1 00:00:08,119 --> 00:00:12,040 Speaker 1: Welcome to another episode of Strictly Business. I'm Andrew Wallenstein 2 00:00:12,160 --> 00:00:15,600 Speaker 1: with Variety. Doing something a little different in this week's episode, 3 00:00:15,720 --> 00:00:17,720 Speaker 1: and to tell you more about that, I am joined 4 00:00:17,760 --> 00:00:22,840 Speaker 1: by one of the other hosts of this podcast, Cynthia Littleton. Hi. Andy, Hey, 5 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:25,080 Speaker 1: I hope you're doing well. Before we get to your 6 00:00:25,120 --> 00:00:29,120 Speaker 1: interview in this episode with Electronic Arts CEO Laura mi Elli, 7 00:00:29,640 --> 00:00:31,640 Speaker 1: we wanted to talk a little bit about what's going 8 00:00:31,680 --> 00:00:34,159 Speaker 1: on not only in the world media, but in the 9 00:00:34,159 --> 00:00:37,880 Speaker 1: world of Strictly Business. Our humble little podcast has always 10 00:00:37,880 --> 00:00:41,520 Speaker 1: been about delivering insightful analysis on the business of entertainment, 11 00:00:42,040 --> 00:00:44,919 Speaker 1: and now we're expanding the Strictly Business brand to the 12 00:00:44,920 --> 00:00:50,279 Speaker 1: world of newsletters. That's right, subscribers of one of varieties 13 00:00:50,320 --> 00:00:54,720 Speaker 1: existing newsletters Media Earnings will be getting a new expanded 14 00:00:54,840 --> 00:00:58,040 Speaker 1: version that will begin distributing under the Strictly Business banner 15 00:00:58,120 --> 00:01:01,639 Speaker 1: on January nine. Team. That's just ahead of the kickoff 16 00:01:01,720 --> 00:01:04,679 Speaker 1: for the fourth quarter earning season, which gets underway with 17 00:01:04,720 --> 00:01:09,800 Speaker 1: Netflix on January. Every Friday after that, during each quarterly 18 00:01:09,840 --> 00:01:13,400 Speaker 1: earnings period, we'll bring you everything you need to know 19 00:01:13,480 --> 00:01:16,639 Speaker 1: about the financial results of many of the major media 20 00:01:16,680 --> 00:01:21,160 Speaker 1: and technology companies as they deliver the numbers. And you 21 00:01:21,200 --> 00:01:24,319 Speaker 1: know it's also exciting Cynthia about this is this newsletter 22 00:01:24,440 --> 00:01:27,319 Speaker 1: is going to be a collaboration between the Variety Newsroom, 23 00:01:27,360 --> 00:01:29,920 Speaker 1: which you lead as co editor in chief, and my 24 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:33,240 Speaker 1: own team at Variety Intelligence Platform. Now, if you're not 25 00:01:33,280 --> 00:01:35,480 Speaker 1: familiar with the I P, well you really should be 26 00:01:35,560 --> 00:01:38,759 Speaker 1: by now. It's a subscription extension of the Variety brand 27 00:01:38,800 --> 00:01:41,120 Speaker 1: that goes deep on the issues that matter most to 28 00:01:41,160 --> 00:01:43,759 Speaker 1: the media business, with lots of charts and in depth 29 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:47,600 Speaker 1: analysis that will bring to this newsletter as well, together 30 00:01:47,640 --> 00:01:51,240 Speaker 1: with the Variety teams exhaustive and quick coverage from Disney 31 00:01:51,280 --> 00:01:53,840 Speaker 1: to Google, tollians Gate. I think it's gonna bring the 32 00:01:53,840 --> 00:01:56,720 Speaker 1: best of both worlds. I would just like to reiterate 33 00:01:56,800 --> 00:01:59,480 Speaker 1: that if you are somebody interested in deep dives into 34 00:01:59,520 --> 00:02:02,960 Speaker 1: where the media and entertainment business is headed at this 35 00:02:03,120 --> 00:02:06,200 Speaker 1: heady time, you can't afford not to know about v 36 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:08,560 Speaker 1: I P and the good work that Andy and his 37 00:02:08,639 --> 00:02:12,200 Speaker 1: team have been putting out um As part of this 38 00:02:12,400 --> 00:02:15,639 Speaker 1: expansion of the Strictly Business brand into the newsletter, one 39 00:02:15,680 --> 00:02:18,880 Speaker 1: of the things that we're really focused on is covering 40 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:23,800 Speaker 1: earnings and investment issues from the perspective of an industry 41 00:02:23,840 --> 00:02:28,720 Speaker 1: in transition. We are really writing our coverage for varieties readers, 42 00:02:28,960 --> 00:02:33,640 Speaker 1: the entertainment industry professional that is trying to understand where 43 00:02:33,680 --> 00:02:37,720 Speaker 1: the business is going, how it's changing, who's succeeding, and why. 44 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:41,359 Speaker 1: That is really our north star. We are writing financial 45 00:02:41,400 --> 00:02:46,400 Speaker 1: and earnings coverage for the entertainment industry professional. That's our differentiation, 46 00:02:46,680 --> 00:02:50,200 Speaker 1: and you'll tell us our listeners and readers will tell 47 00:02:50,280 --> 00:02:54,799 Speaker 1: us how well we're doing it. I couldn't agree more. 48 00:02:55,080 --> 00:02:58,840 Speaker 1: I think that this fourth quarter we're heading into Cynthia 49 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:01,920 Speaker 1: is going to be an interesting because I think Wall 50 00:03:01,919 --> 00:03:04,320 Speaker 1: Street is sort of wised up to the fact that 51 00:03:04,400 --> 00:03:07,200 Speaker 1: these streaming services are not going to have the kind 52 00:03:07,200 --> 00:03:10,360 Speaker 1: of growth trajectory that they've been experiencing for most of 53 00:03:10,360 --> 00:03:13,560 Speaker 1: the pandemic. We're seeing even the big boys like Netflix 54 00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:17,320 Speaker 1: and Disney Plus starting to fall back to earth, and 55 00:03:17,400 --> 00:03:19,160 Speaker 1: I can't help wondering if that really is going to 56 00:03:19,280 --> 00:03:24,399 Speaker 1: sort of set the tone for two more realistic expectations 57 00:03:24,919 --> 00:03:29,520 Speaker 1: and perhaps some sobering reassessments of some pretty big companies. 58 00:03:29,560 --> 00:03:32,440 Speaker 1: What do you think I think the honeymoon is over, 59 00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:35,840 Speaker 1: and in terms of streaming and the idea that the 60 00:03:35,920 --> 00:03:40,760 Speaker 1: potential for everybody is so great. I've actually been surprised 61 00:03:41,120 --> 00:03:44,680 Speaker 1: going into the great streaming wars and the launch of platforms. 62 00:03:44,720 --> 00:03:47,640 Speaker 1: I really thought that the subscriber acquisition was going to 63 00:03:47,760 --> 00:03:52,760 Speaker 1: be even slower for companies like Discovery, like via Calm, CBS, 64 00:03:52,760 --> 00:03:56,680 Speaker 1: companies that were sub Disney in terms of enormity and 65 00:03:56,800 --> 00:03:59,200 Speaker 1: the amount of content that they could put up. I've 66 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:02,080 Speaker 1: actually been some rise at the depth of this market. 67 00:04:02,160 --> 00:04:05,240 Speaker 1: But I think it does seem that that we are 68 00:04:05,240 --> 00:04:08,360 Speaker 1: getting we are hitting that plateau in the US. And 69 00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:11,120 Speaker 1: while this is very much a global business, the US 70 00:04:11,240 --> 00:04:15,640 Speaker 1: is still the most important bell weather for the traction 71 00:04:15,920 --> 00:04:18,880 Speaker 1: and the interest in the content. And I really think 72 00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:22,280 Speaker 1: that while everybody while there was a honeymoon, you know, 73 00:04:22,520 --> 00:04:25,640 Speaker 1: the skies were blue, and the potential was great, now 74 00:04:25,680 --> 00:04:28,920 Speaker 1: that we've had, you know, now that we're laughing the 75 00:04:28,960 --> 00:04:32,640 Speaker 1: ambitious period, We're really going to see Wall Street. We're 76 00:04:32,640 --> 00:04:36,880 Speaker 1: gonna see the drilling down on the metrics and what 77 00:04:37,080 --> 00:04:39,640 Speaker 1: is your cadence, what is the pace of acquisitions? And 78 00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:41,880 Speaker 1: I think that's gonna be those are gonna be tough questions, 79 00:04:41,960 --> 00:04:44,240 Speaker 1: even for the Disneys and the Netflix is of the 80 00:04:44,240 --> 00:04:47,880 Speaker 1: world in this quarter. Yes, Cynthy, I do think streaming 81 00:04:48,040 --> 00:04:50,200 Speaker 1: is going to be really interesting this quarter, but it's 82 00:04:50,240 --> 00:04:52,840 Speaker 1: not the only game in town. Video games, I think, 83 00:04:53,040 --> 00:04:55,880 Speaker 1: is something that is getting more and more fascinating. We 84 00:04:55,960 --> 00:04:59,960 Speaker 1: saw just this week Take two announcing a huge deal 85 00:05:00,080 --> 00:05:04,000 Speaker 1: to acquire Zinga. And so that's another