founder of Dire Lark, Trevin works with organizations ranging from tech startups to game studios to international firms, bringing game design techniques and processes to projects aiming for real-world positive impacts across a variety of contexts. You can find Trevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevin-york/, and Dire Lark at: https://direlark.co.uk/

About Cat

Hi, I’m Cat Burton! I've built studios, raised funding and shipped games to millions of players. Now I help you do the same with expert games consultancy and ecosystem building. The Goth Boss Podcast is where I dive into the real challenges of making games and running studios.

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