Ep 83. I Spent 20 Years in the Gaming Industry and Here's What I Learned

In this episode, Peter sits down with Adolf Kristjansson, a commercial visionary and former strategist behind some of EA’s most iconic AAA titles, to explore his extraordinary journey through the gaming industry. From an early fascination with arcade games in Iceland to leading blockbuster franchises like FIFA, Star Wars, Apex Legends, and Battlefield at Electronic Arts, Adolf shares insights into the highs and lows of a two-decade career shaping digital worlds.

We journey through the pivotal shifts in gaming, from the decline of physical goods to the rise of digital content, exploring how monetisation models like FIFA’s Ultimate Team revolutionised the industry. But Adolf’s reflections reach beyond tactics. He speaks candidly about the art of leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of innovation in staying relevant, and how AI, subscriptions, seamless experiences, and immersive tech promise to redefine what gaming can be.

In a field that constantly reinvents itself, Adolf’s story is one of adaptability, resilience, and vision. He offers practical wisdom on fostering teams that thrive amid rapid change and emphasises the importance of balancing long-term ambition with the demands of a highly competitive market. Throughout, he reflects on the mentors and challenges that have shaped his approach and shares his outlook on gaming's future as it continues to expand beyond the console.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Background of Adolf Kristjansson

01:42 Early Days and Passion for Gaming

03:34 Building a Career in the Gaming Industry

07:43 Transition to EA and Digital Strategy

18:10 Leadership and Team Building Insights

22:27 Defining Commercial Strategies for Major Franchises

26:29 The Evolution of Games

27:07 Cross-Pollination in Entertainment

27:35 Community Engagement and Long-Term Thinking

29:32 Impact of COVID on the Gaming Industry

32:05 The Role of AI in Gaming

34:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Gaming

49:12 Final Thoughts and Industry Outlook

51:00 The Future of Consoles and Streaming

Gaming today is about creating worlds that don’t just entertain but evolve—where every choice, every play is part of a greater story.

Join us as Adolf reflects on the lessons learned from his time at EA and casts a hopeful eye toward the future of gaming—a future that will continue to push the boundaries of technology, storytelling, and community. Whether you’re passionate about gaming, curious about industry transformation, or simply seeking insight into the art of resilient leadership from one of gaming's brightest minds, this conversation offers invaluable takeaways.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Host: Peter Bell

Guest:Adolf Kristjansson

Produced by: Purpose Made

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