reason I'm really 86 00:05:04,040 --> 00:05:07,360 Speaker 1: interested in hearing your conversation with Laura mi Eli because 87 00:05:07,520 --> 00:05:10,680 Speaker 1: I'm curious where that puts Take two his rivals like 88 00:05:10,880 --> 00:05:12,880 Speaker 1: e A. Are they going to have to sort of 89 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:15,479 Speaker 1: ramp up their own deal making because it looks like 90 00:05:15,520 --> 00:05:19,800 Speaker 1: consolidation is going to grip this space in two. I 91 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:23,240 Speaker 1: really enjoyed the conversation with Laura because she was really candid, 92 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:26,279 Speaker 1: and she also it was an opportunity to talk to 93 00:05:26,320 --> 00:05:29,120 Speaker 1: her about, you know, in the big picture, video gaming 94 00:05:30,040 --> 00:05:33,000 Speaker 1: just like media content, I mean, video gaming has had 95 00:05:33,279 --> 00:05:38,640 Speaker 1: such an unexpected just accelerant from these pandemic conditions. It's 96 00:05:38,680 --> 00:05:41,880 Speaker 1: really there is so much potential for them to harness, 97 00:05:42,040 --> 00:05:45,360 Speaker 1: and e A certainly has plenty of plans to harness 98 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:49,279 Speaker 1: all of that potential. She's also very candid and detailed 99 00:05:49,400 --> 00:05:52,760 Speaker 1: in how EA has worked with Hollywood and when that's 100 00:05:52,800 --> 00:05:55,599 Speaker 1: worked well, and when it hasn't worked so well and 101 00:05:55,600 --> 00:05:59,640 Speaker 1: why she's very thoughtful interview. Well, I'm looking forward to 102 00:05:59,680 --> 00:06:03,080 Speaker 1: hearing your conversation with Laura before we get to that. 103 00:06:03,160 --> 00:06:06,839 Speaker 1: Just one last reminder. Head to Variety dot com. Click 104 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:10,040 Speaker 1: on the Newsletters tab on our homepage and you can 105 00:06:10,120 --> 00:06:13,320 Speaker 1: sign up for the Strictly Business newsletter. And for now 106 00:06:13,800 --> 00:06:18,240 Speaker 1: more with Cynthia Littleton and Laura Mielly. Laura Mielli was 107 00:06:18,279 --> 00:06:21,520 Speaker 1: promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts in September. 108 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:25,640 Speaker 1: She's spent twenty five years with the video gaming giant 109 00:06:25,680 --> 00:06:28,919 Speaker 1: that is based in northern California. Our conversation came a 110 00:06:28,920 --> 00:06:31,719 Speaker 1: few weeks before that world was rocked by the news 111 00:06:31,720 --> 00:06:35,760 Speaker 1: of Microsoft's plan sixty nine billion dollar acquisition of e 112 00:06:35,960 --> 00:06:39,920 Speaker 1: a rival activision Blizzard. With that context, it's even more 113 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:43,200 Speaker 1: interesting to hear a top gaming executive talk about the 114 00:06:43,240 --> 00:06:46,360 Speaker 1: competitive landscape at a time when Netflix is diving into 115 00:06:46,400 --> 00:06:50,039 Speaker 1: this field and Microsoft is obviously about to become an 116 00:06:50,040 --> 00:06:53,839 Speaker 1: even bigger competitor. That's all coming up after the break, 117 00:07:01,560 --> 00:07:06,240 Speaker 1: Laura b Ellie, Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts, thank 118 00:07:06,279 --> 00:07:09,760 Speaker 1: you for joining us today. Hi, Cynthia, thanks for having me. 119 00:07:09,800 --> 00:07:11,840 Speaker 1: It's great to be here. I'm a big fan of 120 00:07:11,840 --> 00:07:15,520 Speaker 1: your show. Thank you. Well, I've known that we were 121 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:17,080 Speaker 1: going to do this for a while, so I've been 122 00:07:17,080 --> 00:07:19,880 Speaker 1: really interested. I've been I've been paying more attention to 123 00:07:19,920 --> 00:07:22,920 Speaker 1: the video game business, more attention to what electronic arts, 124 00:07:23,440 --> 00:07:25,760 Speaker 1: what's going on in electronic arts, which I know is 125 00:07:25,800 --> 00:07:28,760 Speaker 1: a lot. I know e A was a giant and 126 00:07:28,800 --> 00:07:30,640 Speaker 1: A and A you know, one of the pillars of 127 00:07:30,680 --> 00:07:33,800 Speaker 1: the video and game business well before the pandemic. But 128 00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:38,640 Speaker 1: how has this unprecedented sort of behavioral condition that that 129 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:42,360 Speaker 1: came upon us, How has that changed your business? How 130 00:07:42,400 --> 00:07:46,120 Speaker 1: have you looked to build on the foundation provided by this, 131 00:07:46,640 --> 00:07:51,520 Speaker 1: by this increase in activity? Mm hm great, great question. Um. 132 00:07:51,560 --> 00:07:54,840 Speaker 1: I've been in the industry for twenty five years, and UM, 133 00:07:54,920 --> 00:07:58,960 Speaker 1: to see our growth over these years has been incredibly 134 00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:02,360 Speaker 1: gratifying in my devating and we as a business, games 135 00:08:02,400 --> 00:08:06,360 Speaker 1: are larger than movies and TV, UM and music I 136 00:08:06,360 --> 00:08:08,600 Speaker 1: think combined. Even so, it's a hundred and eighty billion 137 00:08:08,600 --> 00:08:11,640 Speaker 1: dollar business globally, So it's it's pretty it's significant. And yes, 138 00:08:11,680 --> 00:08:16,840 Speaker 1: when the pandemic UM happened, more people were playing and 139 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:20,640 Speaker 1: our existing players were playing longer and playing more as well. 140 00:08:21,040 --> 00:08:24,480 Speaker 1: And something happened during the pandemic that I honestly, in 141 00:08:24,520 --> 00:08:27,280 Speaker 1: all my years and gaming, I never thought I would 142 00:08:27,280 --> 00:08:31,560 Speaker 1: see the day UM, but the World Health Organization recommended 143 00:08:31,760 --> 00:08:34,760 Speaker 1: that people play games, and particularly kids play games so 144 00:08:34,840 --> 00:08:37,000 Speaker 1: they could say for for their for their mental well being, 145 00:08:37,040 --> 00:08:40,040 Speaker 1: so they could stay socially connected. UM. So all these 146 00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:43,520 Speaker 1: years of you know, of people having certain opinions about 147 00:08:43,600 --> 00:08:46,000 Speaker 1: video games and for the Real Health Organization to encourage 148 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:49,520 Speaker 1: engagement and play UM was an incredibly exciting moment that, 149 00:08:49,760 --> 00:08:51,800 Speaker 1: like I said, I never thought I would see UM 150 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:53,600 Speaker 1: and they and they were right. They're they're right that 151 00:08:54,280 --> 00:08:58,839 Speaker 1: UM this that games are a significant medium for people 152 00:08:58,880 --> 00:09:02,440 Speaker 1: to feel connected, for people to collaborate together, for people 153 00:09:02,440 --> 00:09:05,680 Speaker 1: to socialize with each other, to have a shared experience together. 154 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:08,679 Speaker 1: All these things games deliver. So UM it's something that 155 00:09:08,720 --> 00:09:11,400 Speaker 1: we've always have known, UM, but I was pretty happy 156 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:14,000 Speaker 1: to hear UM that kind of endorsement and UM and 157 00:09:14,040 --> 00:09:18,320 Speaker 1: we have continued to see engagement UM in gaming throughout 158 00:09:18,480 --> 00:09:20,719 Speaker 1: the past couple of Yearly, as we said we're coming 159 00:09:20,720 --> 00:09:23,240 Speaker 1: onto two years, UM, we were continue to see really 160 00:09:23,280 --> 00:09:26,400 Speaker 1: strong engagement. And I see us as we head into 161 00:09:26,400 --> 00:09:31,360 Speaker 1: the future. UM, you know, platforms and entertainment platforms. We 162 00:09:31,360 --> 00:09:33,520 Speaker 1: are we are going to compete with the likes of 163 00:09:34,240 --> 00:09:39,360 Speaker 1: um that Netflix and an Amazon for people's time and 164 00:09:39,400 --> 00:09:43,079 Speaker 1: people's engagement and UM and I love our position that 165 00:09:43,160 --> 00:09:46,760 Speaker 1: games have. It's incredibly engaging. UM. It is. It is 166 00:09:46,800 --> 00:09:49,760 Speaker 1: interactive and it's very social. I mean, you and I 167 00:09:49,760 --> 00:09:52,280 Speaker 1: could get on a game together tonight and play together, 168 00:09:52,640 --> 00:09:55,960 Speaker 1: go on a mission together, solve something together, chat while 169 00:09:55,960 --> 00:09:59,760 Speaker 1: we're doing it. It's it's an incredibly connected UM entertainment experience. 