Chris Heatherly, Head of Games & Engagement at Recur, discusses transitioning from web design to industrial design, Disney's transformation and the streaming wars, understanding failure in innovation, challenges of being a consultant and the future of gaming.
Letting go of precious ideas and being open to feedback and new ideas is crucial in innovation.
The power of design thinking in innovation can transform a design services provider into a competitor with big business consultancies.
Big companies should consider acquisitions rather than internal innovation efforts and prioritize personal commitment, risk tolerance, and idea validation.
Deep dives
Chris Heatherley's Creative Career Journey
Chris Heatherley has had a diverse and successful career working in the intersection of games and entertainment. From starting off in web design during the early internet era to working with Disney and overseeing the development of hit games based on popular IPs, Chris has experienced various roles and industries. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of precious ideas and being open to feedback and new ideas. Chris also highlights the significance of deep research to understand what customers want, illustrating the importance of customer-centricity in innovation.
Roles at Frog Design and Innovation Strategy
Chris discusses his time at Frog Design, a renowned design company known for its work with Steve Jobs and Apple. At Frog, Chris worked with clients to help them navigate the new internet era and innovate their brand and customer experience. He emphasizes the challenge of aligning different design teams and the need for strategic thinking and coordination. Chris illustrates how Frog Design transformed from a design services provider to competing with big business consultancies, highlighting the power of design thinking in innovation.
Innovation Lessons from Disney and Club Penguin
Chris shares his experience working at Disney and Club Penguin, offering insights into the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry. He discusses the importance of having visionary leaders like Bob Iger who are willing to bet the company on transformative initiatives like Disney Plus. Chris also highlights the struggles faced by big companies in navigating the innovation landscape and advises them to consider acquisitions rather than internal innovation efforts. He emphasizes the significance of personal commitment, risk tolerance, and the need to validate ideas.
The Future of Gaming and Cross-Platform Play
Chris expresses his excitement about the future of gaming, particularly in the areas of streaming, subscriptions, and cross-platform play. He believes that gaming will continue to grow exponentially in the next decade and outlines the opportunities in providing games that can be played across different devices and modalities. Chris also emphasizes the emergence of a generation of talented young game designers and the potential for building gaming franchises on par with entertainment giants like Marvel and Star Wars.
Building Successful Entertainment Franchises
Chris discusses his interest in building entertainment franchises in the gaming space, leveraging his expertise in brand building and franchise management from his experience at Disney. He highlights the opportunity to create new IP and communities within the gaming industry and position games as the main event, with film and television as brand extensions. Chris believes that games will become the dominant cultural maker and envisions the creation of lifestyle franchises that people want to engage with.
Chris Heatherly is head of Games & Engagement at Recur, a pioneering NFT platform. A creative executive who works at the intersection of games and entertainment, Chris oversaw hit games based on IP from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, when he was an exec at Disney and NBCUniversal
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