Andy Billings: 25 years at EA, from John Madden to live services

For anyone interested in how a games company grows up: Andy Billings, Ph.D., on 25 years helping turn Electronic Arts into a global giant. Andy goes back to the 90s, when a collaboration with John Madden and founder Trip Hawkins reshaped EA's future. He covers the move from packaged goods to live services, esports and mobile, how EA developed future leaders through its leadership programmes, and what AI could mean for the industry. Here's what we're unpacking in this incredible episode: The Genesis of EA: How EA grew from a fledgling start up into a global gaming powerhouse. The Billion-Dollar Gaming Boom: With 5 billion active players projected in the near future, how does the industry plan to cater to this explosive growth? The Console Wars: Journey back to the 90s, where the genesis of a collaboration with football coach John Madden and the innovative talents of EAs founder Trip Hawkins reshaped EA's destiny. Gaming as a Cultural Force: It's not just entertainment – it's an art form that shapes our society. Leadership Lessons from EA: Discover how EA cultivated future industry leaders and countered market disruptions using strategic leadership programs. The Digital Revolution: From the rise of live services, E-Sports, and mobile gaming to the limitations of packaged goods, we'll dive into EA's digital transformation journey and the significance of Sim City, John Riccitiello, Larry Probst, and Andrew Wilson. AI and the Future of Gaming: What does the rise of AI mean for the gaming industry, and how is it influencing cultural behaviours and society? By the end of our chat, you'll gain insider knowledge on the gaming industry, learn powerful leadership lessons, and get a sneak peek into the future of gaming. Remember, disruption isn't a stumbling block – it's the springboard for transformation. We all have the strength to shape the course of the future, and it all originates from welcoming the unfamiliar. Stay curious! Peter Enjoying the show? Follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps other people find us. We're also building a Purpose Made community on Discord for people who love games, film, TV and the IP behind them. Come and join us: https://discord.gg/vvtV6ZHKGK