170 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:03,440 Speaker 1: So I genuinely believe that we have even though we 171 00:10:03,520 --> 00:10:06,200 Speaker 1: are the largest form of entertainment, we have a significant 172 00:10:06,240 --> 00:10:09,080 Speaker 1: runway ahead of us still m hm. I used to 173 00:10:09,200 --> 00:10:11,640 Speaker 1: for a long time, I resisted the term mind share 174 00:10:11,679 --> 00:10:14,800 Speaker 1: because I thought it felt sounded jargon e. But really 175 00:10:14,880 --> 00:10:18,280 Speaker 1: it is accurate for the kind of competitive playing field. 176 00:10:18,360 --> 00:10:21,120 Speaker 1: Now that it is not, you know, you can have 177 00:10:21,400 --> 00:10:26,359 Speaker 1: as much competition from many different genres of television, from podcasting, 178 00:10:26,520 --> 00:10:30,840 Speaker 1: from video games, from all manner of you know, online 179 00:10:30,880 --> 00:10:34,000 Speaker 1: pursuits that come up. So I think that I think 180 00:10:34,040 --> 00:10:37,760 Speaker 1: that mind share term really is accurate. And UM, I'd 181 00:10:37,760 --> 00:10:40,920 Speaker 1: be curious, what were the what were the metrics that 182 00:10:41,040 --> 00:10:44,400 Speaker 1: you that you all were watching during the pandemic that 183 00:10:44,480 --> 00:10:47,840 Speaker 1: you saw, I would imagine just engagement, the hours that 184 00:10:47,880 --> 00:10:50,240 Speaker 1: people were spending on your games. Did you see like 185 00:10:50,640 --> 00:10:54,400 Speaker 1: your subscription products take off? How What were some of 186 00:10:54,440 --> 00:10:57,400 Speaker 1: the metrics that allow that let you see, Wow, people 187 00:10:57,400 --> 00:11:01,600 Speaker 1: are really engaging even more than they have in recent years. Yeah, 188 00:11:01,679 --> 00:11:04,080 Speaker 1: through that that that's a great question. We um. We 189 00:11:04,120 --> 00:11:06,880 Speaker 1: watched a few metrics. UM. The first one was just 190 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:10,920 Speaker 1: new players coming into our ecosystems and our games. UM. 191 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:15,240 Speaker 1: That was fascinating to see people adopt new new players 192 00:11:15,240 --> 00:11:19,480 Speaker 1: coming in adopting new forms of entertainment. The second area 193 00:11:19,559 --> 00:11:22,240 Speaker 1: was also really interesting and that we had our existing 194 00:11:22,280 --> 00:11:24,640 Speaker 1: players that we would watch and we watch our people 195 00:11:24,720 --> 00:11:27,439 Speaker 1: that their play patterns and so people play on weekends heavily, 196 00:11:27,520 --> 00:11:30,280 Speaker 1: you'll see even times and weekends. And what we saw 197 00:11:30,480 --> 00:11:33,920 Speaker 1: is we actually saw people playing more consistently throughout the 198 00:11:34,000 --> 00:11:36,160 Speaker 1: day and during the day and during the week. And 199 00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:40,319 Speaker 1: so that was another interesting UM result or or um 200 00:11:40,360 --> 00:11:43,120 Speaker 1: you know, outcome of people being at home and working 201 00:11:43,160 --> 00:11:46,480 Speaker 1: from home and maybe having more flexibility with their time 202 00:11:46,480 --> 00:11:50,200 Speaker 1: and their schedules. And so we saw existing players playing 203 00:11:50,280 --> 00:11:53,520 Speaker 1: more and playing more consistently through the week. M hm. 204 00:11:54,040 --> 00:11:55,840 Speaker 1: Was there anything I know, you know, you had to 205 00:11:55,880 --> 00:11:58,720 Speaker 1: be cautious obviously in in in such in such a 206 00:11:58,720 --> 00:12:01,720 Speaker 1: hard time, especially last year, but was there anything that 207 00:12:01,760 --> 00:12:05,280 Speaker 1: you could capitalize on in terms of communicating with your customers? 208 00:12:05,679 --> 00:12:10,000 Speaker 1: Did that did that increase engagement? Give you any opportunities? Well? 209 00:12:10,040 --> 00:12:13,280 Speaker 1: We UM. I think that one of the more meaningful 210 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:15,560 Speaker 1: things that we have the benefit of is that we 211 00:12:15,559 --> 00:12:18,120 Speaker 1: we were able to develop games from home, and so 212 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:22,280 Speaker 1: our developers and and game creators staying close to our 213 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:25,600 Speaker 1: players as a really important engagement model, so to understand 214 00:12:25,600 --> 00:12:28,160 Speaker 1: and hear players feedback on our game experiences, and have 215 00:12:28,240 --> 00:12:30,560 Speaker 1: our game teams that are able to respond UM in 216 00:12:30,600 --> 00:12:35,120 Speaker 1: a way to our players. We we launched thirteen games 217 00:12:35,200 --> 00:12:39,000 Speaker 1: last year, and we also launched over four hundred live 218 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:42,360 Speaker 1: service updates for players UM, so we were able to 219 00:12:42,360 --> 00:12:44,600 Speaker 1: really show up in the world and show up for 220 00:12:44,679 --> 00:12:46,920 Speaker 1: our consumers in a way that I think was really 221 00:12:46,960 --> 00:12:51,240 Speaker 1: meaningful UM to them. Where other content creation had to 222 00:12:52,000 --> 00:12:55,760 Speaker 1: stop and UM had you know, challenges around UM their 223 00:12:55,800 --> 00:12:58,760 Speaker 1: their production, we were able to continue to move forward, 224 00:12:59,240 --> 00:13:02,160 Speaker 1: working from how it happened to have for everyone happen 225 00:13:02,240 --> 00:13:04,480 Speaker 1: happened very quickly. Um, within a couple of days. Oh 226 00:13:04,480 --> 00:13:06,840 Speaker 1: my gosh, we're working from home. And UM, I like 227 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:08,920 Speaker 1: to say, if you would have asked me, you know, 228 00:13:08,960 --> 00:13:11,199 Speaker 1: a week before we went home, I would take for 229 00:13:11,280 --> 00:13:12,839 Speaker 1: us to move our entire work first at home, I 230 00:13:12,840 --> 00:13:14,320 Speaker 1: would have said it would take us at least a 231 00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:15,720 Speaker 1: year to create the plans that are. And then here 232 00:13:15,760 --> 00:13:17,400 Speaker 1: we were, you know, a week or a couple of 233 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:19,920 Speaker 1: days and when everybody was working from home, and UM, 234 00:13:19,920 --> 00:13:22,719 Speaker 1: I just I'm just blown away by the creativity and 235 00:13:22,960 --> 00:13:26,280 Speaker 1: ingenuity of our teams about how they were able to, um, 236 00:13:26,400 --> 00:13:31,000 Speaker 1: really pick up and continue the production cycle we had. 237 00:13:31,360 --> 00:13:33,800 Speaker 1: We had a game called Star Wars Squadrons that we 238 00:13:33,800 --> 00:13:38,479 Speaker 1: were working on and partnership with Lucasfilm, and um, we 239 00:13:38,480 --> 00:13:41,520 Speaker 1: we hadn't finished the music score for the game. UM 240 00:13:41,600 --> 00:13:43,520 Speaker 1: and it was May, and the game was coming out 241 00:13:43,559 --> 00:13:47,120 Speaker 1: in October, and come you know May, there was no 242 00:13:47,640 --> 00:13:50,040 Speaker 1: world or no scenario where we were going to bring 243 00:13:50,040 --> 00:13:53,520 Speaker 1: a symphony and orchestra together to finish of this game. 244 00:13:53,800 --> 00:13:56,120 Speaker 1: And as you would imagine, and rightfully so, Lucasfilm has 245 00:13:56,280 --> 00:13:59,840 Speaker 1: very high standards on quality and production value, particularly in 246 00:13:59,840 --> 00:14:03,920 Speaker 1: this especially with round in music exactly, yeah, exactly, and 247 00:14:04,000 --> 00:14:08,800 Speaker 1: so um So one of our music directors had maneuvered 248 00:14:08,840 --> 00:14:11,600 Speaker 1: and had the idea and he he recorded one instrument 249 00:14:11,640 --> 00:14:14,520 Speaker 1: at a time and he stitched together the score and 250 00:14:14,600 --> 00:14:17,760 Speaker 1: it's beautiful and it was amazing, and we we won 251 00:14:17,800 --> 00:14:20,440 Speaker 1: an award a few months ago with it. Um Lucas 252 00:14:20,440 --> 00:14:23,280 Speaker 1: Film approved it and it was it was an amazing feat. 253 00:14:23,320 --> 00:14:26,560 Speaker 1: So the idea that we can be flexible and change 254 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:30,640 Speaker 1: and adapt about how we create games was another really 255 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:33,520 Speaker 1: incredible outcome of this. And to see the I guess 256 00:14:33,600 --> 00:14:36,800 Speaker 1: the ingenuity and creativity of our teams was was was 