Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to oversee Xbox business

4.6
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will oversee the firm's Xbox business following the departure of the former head of Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick.


It was confirmed today that Mattrick has been appointed chief executive at social games firm Zynga, effective July 8, 2013.

In an internal email sent by Ballmer today, shared online via official Microsoft channels, the CEO advised Mattrick's directs to report to Ballmer himself, as it appears the company has no immediate replacement for the departing exec.

It's unclear if this is a temporary measure, or if Microsoft is actively seeking a candidate for the position, which will be crucial as the November launch of Xbox One approaches.

Here's the email in full:

"Zynga announced today that Don Mattrick would be its new CEO, effective July 8. This is a great opportunity for Don, and I wish him success. Don's directs will report to me and will continue to drive the day-to-day business as a team, particularly focused on shipping Xbox One this holiday.

"Since joining IEB more than six years ago, Don and his team have accomplished much. Xbox Live members grew from 6 million to 48 million. Xbox 360 became the No. 1 selling console in North America the past two years. We introduced Kinect and have sold more than 24 million sensors. We released fantastic games, and, most importantly, we expanded Xbox to go beyond great gaming to deliver all the entertainment people want - sports, music, movies, live television and much more.

"In the past month, the IEB team showed for the first time here on our Redmond campus, and again at E3, how we are going to continue to transform entertainment with Xbox One. I am incredibly proud of the work and vision culminating in Xbox One.

"I'm particularly excited about how Xbox pushes forward our devices and services transformation by bringing together the best of Microsoft. The consoles are incredible all-in-one devices with built-in services that consumers love, including Bing, Xbox Live, Internet Explorer, SkyDrive and Skype. And, just as important, Xbox Games, Xbox Video, Xbox Music and SmartGlass light up Windows PCs, tablets and phones.

"Thank you, Don, for setting us on a path to completely redefine the entertainment industry. The strong leadership team at IEB and their teams are well positioned to deliver the next-generation entertainment console, as well as transformative entertainment experiences, long into the future."

Mattrick's departure comes several months ahead of the global launch of Microsoft's third major games console.

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/417164/microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-to-oversee-xbox-business/

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MentalistPosted:

imgur
Reeve
BDB
Katsumi
BDB
Katsumi
Busselton
Katsumi I wonder how this will turn out for Microsoft.. This isn't really looking good for them


Not one bit lol, I hope something good happens for them, for the fate of the new Xbox.


Microsoft has been going down hill as of late in my opinion. Windows 8 didn't sell very well at all, The bad publicity surrounding the Xbox One also isn't helping. If Steve Balmer can turn things around then that would be great


True, their going to end up like Nintendo soon :)


Don't forget that Nintendo has the 3DS which is selling really well at the moment, i own one and think that it's a great handheld. Microsoft is demanding more money from their consumers while Nintendo is being a little move relaxed with it


I honestly forgot about that, I might pick one up :)


i have one there amazing.


I returned mine within a week...


Haha, I'm thinking about getting one, I have the nnormal DS so I don't know what to do?

MentalistPosted:

imgur
Reeve
BDB I wonder how the dice will roll for Microsoft.


its a weird situation.


Not really, the Xbox will bring in huge profit, they'll be okay.


Probably but I still wonder whats gonna happen.

imgurPosted:

Reeve
BDB I wonder how the dice will roll for Microsoft.


its a weird situation.


Not really, the Xbox will bring in huge profit, they'll be okay.

imgurPosted:

Reeve
BDB
Katsumi
BDB
Katsumi
Busselton
Katsumi I wonder how this will turn out for Microsoft.. This isn't really looking good for them


Not one bit lol, I hope something good happens for them, for the fate of the new Xbox.


Microsoft has been going down hill as of late in my opinion. Windows 8 didn't sell very well at all, The bad publicity surrounding the Xbox One also isn't helping. If Steve Balmer can turn things around then that would be great


True, their going to end up like Nintendo soon :)


Don't forget that Nintendo has the 3DS which is selling really well at the moment, i own one and think that it's a great handheld. Microsoft is demanding more money from their consumers while Nintendo is being a little move relaxed with it


I honestly forgot about that, I might pick one up :)


i have one there amazing.


I returned mine within a week...

ReevePosted:

BDB
Katsumi
BDB
Katsumi
Busselton
Katsumi I wonder how this will turn out for Microsoft.. This isn't really looking good for them


Not one bit lol, I hope something good happens for them, for the fate of the new Xbox.


Microsoft has been going down hill as of late in my opinion. Windows 8 didn't sell very well at all, The bad publicity surrounding the Xbox One also isn't helping. If Steve Balmer can turn things around then that would be great


True, their going to end up like Nintendo soon :)


Don't forget that Nintendo has the 3DS which is selling really well at the moment, i own one and think that it's a great handheld. Microsoft is demanding more money from their consumers while Nintendo is being a little move relaxed with it


I honestly forgot about that, I might pick one up :)


i have one there amazing.

ReevePosted:

BDB I wonder how the dice will roll for Microsoft.


its a weird situation.

MentalistPosted:

I wonder how the dice will roll for Microsoft.

MentalistPosted:

Katsumi
BDB
Katsumi
Busselton
Katsumi I wonder how this will turn out for Microsoft.. This isn't really looking good for them


Not one bit lol, I hope something good happens for them, for the fate of the new Xbox.


Microsoft has been going down hill as of late in my opinion. Windows 8 didn't sell very well at all, The bad publicity surrounding the Xbox One also isn't helping. If Steve Balmer can turn things around then that would be great


True, their going to end up like Nintendo soon :)


Don't forget that Nintendo has the 3DS which is selling really well at the moment, i own one and think that it's a great handheld. Microsoft is demanding more money from their consumers while Nintendo is being a little move relaxed with it


I honestly forgot about that, I might pick one up :)

KatsumiPosted:

BDB
Katsumi
Busselton
Katsumi I wonder how this will turn out for Microsoft.. This isn't really looking good for them


Not one bit lol, I hope something good happens for them, for the fate of the new Xbox.


Microsoft has been going down hill as of late in my opinion. Windows 8 didn't sell very well at all, The bad publicity surrounding the Xbox One also isn't helping. If Steve Balmer can turn things around then that would be great


True, their going to end up like Nintendo soon :)


Don't forget that Nintendo has the 3DS which is selling really well at the moment, i own one and think that it's a great handheld. Microsoft is demanding more money from their consumers while Nintendo is being a little move relaxed with it

MentalistPosted:

Katsumi
Busselton
Katsumi I wonder how this will turn out for Microsoft.. This isn't really looking good for them


Not one bit lol, I hope something good happens for them, for the fate of the new Xbox.


Microsoft has been going down hill as of late in my opinion. Windows 8 didn't sell very well at all, The bad publicity surrounding the Xbox One also isn't helping. If Steve Balmer can turn things around then that would be great


True, their going to end up like Nintendo soon :)


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