Intro
Michael Thompson is a UX and game designer turned educator who has worked on some of the world’s biggest titles, including FIFA, NBA Live, and Need for Speed. After nearly two decades in the video game industry, he transitioned into teaching, helping the next generation of designers learn how to create meaningful, immersive experiences.
In this conversation, Michael shares how he went from growing up on Vancouver Island to working at Electronic Arts and Ubisoft, the creative highs and burnout that come with game development, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became his lifelong anchor. We talk about creativity, perseverance, and what both games and martial arts can teach us about learning, ego, and endurance.
Story Highlights
- Moving from Vancouver Island to Singapore to join Electronic Arts
- The reality behind “dream jobs” in the gaming industry
- Working on major franchises like FIFA, NBA Live, and Need for Speed
- The challenges of creative burnout and career transition
- What 20 years of Jiu-Jitsu taught him about persistence and humility
Quote
“If anything, Jiu-Jitsu has taught me it’s just perseverance. You keep going in any endeavor, whether it’s a career-based endeavor or something in your life. Most people, most of the time, will quit. If you just keep going, you’re going to be the successful one at the end.”
About Michael Thompson
Michael Thompson is a Canadian UX and game designer, educator, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt based in Singapore. Over his career, he has held senior roles at Electronic Arts and Ubisoft, contributing to global franchises such as FIFA Online, NBA Live, and Ghost Recon Phantoms. Today, he teaches at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Singapore, where he trains aspiring designers to combine technical skill with creative empathy. Outside the classroom, he continues to train and teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at FAMA and SG Grappling.
Why This Conversation Matters
Michael’s story bridges two worlds — the creativity of game design and the discipline of martial arts. His reflections on failure, teaching, and consistency reveal how mastery is built over time, not through talent alone. Whether in art, sport, or life, his message is simple: stay curious, keep showing up, and never stop learning.
Turning Points
After more than 15 years in the games industry, Michael hit a wall. The long hours, intense deadlines, and constant creative churn had taken their toll. He decided to pivot to teaching, first at Singapore Polytechnic and later at DigiPen. In parallel, he deepened his commitment to Jiu-Jitsu — a practice that taught him patience, humility, and resilience. His journey from “dream job” to meaningful work reflects how success can evolve from ambition to impact.
Key Lessons
- Dream jobs have trade-offs. Passion doesn’t erase pressure.
- Persistence beats talent. Keep showing up — that’s how you get better.
- Creativity is discipline. The best ideas come from consistency, not chaos.
- Teaching gives perspective. Sharing knowledge sharpens your own craft.
- Movement is meditation. Physical practice grounds the mind.
If You Enjoyed This Episode
You might also like:
- Glen Lee on Fighting, Focus, and Making an Impact Beyond the Mats — balancing competition and purpose.
- Rob Lilwall on Adventure, Resilience, and the Courage to Keep Going — about perseverance and change.