257 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:41,720 Speaker 1: pretty great. One an orchestra, one instrument of time that 258 00:14:41,880 --> 00:14:46,160 Speaker 1: is dedicated that it was incredible. Let me let me 259 00:14:46,160 --> 00:14:47,960 Speaker 1: ask you to step back a little bit. And you know, 260 00:14:48,040 --> 00:14:51,360 Speaker 1: even before the pandemic came upon us, there was you know, 261 00:14:51,440 --> 00:14:54,520 Speaker 1: no shortage of disruption in the overall kind of you know, 262 00:14:54,600 --> 00:14:59,320 Speaker 1: the greater media and content world. How has e a 263 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:04,520 Speaker 1: with the you know, the disruption of the past decade 264 00:15:04,600 --> 00:15:08,520 Speaker 1: or so with with digital, with streaming, with multiplayer games 265 00:15:08,600 --> 00:15:11,200 Speaker 1: becoming so much more part of the business than the 266 00:15:11,240 --> 00:15:14,800 Speaker 1: physical product, you know, video games in Hollywood or not 267 00:15:14,800 --> 00:15:17,360 Speaker 1: not too dissimilar in the sense that Hollywood for a 268 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:20,960 Speaker 1: long time made a very good living selling first vhs 269 00:15:21,040 --> 00:15:23,640 Speaker 1: and then DVDs, and as that has changed, that has 270 00:15:23,720 --> 00:15:26,240 Speaker 1: changed the entire business. Are you guys dealing with that 271 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:30,840 Speaker 1: kind of shift from physical product to virtual and all 272 00:15:30,880 --> 00:15:34,240 Speaker 1: the other all the other complications and and opportunities that 273 00:15:34,360 --> 00:15:39,520 Speaker 1: come with m hm yes. Um again, Being in the 274 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:41,840 Speaker 1: business for twenty five years, UM, I can tell you 275 00:15:41,920 --> 00:15:44,640 Speaker 1: that it always feels like it is changing every day, 276 00:15:44,880 --> 00:15:47,720 Speaker 1: you know, from the days when we were PC gamers 277 00:15:47,760 --> 00:15:49,640 Speaker 1: to oh my gosh, there's a console coming out, now 278 00:15:49,680 --> 00:15:51,960 Speaker 1: what is this? This is you know, and then multiple consoles, 279 00:15:52,480 --> 00:15:54,320 Speaker 1: and then you know the phase where oh my gosh, 280 00:15:54,400 --> 00:15:56,200 Speaker 1: you can play online. You know, you're playing with other 281 00:15:56,200 --> 00:15:59,840 Speaker 1: people online. So UM, I heard this quote once that, um, 282 00:15:59,840 --> 00:16:02,320 Speaker 1: for as fast as change fields today and for as 283 00:16:02,360 --> 00:16:06,120 Speaker 1: much innovation that's happening, change will never be this slow again. 284 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:08,600 Speaker 1: And that is such a great statement and such a 285 00:16:08,600 --> 00:16:12,120 Speaker 1: great way to kind of capture video games because it's like, whoa, 286 00:16:12,200 --> 00:16:14,040 Speaker 1: there's so much going on, It's like yep, and it's 287 00:16:14,080 --> 00:16:15,960 Speaker 1: only going to get faster, it's only going to change 288 00:16:15,960 --> 00:16:18,720 Speaker 1: even more. So that really is just the state of 289 00:16:19,080 --> 00:16:21,680 Speaker 1: our industry and of gaming, and it's actually one of 290 00:16:21,680 --> 00:16:25,160 Speaker 1: the more exciting, exhilarating parts of being in this space. 291 00:16:25,720 --> 00:16:28,520 Speaker 1: UM So we I think as a culture, in our 292 00:16:28,560 --> 00:16:32,760 Speaker 1: orientation is to expect it and to help our teams 293 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:36,320 Speaker 1: thrive in that and embrace that and be excited and 294 00:16:36,360 --> 00:16:40,400 Speaker 1: motivated by the opportunities and innovation and change and the 295 00:16:40,440 --> 00:16:43,880 Speaker 1: idea that we and again, as we change and evolves industry, 296 00:16:43,920 --> 00:16:46,000 Speaker 1: we just keep growing. We we we can we we 297 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:49,520 Speaker 1: keep reaching more players every year, every month, you know, 298 00:16:49,840 --> 00:16:52,520 Speaker 1: every day. And UM and I think that the future 299 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:58,920 Speaker 1: has for us, certainly in mobile UM to have billions 300 00:16:58,920 --> 00:17:02,080 Speaker 1: of handsets and people's hands in all corners of the world. UM, 301 00:17:02,160 --> 00:17:04,760 Speaker 1: there's still a significant opportunity for us to bring content 302 00:17:04,800 --> 00:17:07,639 Speaker 1: and bring play and bring joy to players, which is 303 00:17:07,760 --> 00:17:11,600 Speaker 1: very exciting to us. UM. The idea of streaming and clouds, 304 00:17:11,600 --> 00:17:16,720 Speaker 1: certainly UM as infrastructure globally comes online internet and UM 305 00:17:16,720 --> 00:17:18,200 Speaker 1: in five G and things like that are going to 306 00:17:18,240 --> 00:17:20,600 Speaker 1: be really important for us to realize the potential of 307 00:17:20,640 --> 00:17:24,320 Speaker 1: what it would mean to have streaming content that you 308 00:17:24,359 --> 00:17:28,160 Speaker 1: don't need hardware or console sitting somewhere that you could 309 00:17:28,160 --> 00:17:30,199 Speaker 1: actually I could be I could have my controller in 310 00:17:30,280 --> 00:17:32,480 Speaker 1: my my bag and I could play a game in 311 00:17:32,560 --> 00:17:36,120 Speaker 1: my hotel room seamlessly. And UM, so that that that 312 00:17:36,240 --> 00:17:40,520 Speaker 1: is around the corner and and really interesting. Are you 313 00:17:40,520 --> 00:17:43,720 Speaker 1: dealing with the sort of the dilemma aspect that that 314 00:17:43,920 --> 00:17:48,000 Speaker 1: certainly you know, print publications and traditional Hollywood is dealing 315 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:51,920 Speaker 1: with where the traditional businesses are shrinking but still turn 316 00:17:51,960 --> 00:17:55,119 Speaker 1: out especially a lot of cash flow. Are you dealing 317 00:17:55,160 --> 00:17:58,680 Speaker 1: with that sort of juggling with you know, newer services 318 00:17:58,680 --> 00:18:01,439 Speaker 1: that aren't generating as much of a new but the 319 00:18:01,440 --> 00:18:04,880 Speaker 1: older services that are that we're the stalwarts are kind 320 00:18:04,880 --> 00:18:08,679 Speaker 1: of shrinking. Are you dealing with those dynamics and video games? No, 321 00:18:08,960 --> 00:18:12,160 Speaker 1: not exactly. We actually have the opposite benefit UM that 322 00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:14,960 Speaker 1: it's it's very much yes and UM so we have 323 00:18:15,160 --> 00:18:18,200 Speaker 1: our UM I would say the biggest shift has been 324 00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:22,200 Speaker 1: UM players buying physical discs at a retail store versus 325 00:18:22,320 --> 00:18:25,479 Speaker 1: downloading it digitally. And there's been a great benefit UM 326 00:18:25,600 --> 00:18:27,840 Speaker 1: to us from even as a margin perspective and in 327 00:18:27,880 --> 00:18:30,840 Speaker 1: our reach and the growth of our business because we 328 00:18:30,920 --> 00:18:33,000 Speaker 1: just able to access so many more players. And so 329 00:18:33,640 --> 00:18:36,280 Speaker 1: that shift that you're talking about was a benefit to 330 00:18:36,840 --> 00:18:40,240 Speaker 1: UM to us and UM and I and I think 331 00:18:40,280 --> 00:18:44,239 Speaker 1: that the yes and part is really around you have 332 00:18:44,480 --> 00:18:47,320 Speaker 1: PC gaming and console gaming, and then we have mobile gaming, 333 00:18:47,560 --> 00:18:50,439 Speaker 1: um coming online, and then we have life services and 334 00:18:50,560 --> 00:18:52,880 Speaker 1: you shift a disk gain how or you you download 335 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:55,399 Speaker 1: a game and we will stay with those players for 336 00:18:55,480 --> 00:18:58,480 Speaker 1: years with life services. So it's really been that the 337 00:18:58,520 --> 00:19:01,280 Speaker 1: evolution of our industy real the innovation has really been 338 00:19:01,480 --> 00:19:04,840 Speaker 1: continues to be incremental and additive to expanding our audience 339 00:19:04,880 --> 00:19:09,479 Speaker 1: and services. So it's been an expansion m versus trade 340 00:19:09,480 --> 00:19:12,480 Speaker 1: offs about how we have to think about stopping to 341 00:19:12,480 --> 00:19:15,440 Speaker 1: do something in order for us to do something new. 342 00:19:17,119 --> 00:19:20,280 Speaker 1: M Wow, that is a that is a sweet truly 343 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:22,800 Speaker 1: a sweet spot to be and yes, yes it is. 344 00:19:23,280 --> 00:19:26,400 