A few weeks ago, Peter Moore left Microsoft for EA Sports, while former EA president Don Mattrick stepped in to fill the lovable Brit’s shoes. At the time, rumors began buzzing that Microsoft and EA were up to something.
Is there any truth to that rumor? I don’t know. What I DO know, is that another EA executive has just landed at Microsoft.
John Schappert, most recently executive vice president at EA, will be joining Microsoft in a new position as the corporate vice president of LIVE, software and services.
At EA, Schappert oversaw things such as central technology operations and was the chief operrating officer of worldwide studios. He also oversaw the creation of the Madden franchise, and originally worked on it as a programmer.
Former EA boss and current Microsoft boss Don Mattrick said of the move: "I am thrilled to have John join the deep bench of proven talent already on Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. John’s expertise will help us focus on expanding and enriching our market leadership with LIVE in areas like online services while broadening our audience. John will also build on the great work already happening in the developer community working with Chris Satchell and the XNA organization."
Microsoft adds another experience-laden guy to their team, and gamers have more evidence for their conspiracy theories. It’s win-win, really.
