Newport, Isle of Wight – April 29, 2025 — Stainless Games Ltd., a leading independent game developer, is excited to announce the appointment of Ben Gunstone as Chief Executive Officer. Ben succeeds Patrick Buckland, the company’s founder, who will transition into the role of Executive Chairman, providing ongoing mentorship and strategic guidance to Ben and the leadership team.
Patrick said, “As I’m 62 later this year (I know, I don’t look a day over 70), I’ve decided it’s time to start stepping back a little more from the everyday stress that being CEO of a software company involves. Moving sideways into the Executive Chairman role enables me to continue to ensure that Stainless remains the brilliant company it has been for over 30 years, whilst focusing on my personal passion – that of making games. As the majority shareholder, Stainless is still my baby, but now it is in the day-to-day hands of somebody whom I trust unreservedly. Onwards and upwards!”
Under Ben’s leadership, Stainless Games will continue to pursue its mission to deliver outstanding gaming experiences for players and clients alike, develop and expand its portfolio of original titles, and strengthen co-development partnerships with AAA and AA development studios.
Ben brings with him a lifetime of industry experience, from modest beginnings at Nintendo as a Hotliner, through a career in Publishing and Development Production and External Development at SEGA, Dovetail Games and GlobalStep, and nearly 20 years at Stainless, most recently as Operations Director.
Ben said, “I am delighted and humbled to accept the position as CEO of Stainless Games. Patrick has created an amazing legacy over the last 30 years, and I’m very proud to be taking over as CEO with the added benefit of Patrick’s mentorship and guidance as Executive Chairman. Making great games is embedded into the DNA of Stainless, and I intend for us to keep forging that path.”
Matt Edmunds will be continuing in the COO role that he has been executing so well for over 20 years, keeping things running smoothly regardless of what the games industry roller coaster throws our way.
Matt said: “We’ve built a great team and production structure here at Stainless, and Ben’s always been instrumental in that. With his industry contacts and experience, he’s the ideal person to take Stainless forward. We all work very well together, and we’re looking forward to the next chapter of Stainless history.”
Stainless Games has a rich heritage of delivering high-quality, innovative titles across a range of platforms, and this new leadership marks an exciting evolution in the studio’s growth and ambitions.
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About Stainless Games
Founded in 1994, Stainless Games is an established UK-based video game developer with a diverse portfolio of original and co-developed titles across console, PC, and mobile platforms. The studio is best known for its iconic work on the Carmageddon, and Magic: The Gathering series and has contributed to some of the biggest franchises in the industry through its trusted co-development services. Recent collaborations include Amazon’s New World: Aeternum and Crytek’s Hunt: Showdown.
About Patrick Buckland
Patrick Buckland started his career in the game industry over forty years ago in 1982 on the Apple ][. Later that decade, he enjoyed considerable success with the first colour Macintosh game, Crystal Quest, a title that is currently being revived by the studio for a new generation. Patrick started Stainless Games with Neil Barnden in 1994 and has been personally responsible for the cult classic Carmageddon series and Magic: The Gathering Duels of the Planeswalkers.
In 2024, Patrick received the King’s Award for international trade on behalf of Stainless Games, and later that year, Patrick himself was awarded Outstanding Individual of the Year 2024 at the TIGA Awards (The Independent Game Developers' Association).
About Ben Gunstone
Ben began his journey in the games industry over 30 years ago at Nintendo as a Hotliner and has since worked his way up the ranks in roles that include Executive Producer, Production Director, Game Director, Director of Business Development, General Manager and Operations Director. He has spent time at companies including SEGA, Dovetail Games and GlobalStep, with nearly 20 years working with the team at Stainless Games.