Speaker 1: Let me ask you about the competitive environment. Netflix made 345 00:19:26,400 --> 00:19:28,639 Speaker 1: a bit made headlines a couple of months ago saying 346 00:19:28,640 --> 00:19:31,840 Speaker 1: that they are gonna they're gonna really amp up their 347 00:19:32,080 --> 00:19:35,720 Speaker 1: video gaming offerings, making it part of their overall um 348 00:19:35,800 --> 00:19:40,000 Speaker 1: their overall price point. Uh just one, you know, still 349 00:19:40,080 --> 00:19:43,800 Speaker 1: sticking with one subscription. How does that? How do you 350 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:46,480 Speaker 1: think about that? Do you think that Netflix in that 351 00:19:47,119 --> 00:19:50,320 Speaker 1: enormous you know, global user base. Do you think that 352 00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:53,800 Speaker 1: they have the stuff to be a a tough competitor 353 00:19:53,840 --> 00:19:56,360 Speaker 1: to to a company of e A size in game. 354 00:19:57,640 --> 00:20:00,280 Speaker 1: I think, as I mentioned we discussed earlier about the 355 00:20:00,560 --> 00:20:04,760 Speaker 1: about platforms and UM and in media and entertainment, platforms 356 00:20:05,200 --> 00:20:08,639 Speaker 1: are going to be looking for time and engagement. You 357 00:20:08,680 --> 00:20:10,840 Speaker 1: call it mindor, but they're looking for time and engagement 358 00:20:10,920 --> 00:20:14,560 Speaker 1: from consumers and from their subscribers. And there is nothing 359 00:20:14,760 --> 00:20:18,840 Speaker 1: that engages consumers and and people more than games you 360 00:20:19,480 --> 00:20:22,359 Speaker 1: watch through a series. You can binge watch UM something 361 00:20:22,600 --> 00:20:25,120 Speaker 1: an entire series. It could be sixty hours. I think 362 00:20:25,160 --> 00:20:26,960 Speaker 1: Game of Thrones is I don't want to quit it, 363 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:28,560 Speaker 1: but it is. You know, as I think it's under 364 00:20:28,560 --> 00:20:32,480 Speaker 1: a hundred hours. People people play. People play games for 365 00:20:32,520 --> 00:20:34,879 Speaker 1: a year. They spend hundreds and hundreds of hours in 366 00:20:35,080 --> 00:20:37,440 Speaker 1: a game, and so UM when you when you think 367 00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:40,160 Speaker 1: about how massive and how expensive some of this content 368 00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:42,840 Speaker 1: is in other areas in the medium, gaming is just 369 00:20:42,880 --> 00:20:49,639 Speaker 1: an awesome UM interactive engagement UM offering for subscribers and 370 00:20:49,680 --> 00:20:52,359 Speaker 1: for fans. So I know that gaming is UM is 371 00:20:52,440 --> 00:20:56,280 Speaker 1: definitely something that is going to be meaningful and important 372 00:20:56,280 --> 00:21:00,600 Speaker 1: to platform owners. UM. I we we've in making games 373 00:21:00,600 --> 00:21:03,480 Speaker 1: for forty years and UM and I've seen a lot 374 00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:06,200 Speaker 1: of very large tech companies spend a lot of money 375 00:21:06,280 --> 00:21:10,000 Speaker 1: and try to be in gaming. UM, there's that that 376 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:12,479 Speaker 1: is that are the history of our industry is littered 377 00:21:12,560 --> 00:21:16,479 Speaker 1: with large tech companies trying to make that work. So 378 00:21:16,680 --> 00:21:19,000 Speaker 1: I think we are and we we will remain in 379 00:21:19,040 --> 00:21:22,560 Speaker 1: a really strong position, UM to compete in this area. 380 00:21:23,040 --> 00:21:24,480 Speaker 1: And I would now and I would say that we 381 00:21:24,520 --> 00:21:26,240 Speaker 1: are also going to be in a unique position to 382 00:21:26,520 --> 00:21:29,560 Speaker 1: partner with some of these platform partners because we know 383 00:21:29,720 --> 00:21:32,199 Speaker 1: how to make games, we know how to engage players. 384 00:21:32,240 --> 00:21:35,359 Speaker 1: We've been doing it for forty years, billions of dollars 385 00:21:35,400 --> 00:21:39,920 Speaker 1: on technology and perfecting and incremental you know, incrementally improving UM. 386 00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:42,480 Speaker 1: How we how we create games. It is um it 387 00:21:42,520 --> 00:21:45,399 Speaker 1: is probably one of the most sophisticated, complicated forms of 388 00:21:45,480 --> 00:21:48,200 Speaker 1: media to create and UM it is not to be 389 00:21:48,280 --> 00:21:51,479 Speaker 1: underestimated and so UM So it's interesting. It's interesting that 390 00:21:51,480 --> 00:21:53,760 Speaker 1: that there are there's so much interest that's happening in 391 00:21:53,840 --> 00:21:56,879 Speaker 1: these large platforms and UM and when you look at 392 00:21:56,920 --> 00:22:00,760 Speaker 1: our portfolio, we have sports, we have have the Sims, 393 00:22:00,880 --> 00:22:04,360 Speaker 1: we have stage girls, we have shooter games for core players. 394 00:22:04,440 --> 00:22:07,800 Speaker 1: We have um amazing action games like in Star Wars, 395 00:22:07,880 --> 00:22:10,399 Speaker 1: Did I Fall in order UM of Great Life Service 396 00:22:10,400 --> 00:22:13,560 Speaker 1: and Apex. We have a really broad breadth, so electronic 397 00:22:13,640 --> 00:22:16,479 Speaker 1: arts in particular, we have UM. We have a broad 398 00:22:16,640 --> 00:22:19,240 Speaker 1: offering for a lot of different types of consumers, and 399 00:22:19,280 --> 00:22:21,280 Speaker 1: so I think that we are in a really strong 400 00:22:21,320 --> 00:22:24,720 Speaker 1: position for strategic partnerships in the future with some of 401 00:22:24,720 --> 00:22:28,600 Speaker 1: these platforms. Can I ask you is there anything active, 402 00:22:28,680 --> 00:22:33,439 Speaker 1: any active conversations about such a strategic partnership. Right We 403 00:22:33,480 --> 00:22:36,840 Speaker 1: currently partner with Microsoft and Sony UM as you would imagine, 404 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:39,719 Speaker 1: and UM and we did partner with Google when they 405 00:22:40,040 --> 00:22:43,240 Speaker 1: were launching Stadium, so we did FIFA and Madden for them, 406 00:22:43,359 --> 00:22:45,600 Speaker 1: UM and so, and we're always we're always in conversations 407 00:22:45,680 --> 00:22:48,400 Speaker 1: with UM with people, so you know, we're always open 408 00:22:48,480 --> 00:22:51,600 Speaker 1: to have dialogue. We're also on Steam UM for our 409 00:22:51,640 --> 00:22:54,520 Speaker 1: PC business as well. So one of the things that 410 00:22:54,600 --> 00:22:56,840 Speaker 1: has been really great for our growth in our history 411 00:22:56,920 --> 00:22:59,560 Speaker 1: is that we are we're fairly platform agnostic. I mean, 412 00:22:59,560 --> 00:23:01,080 Speaker 1: we just want to get we want to get our 413 00:23:01,119 --> 00:23:04,080 Speaker 1: we we're we're game creators. We make games, and we 414 00:23:04,119 --> 00:23:06,879 Speaker 1: want the creation of our game developers to be in 415 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:09,879 Speaker 1: as many hands as possible. And UM and it's it's UM. 416 00:23:09,880 --> 00:23:12,240 Speaker 1: It's a pretty great position for us to be in UM, 417 00:23:12,359 --> 00:23:14,640 Speaker 1: for us to be open to talking to partners. So yes, 418 00:23:14,680 --> 00:23:18,440 Speaker 1: we were always talking to our strategic partners. UM where 419 00:23:18,480 --> 00:23:25,160 Speaker 1: there's where there's some potential, don't swipe away anywhere. We'll 420 00:23:25,160 --> 00:23:28,240 Speaker 1: be right back with more from Electronic Arts Laura Milelli 421 00:23:28,560 --> 00:23:37,879 Speaker 1: after the break, and we're back with more from Electronic 422 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:42,679 Speaker 1: Arts Laura Milli. Laura, how has e A historically worked 423 00:23:42,720 --> 00:23:45,879 Speaker 1: best with Hollywood? I P How how has those kind 424 00:23:45,880 --> 00:23:51,080 Speaker 1: of partnerships worked best from eas perspective? Well, I love 425 00:23:51,080 --> 00:23:54,399 Speaker 1: this question because I was the general manager of our 426 00:23:54,440 --> 00:23:57,200 Speaker 1: Star Wars business UM several years ago when we first 427 00:23:57,240 --> 00:23:59,600 Speaker 1: signed the contract. So UM, this is a good one 428 00:23:59,680 --> 00:24:02,919 Speaker 1: for me. UM. I'll start with Lucas UM Film and 429 00:24:02,960 --> 00:24:06,200 Speaker 1: Star Wars, but we have had many other um IP partnerships. 