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For those of us that grew up a Black household, you know Madden NFL isn’t just a game—it’s a lifestyle. For decades, it’s been the go-to for calling out your friends, bonding with family, and turning up with friends in ways only a gaming session can deliver. And now, the mastermind behind it all, Trip Hawkins, is getting his well-deserved shine in the new documentary, It’s in the Game. As the founder of Electronic Arts (EA) and the brain behind Madden NFL, Hawkins gave us a game that’s not only iconic but deeply connected to how we see sports, gaming, and even ourselves.
When Madden dropped, it brought more than just football to the screen—it brought the culture together. From the neighborhood block parties, and cookouts, to staying up for 24 hours at a sleepover with your cousins, Madden wasn’t just entertainment; it was where champions were made. The trash talk? Unmatched. The competition? Heated. And let’s not forget how the game made us feel like we had skin in the game—literally. Seeing players who looked like us dominating on the field was a moment of pride that hit different, especially for a generation that didn’t always feel represented in the gaming world.
At CXM, we have a deep appreciation for Trip Hawkins, let's take a deeper dive into why that is.
1.) Trip Hawkins Leveled The Playing Field in Gaming
When Trip Hawkins dropped Madden, he wasn’t just making a video game—he was giving the culture something to rally around. This wasn’t just about throwing touchdowns or hitting sticks; it was about belonging. For so many of us, especially in the Black community, Madden became a space where skill, strategy, and smack talk reigned supreme. It didn’t matter if you grew up throwing a football or just watching games on Sunday—once you picked up that controller, you were on the field, calling plays like you were Vince Lombardi. And let’s be real, seeing players who looked like us, balling out on-screen, hit different. It reminded us that this was our game too, and we had every right to run it.
2.) Madden Shaped the Future of Gaming
Beyond just being fun to play, Madden changed the game for good—literally. It showed us that gaming wasn’t just a way to pass time; it was a way to flex our creativity and where some of us learned strategy. From custom teams, playbooks, and even the soundtrack with fire hip-hop tracks—it all screamed us. For a lot of Black gamers, Madden was the gateway to bigger dreams in esports and gaming careers. It taught us that we could do more than play—we could dominate, innovate, and own the space. And if you’ve ever been in a room with folks yelling over a game of Madden, you know it’s more than competition—it’s just pure culture. From running the score up on your cousins to calling out “stop cheesing” when someone spams the same play, Madden made every match feel like the Super Bowl.
Now let's talk about Trip Hawkins’ Legacy. Trip Hawkins didn’t just create a game—he created a movement. Madden NFL didn’t just give us a way to play football; it gave us a way to connect, compete, and express ourselves. Now, as an advisor to Cxmmunity Media, Hawkins is still changing the game, helping amplify voices in the gaming world and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.
Delighted to spend time in Santa Barbara with eSports entrepreneur Ryan Johnson @cxmmunity.co wonderful human working on great things that the world needs now! #hbcuesports#esports#entrepreneur#cxmmunity#videogames#compete#succeed
If you’ve ever thrown a touchdown pass in Madden or hit someone with a perfectly timed juke, you owe that moment to Trip Hawkins.
And now, his story is being told in It’s in the Game, a must-watch for anyone who’s ever loved gaming, sports, or the culture. Trip didn’t just build a game; he built a legacy—and we’re all better for it.