430 00:24:06,200 --> 00:24:09,600 Speaker 1: We've worked with Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Godfather, 431 00:24:09,680 --> 00:24:12,480 Speaker 1: Simpson's UM and I. But I and I said, I'll 432 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:14,159 Speaker 1: speak to Star Wars at this point because this is 433 00:24:14,160 --> 00:24:18,280 Speaker 1: where we have a deep partnership with Disney and Lucasfilm 434 00:24:18,320 --> 00:24:21,000 Speaker 1: and we we we signed a ten year exclusive deal 435 00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:25,000 Speaker 1: with Disney and Lucasfilm a while back, and as I mentioned, 436 00:24:25,000 --> 00:24:27,280 Speaker 1: I was the general manager and because I really wanted 437 00:24:27,280 --> 00:24:29,880 Speaker 1: this to get started off on the best foot possible. 438 00:24:30,480 --> 00:24:34,479 Speaker 1: And my philosophy was, um, we got then, you know, 439 00:24:34,520 --> 00:24:39,480 Speaker 1: Disney Electronic Arts Corporations coming to the created the contract necessary. Um, 440 00:24:39,480 --> 00:24:41,840 Speaker 1: but I did not want the creative partnership and the 441 00:24:41,880 --> 00:24:45,320 Speaker 1: potential of the creative partnership to be transactional. And we 442 00:24:45,320 --> 00:24:47,040 Speaker 1: were not. And I and I said when I was 443 00:24:47,119 --> 00:24:49,760 Speaker 1: kicking off meetings with Lucasfilms, like we we are not 444 00:24:49,800 --> 00:24:51,800 Speaker 1: going to run this relationship and it was going to 445 00:24:51,880 --> 00:24:54,160 Speaker 1: be a relationship and partnership by the letter of a contract. 446 00:24:54,359 --> 00:24:56,800 Speaker 1: We're going to come together and we're going to be 447 00:24:56,880 --> 00:24:59,560 Speaker 1: multipliers for each other. We're going to figure out what 448 00:24:59,600 --> 00:25:01,560 Speaker 1: can we create and how can we show up for 449 00:25:01,640 --> 00:25:04,240 Speaker 1: fans in a way that only Electronic Arts plus Lucas 450 00:25:04,240 --> 00:25:08,080 Speaker 1: Film plus I can possibly do. And so we we 451 00:25:08,280 --> 00:25:12,080 Speaker 1: you know, we are creators and artists and engineers, and 452 00:25:12,119 --> 00:25:14,720 Speaker 1: they are creators and artists. And so bringing that community, 453 00:25:14,800 --> 00:25:18,320 Speaker 1: bringing those people together and and and starting off a 454 00:25:18,400 --> 00:25:21,239 Speaker 1: relationship that comes from the heart and the love of 455 00:25:21,280 --> 00:25:23,280 Speaker 1: the franchise, the love of these characters, the love of 456 00:25:23,320 --> 00:25:27,119 Speaker 1: this world, and wanting to dare to be great together 457 00:25:27,200 --> 00:25:30,639 Speaker 1: in the future and um, and not having you know, 458 00:25:30,760 --> 00:25:33,159 Speaker 1: approvals and contracts every time we need with each other. 459 00:25:33,200 --> 00:25:35,960 Speaker 1: That was a really important starting point for us. And 460 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:38,320 Speaker 1: so we kicked off that relationship that way. And I 461 00:25:38,880 --> 00:25:42,080 Speaker 1: just think the best of the creative partnerships have to 462 00:25:42,080 --> 00:25:44,240 Speaker 1: be that way. UM. And yes we have there are 463 00:25:44,320 --> 00:25:47,359 Speaker 1: certainly we have to respect and follow rules and approvals 464 00:25:47,400 --> 00:25:50,679 Speaker 1: and and and respect each other um in those ways. 465 00:25:50,760 --> 00:25:53,720 Speaker 1: But UM, I'll tell you, when you can inspire each 466 00:25:53,720 --> 00:25:57,160 Speaker 1: other creatively and dare to dream even bigger, you can 467 00:25:57,200 --> 00:25:58,919 Speaker 1: be you can be a multiplier for each other. And 468 00:25:58,920 --> 00:26:01,159 Speaker 1: I just I really leave that and I love it 469 00:26:01,160 --> 00:26:03,439 Speaker 1: when we can have partnerships like that with creative with 470 00:26:03,480 --> 00:26:06,600 Speaker 1: other creative I p hmm. I think, well, you know, 471 00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:10,840 Speaker 1: leading off with respect for the creative is definitely never 472 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:15,040 Speaker 1: a bad way. Talking to Hollywood, and with something like 473 00:26:15,080 --> 00:26:17,240 Speaker 1: a Star Wars and Lucas, you can you know, you 474 00:26:17,240 --> 00:26:20,159 Speaker 1: can see the value of a long term relationship with 475 00:26:20,280 --> 00:26:23,199 Speaker 1: the company like that. Are you seeing, um, are you 476 00:26:23,280 --> 00:26:26,840 Speaker 1: seeing like the Star Wars gaming franchises? Are those? Do 477 00:26:26,840 --> 00:26:29,200 Speaker 1: you feel like those are going as strong as ever? 478 00:26:29,720 --> 00:26:32,120 Speaker 1: You know, we've seen a little bit. I think even 479 00:26:32,200 --> 00:26:35,200 Speaker 1: Disney is thinking you know, they might have pushed the 480 00:26:35,240 --> 00:26:38,320 Speaker 1: gas a little high on Star Wars and Star Wars 481 00:26:38,359 --> 00:26:41,000 Speaker 1: related particularly in the feature realm, or seeing them tap 482 00:26:41,040 --> 00:26:43,879 Speaker 1: the brakes there for you seeing any softness in the 483 00:26:43,920 --> 00:26:48,480 Speaker 1: gaming side of the Star Wars franchise. Now we we um, 484 00:26:48,560 --> 00:26:51,480 Speaker 1: we just continue to see strength and growth and um 485 00:26:51,520 --> 00:26:54,640 Speaker 1: we there's a few areas that are fans and the 486 00:26:54,640 --> 00:26:57,879 Speaker 1: fans of Star Wars and fans of gaming are are 487 00:26:57,920 --> 00:27:01,120 Speaker 1: are very very passionate, and um, I think that there 488 00:27:01,160 --> 00:27:04,520 Speaker 1: are a lot of opportunities still on the table for 489 00:27:04,600 --> 00:27:07,399 Speaker 1: us to continue to pursue to bring this world to life, 490 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:11,520 Speaker 1: um for people. And there are many incredible veins of 491 00:27:11,760 --> 00:27:15,680 Speaker 1: fiction and characters and worlds within the Star Wars universe 492 00:27:15,680 --> 00:27:17,879 Speaker 1: that have still not even been tapped. And so I 493 00:27:18,280 --> 00:27:21,240 Speaker 1: think I just say that there's tremendous potential still and 494 00:27:21,359 --> 00:27:24,440 Speaker 1: um and with different threads in the in the Star 495 00:27:24,480 --> 00:27:28,320 Speaker 1: Wars world as well as different genres and gameplay styles 496 00:27:28,359 --> 00:27:31,880 Speaker 1: in gaming, and so there's still a big runway for us. 497 00:27:32,119 --> 00:27:34,240 Speaker 1: Um there are a lot of fan interest, a lot 498 00:27:34,240 --> 00:27:37,159 Speaker 1: of fan engagement, and um so I think that I 499 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:39,480 Speaker 1: and in many ways gaming could be just a really 500 00:27:39,480 --> 00:27:44,160 Speaker 1: great growth engine and um and and retention and engagement 501 00:27:44,200 --> 00:27:46,960 Speaker 1: for for Lucasfilm and Star Wars overall, and I think 502 00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:48,760 Speaker 1: they see it that way as well. Gaming is a 503 00:27:48,880 --> 00:27:51,800 Speaker 1: very relevant way for that brand to show up in 504 00:27:52,359 --> 00:27:55,400 Speaker 1: the market and for fans. I know, for a long time, 505 00:27:55,440 --> 00:27:58,199 Speaker 1: gaming was crucial, you know, for a long time when 506 00:27:58,240 --> 00:28:01,520 Speaker 1: there was a long period Star Wars films. For the 507 00:28:01,600 --> 00:28:03,960 Speaker 1: kind of the more recent way that that for sure, 508 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:07,080 Speaker 1: I know that executive there, gaming was crucial to keeping it, 509 00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:11,120 Speaker 1: to keeping the name the franchise vibrant with with younger 510 00:28:11,800 --> 00:28:17,119 Speaker 1: with younger users. Um do you typically with with Eddie 511 00:28:17,119 --> 00:28:19,040 Speaker 1: A would you typically like if you see a movie 512 00:28:19,080 --> 00:28:21,800 Speaker 1: that you think has game potential, would you chase that 513 00:28:21,880 --> 00:28:24,840 Speaker 1: with the studio or do you tend to like you 514 00:28:24,880 --> 00:28:27,600 Speaker 1: get I'm guessing a lot of incoming calls, probably even 515 00:28:27,920 --> 00:28:31,080 Speaker 1: well before a film is released, with people thinking smart, 516 00:28:31,119 --> 00:28:34,200 Speaker 1: you know, people thinking ahead like this could have applications 517 00:28:34,240 --> 00:28:37,120 Speaker 1: as a game. Is it a mix a boat or 518 00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:40,320 Speaker 1: how do you typically work with Hollywood? How do you 519 00:28:40,560 --> 00:28:45,040 Speaker 1: typically engage? Uh, it's just the start of a relationship 520 00:28:45,080 --> 00:28:46,920 Speaker 1: on a on a property or something that you might 521 00:28:46,960 --> 00:28:50,240 Speaker 1: want to license or partner. Yeah, I think it is 522 00:28:50,280 --> 00:28:52,480 Speaker 1: a little bit of both, like you said, and UM 523 00:28:52,480 --> 00:28:58,320 Speaker 1: but you know, the magic, the magic happens when it created. 524 00:28:58,400 --> 00:29:03,240 Speaker 1: Team in our game studios is just dying to bring 525 00:29:03,480 --> 00:29:06,080 Speaker 1: an ip to life and they get really motivated and 526 00:29:06,160 --> 00:29:09,600 Speaker 1: inspired and excited. And games are not Games are not 527 00:29:09,720 --> 00:29:14,320 Speaker 1: recreations of movies or TV series of games take the world, 528 00:29:14,320 --> 00:29:17,120 Speaker 1: they take care of they create new characters, um and 529 00:29:17,160 --> 00:29:21,160 Speaker 1: they and they create activity, They bring the world to life. 530 00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:23,160 Speaker 1: And so player enters into this world and has their 531 00:29:23,200 --> 00:29:25,920 Speaker 1: own Star Wars experience. UM. You know, has their own 532 00:29:26,040 --> 00:29:28,520 Speaker 1: Godfather experience. A lot of the reasons some of the 533 00:29:28,560 --> 00:29:31,480 Speaker 1: things that we've created, and I think that is that 534 00:29:31,480 --> 00:29:33,800 Speaker 1: that that is the magic. And so if you have 535 00:29:33,920 --> 00:29:37,280 Speaker 1: a team that is so inspired creatively that they want 536 00:29:37,320 --> 00:29:42,280 Speaker 1: to partner with a studio or a brand partner, UM 537 00:29:42,360 --> 00:29:45,720 Speaker 1: and they we oftentimes will connect them together and have 538 00:29:45,840 --> 00:29:47,640 Speaker 1: them sit and talk about what would it mean, what 539 00:29:47,640 --> 00:29:49,440 Speaker 1: would it mean for us to co create a game 540 00:29:49,480 --> 00:29:53,160 Speaker 1: experience together? UM. I I my early days of the industry, 541 00:29:53,560 --> 00:29:55,560 Speaker 1: I UM. In fact, I came to I would start 542 00:29:55,600 --> 00:29:57,560 Speaker 1: at Westwood Studios and we created a Command and Conquer 543 00:29:57,960 --> 00:29:59,480 Speaker 1: and one of the one of the first games I 544 00:29:59,520 --> 00:30:01,680 Speaker 1: worked on and my husband was the I met my 545 00:30:01,760 --> 00:30:04,040 Speaker 1: husband there and we were we working on Blade Runner together. 546 00:30:04,120 --> 00:30:05,920 Speaker 1: And Blade Runner like one of the reasons why I 547 00:30:05,920 --> 00:30:07,600 Speaker 1: went to the companies because they had the blade under 548 00:30:07,640 --> 00:30:10,080 Speaker 1: license and Blade Runner is just to bring the Blade 549 00:30:10,120 --> 00:30:13,040 Speaker 1: Runner world to life and have people walk through it 550 00:30:13,080 --> 00:30:15,840 Speaker 1: and experience it and be in it. Um was just 551 00:30:15,960 --> 00:30:18,360 Speaker 1: what was was magical. It's just it's it's just magic. 552 00:30:18,400 --> 00:30:20,720 Speaker 1: And so but again that like the deep inspiration comes 553 00:30:20,720 --> 00:30:23,640 Speaker 1: from the creative teams. UM. I have found that when 554 00:30:23,680 --> 00:30:26,920 Speaker 1: it's when it's an equation of, oh, this was a 555 00:30:27,040 --> 00:30:29,800 Speaker 1: very large movie and we have this game opportunity, we 556 00:30:29,800 --> 00:30:32,880 Speaker 1: should bring these together. Um. That that happens in the 557 00:30:32,880 --> 00:30:35,440 Speaker 1: industry for sure, but it's not it's not as it's 558 00:30:35,440 --> 00:30:38,640 Speaker 1: not the magic that you unlock or unleashed like we 559 00:30:38,840 --> 00:30:41,320 Speaker 1: have with Star Wars right now and their partnership and 560 00:30:41,360 --> 00:30:43,280 Speaker 1: the team we have a lot of um. You know, 561 00:30:43,280 --> 00:30:45,560 Speaker 1: our respond team is working on Star Wars games right 562 00:30:45,640 --> 00:30:47,720 Speaker 1: now and we have a great mobile game as well, 563 00:30:48,080 --> 00:30:50,800 Speaker 1: and they're just it's it's even a retention that thing 564 00:30:50,840 --> 00:30:53,200 Speaker 1: that they that these game creators can work in this 565 00:30:53,240 --> 00:30:56,040 Speaker 1: world that they've known and loved for so many years. UM, 566 00:30:56,040 --> 00:30:59,000 Speaker 1: it's something that's really inspiring to them. So that that's 567 00:30:59,000 --> 00:31:01,760 Speaker 1: why I look for them match up of the creative 568 00:31:01,800 --> 00:31:05,840 Speaker 1: love and interest with a brand partner. It's that it's 569 00:31:05,880 --> 00:31:09,120 Speaker 1: the passion for the creative process that drives the best results. 570 00:31:09,160 --> 00:31:16,000 Speaker 1: That that a clear commonality between guests. You know, UM, 571 00:31:16,040 --> 00:31:19,400 Speaker 1: we're certainly we've have read a lot seen that video 572 00:31:19,480 --> 00:31:23,160 Speaker 1: gaming as an opportunity for e commerce and for live 573 00:31:23,240 --> 00:31:28,320 Speaker 1: events within video within video gaming on streaming platforms are 574 00:31:28,480 --> 00:31:31,760 Speaker 1: seen as real opportunities and a lot of growth potential. 575 00:31:31,800 --> 00:31:34,640 Speaker 1: Is there anything in that arena that that e A 576 00:31:34,800 --> 00:31:40,080 Speaker 1: is working on? Well, you know, live services is when 577 00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:44,760 Speaker 1: we have our game framework in the world and UM 578 00:31:44,800 --> 00:31:46,960 Speaker 1: and we show up with events, we show up with 579 00:31:47,000 --> 00:31:51,200 Speaker 1: new content, we engage with players and UM and through 580 00:31:51,320 --> 00:31:55,640 Speaker 1: that there is UM you know, there are transactions where 581 00:31:55,640 --> 00:31:59,080 Speaker 1: where players buy content or they're buying UM an event. UM. 582 00:31:59,160 --> 00:32:01,880 Speaker 1: So that really is what UM as you know, as 583 00:32:01,880 --> 00:32:03,800 Speaker 1: you're saying e commerce, that that's what that looks like 584 00:32:04,000 --> 00:32:06,440 Speaker 1: UM in the world today and UM and we are 585 00:32:07,360 --> 00:32:09,800 Speaker 1: this is where players want to be and UM and 586 00:32:09,840 --> 00:32:12,479 Speaker 1: so we are investing quite a bit. And as I mentioned, 587 00:32:12,480 --> 00:32:15,360 Speaker 1: you know, for the pandemic last year we released four 588 00:32:15,440 --> 00:32:18,200 Speaker 1: hundred life service updates from players, so that this is 589 00:32:18,240 --> 00:32:21,040 Speaker 1: really what it means to show up and and and 590 00:32:21,120 --> 00:32:24,440 Speaker 1: connect with them on a very regular basis, and that 591 00:32:24,520 --> 00:32:28,080 Speaker 1: that's where our industry is going. There are games as well, 592 00:32:28,280 --> 00:32:32,080 Speaker 1: like our Apex game is free to play, so you 593 00:32:32,080 --> 00:32:34,960 Speaker 1: you enter into the game for free and UM and 594 00:32:35,120 --> 00:32:38,360 Speaker 1: it has it generates and creases great liquidity in the 595 00:32:38,360 --> 00:32:42,440 Speaker 1: community a lot of players, and then we offer players 596 00:32:42,480 --> 00:32:46,040 Speaker 1: to purchase weapons and vanity items like to you know, 597 00:32:46,120 --> 00:32:48,440 Speaker 1: kind of show badge of honor and things that they 598 00:32:48,520 --> 00:32:50,280 Speaker 1: you know, maybe have they they've earned the right to 599 00:32:51,000 --> 00:32:54,480 Speaker 1: UM have a special insignia or a special collector item 600 00:32:54,560 --> 00:32:56,880 Speaker 1: or something like that, and so that that is and 601 00:32:56,880 --> 00:32:59,080 Speaker 1: then they also to participate in events and so that 602 00:32:59,080 --> 00:33:01,760 Speaker 1: that is a great way for UM engagement where we 603 00:33:01,800 --> 00:33:03,680 Speaker 1: have this offering for everyone, and then that those that 604 00:33:03,760 --> 00:33:05,680 Speaker 1: want to take it a step further are able to 605 00:33:05,720 --> 00:33:08,640 Speaker 1: do that through UM, you know, through through through transaction. 606 00:33:09,360 --> 00:33:12,240 Speaker 1: We've been talking about e commerce for twenty years watching 607 00:33:12,240 --> 00:33:14,440 Speaker 1: a TV show. I like that sweater, I want to 608 00:33:14,480 --> 00:33:16,800 Speaker 1: buy it. But what you're talking about and what you know, 609 00:33:16,880 --> 00:33:19,720 Speaker 1: the examples that we've seen in recent in recent months 610 00:33:19,720 --> 00:33:23,080 Speaker 1: are are are pretty staggering. It is, it's I see, 611 00:33:23,120 --> 00:33:26,800 Speaker 1: it's another level of engagement. If you love something and 612 00:33:26,880 --> 00:33:28,720 Speaker 1: you want to spend more time in it, or you 613 00:33:28,760 --> 00:33:31,520 Speaker 1: want to go deeper into the world or have events, 614 00:33:31,520 --> 00:33:35,480 Speaker 1: what spends like the opportunities and the extensions, Um that 615 00:33:35,600 --> 00:33:38,440 Speaker 1: I think is are there is significant. I mean I've 616 00:33:38,520 --> 00:33:41,880 Speaker 1: I've played games that for years, you know, online games 617 00:33:41,880 --> 00:33:45,960 Speaker 1: that um, yeah, we you invest more in your character 618 00:33:46,400 --> 00:33:48,959 Speaker 1: or you want to build out, you know, a certain world, 619 00:33:49,040 --> 00:33:51,840 Speaker 1: or add to the inventory that you have, and it's 620 00:33:51,880 --> 00:33:53,920 Speaker 1: just to me, it's another engagement model that I think 621 00:33:53,960 --> 00:33:59,080 Speaker 1: is really meaningful to consumers. Do you think we've been 622 00:33:59,080 --> 00:34:01,480 Speaker 1: talking so much of the future is is very much 623 00:34:01,520 --> 00:34:05,120 Speaker 1: online and streaming on demand? Do you think that the 624 00:34:05,560 --> 00:34:09,640 Speaker 1: world the hardware world of of video gaming with set 625 00:34:09,640 --> 00:34:12,000 Speaker 1: top boxes? I mean, I know I realized that physical 626 00:34:12,040 --> 00:34:15,279 Speaker 1: disc is already going away, but that's the hardware. Do 627 00:34:15,320 --> 00:34:17,799 Speaker 1: you think that it's all gonna just come through it 628 00:34:18,200 --> 00:34:22,320 Speaker 1: through stream in the in you know, ten years, twenty 629 00:34:22,360 --> 00:34:29,200 Speaker 1: years time. Yeah, that is a great question. Um. Possibly. However, again, 630 00:34:29,239 --> 00:34:31,960 Speaker 1: I think this idea about yes, and um, I think 631 00:34:31,960 --> 00:34:34,920 Speaker 1: the idea about streaming and cloud is about accessibility and 632 00:34:35,000 --> 00:34:37,960 Speaker 1: playing anywhere. One of the things I love about our 633 00:34:37,960 --> 00:34:41,560 Speaker 1: industry is that we are a blockbuster entertainment business still, 634 00:34:41,640 --> 00:34:44,040 Speaker 1: and I just it's so fun and it's it's incredible, 635 00:34:44,080 --> 00:34:46,680 Speaker 1: And just like the movie industry, you could download pretty 636 00:34:46,760 --> 00:34:49,400 Speaker 1: much any movie to your TV or your iPad, you know, 637 00:34:49,520 --> 00:34:52,600 Speaker 1: gas core directors and creators like Nope, I'm watching everything 638 00:34:52,640 --> 00:34:55,080 Speaker 1: on my iPad let alone, sitting in a movie theater, 639 00:34:55,160 --> 00:35:00,000 Speaker 1: experiencing the incredible multi channels of sound and special effects 640 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:02,680 Speaker 1: and the characters larger than life. And so I would 641 00:35:02,680 --> 00:35:04,480 Speaker 1: like to think that there's potentially always going to be 642 00:35:04,480 --> 00:35:08,440 Speaker 1: a dimension of our industry of this blockbuster feel and experience. 643 00:35:08,480 --> 00:35:11,600 Speaker 1: And um, you know, hardware certainly provides that kind of 644 00:35:11,640 --> 00:35:15,600 Speaker 1: processing power locally, um for the experience. But you know, 645 00:35:15,640 --> 00:35:17,840 Speaker 1: to your point twenty years from now, UM you know, 646 00:35:17,880 --> 00:35:20,200 Speaker 1: based on infrastructure and UM that that that there's a 647 00:35:20,200 --> 00:35:23,279 Speaker 1: world where the processing and the graphics and anything are 648 00:35:23,320 --> 00:35:26,160 Speaker 1: are better served by streaming and cloud. UM that will 649 00:35:26,200 --> 00:35:28,960 Speaker 1: come into the living room. But UM, you know, I 650 00:35:29,000 --> 00:35:31,640 Speaker 1: I look at our industry and innovation and tech as 651 00:35:31,680 --> 00:35:33,520 Speaker 1: I'm sure you do too. As you're thinking about entertainment, 652 00:35:33,560 --> 00:35:36,839 Speaker 1: it's kind of been five year increments because you know 653 00:35:37,080 --> 00:35:38,560 Speaker 1: you have to pace yourself a little bit about what 654 00:35:38,640 --> 00:35:41,239 Speaker 1: you know with the possibilities are so if I think 655 00:35:41,280 --> 00:35:43,280 Speaker 1: there'll be a combination of both for a little while. 656 00:35:44,120 --> 00:35:47,040 Speaker 1: My last question for you is, I would love to 657 00:35:47,080 --> 00:35:49,239 Speaker 1: know in your experience, and we've been with e A 658 00:35:49,360 --> 00:35:52,600 Speaker 1: for for many years now, what was it in your background, 659 00:35:52,600 --> 00:35:55,279 Speaker 1: whether a EA or aforecoming d e A, what was 660 00:35:55,320 --> 00:35:58,640 Speaker 1: it that you think that really what what was something 661 00:35:58,680 --> 00:36:03,120 Speaker 1: in your previous experience that prepared you best prepared you 662 00:36:03,520 --> 00:36:09,080 Speaker 1: for the job you have now. Well, I started in 663 00:36:09,200 --> 00:36:13,160 Speaker 1: architecture and design before I came into gaming, And what 664 00:36:13,320 --> 00:36:16,919 Speaker 1: drew me to gaming the most was UM was being 665 00:36:16,920 --> 00:36:19,120 Speaker 1: able to go online and play with other people. So 666 00:36:19,200 --> 00:36:21,640 Speaker 1: the idea that you could have this shared experience with 667 00:36:21,680 --> 00:36:25,560 Speaker 1: other people was super interesting to me, and UM and 668 00:36:25,560 --> 00:36:29,400 Speaker 1: and and brought me into this incredible industry and media. 669 00:36:29,400 --> 00:36:31,359 Speaker 1: And I feel very fortunate to have had a great 670 00:36:31,360 --> 00:36:35,840 Speaker 1: career in that UM and I think that the process 671 00:36:36,040 --> 00:36:38,080 Speaker 1: of I just have always have had this great into 672 00:36:38,200 --> 00:36:42,720 Speaker 1: this deep intellectual curiosity about UM, new things in human 673 00:36:42,760 --> 00:36:46,319 Speaker 1: connection and UM and form and following function and you 674 00:36:46,320 --> 00:36:51,239 Speaker 1: know how you think about the possibilities versus using an 675 00:36:51,239 --> 00:36:54,160 Speaker 1: old playbook and keep iterating and being incremental about something. 676 00:36:54,200 --> 00:36:57,440 Speaker 1: And so I think that starting in architecture and design 677 00:36:57,560 --> 00:37:01,239 Speaker 1: and daring to think about the problem and how to 678 00:37:01,280 --> 00:37:04,160 Speaker 1: design a solution. UM, and then and then just having 679 00:37:04,200 --> 00:37:07,520 Speaker 1: the intellectual curiosity and allowing my intellectual curiosity to lead 680 00:37:07,560 --> 00:37:10,719 Speaker 1: me to multiple roles through my career. UM. So as 681 00:37:10,719 --> 00:37:12,920 Speaker 1: I came into gaming and being even being in gaming, 682 00:37:12,960 --> 00:37:16,439 Speaker 1: I had many different responsibilities through marketing and sales. Data 683 00:37:16,480 --> 00:37:19,239 Speaker 1: and analytics was one of my favorite responsibilities that I 684 00:37:19,280 --> 00:37:23,720 Speaker 1: had and the all roads for me being a CEO 685 00:37:23,840 --> 00:37:26,160 Speaker 1: at a company like Electronic Arts, all roads led to 686 00:37:26,239 --> 00:37:29,319 Speaker 1: this because now I have had a deep understanding of 687 00:37:29,320 --> 00:37:32,960 Speaker 1: our studio organization, of our marketing organization, of our business 688 00:37:33,360 --> 00:37:37,000 Speaker 1: data and analytics about our players. And so the convergence 689 00:37:37,160 --> 00:37:40,839 Speaker 1: of these things in most businesses today, certainly electronic arts 690 00:37:40,840 --> 00:37:43,880 Speaker 1: and gaming UM, but the conversions of so many things 691 00:37:43,920 --> 00:37:46,080 Speaker 1: coming together and being far more vertical and how you 692 00:37:46,120 --> 00:37:51,239 Speaker 1: think about UM, the business opportunities, your consumer UM you know, 693 00:37:51,280 --> 00:37:54,680 Speaker 1: opportunities and benefits for them UM all have come together 694 00:37:54,800 --> 00:37:57,120 Speaker 1: and so UM I think the idea of being open 695 00:37:57,440 --> 00:38:01,799 Speaker 1: to ideas and many different things. UM. The culmination of 696 00:38:01,840 --> 00:38:04,360 Speaker 1: all these experiences, even the GM of Star Wars you 697 00:38:04,360 --> 00:38:07,040 Speaker 1: know brought me here, and UM, I have a certain 698 00:38:07,120 --> 00:38:11,200 Speaker 1: purview and experiences to help integrate and help us move 699 00:38:11,280 --> 00:38:14,640 Speaker 1: faster UM as we innovate and think differently about the future. 700 00:38:20,840 --> 00:38:24,240 Speaker 1: Thanks for listening. Be sure to go to Variety dot com, 701 00:38:24,400 --> 00:38:27,000 Speaker 1: find the newsletters tab and sign up for the news 702 00:38:27,040 --> 00:38:30,200 Speaker 1: Strictly Business newsletter, and be sure to tune in next 703 00:38:30,200 --> 00:38:32,600 Speaker 1: week for another episode of Strictly Business.