It was confirmed overnight that Don Mattrick has resigned from Microsoft to take on the role of CEO at Zynga - a move that comes five months before the launch of the Xbox One, and weeks after Microsoft revealed its change to its DRM policies.

IDC research manager Lewis Ward said to GamesIndustry International, "the timing seems awful to me. I could see Mr. Mattrick departing for greener pastures a year after the Xbox One launches, but to exit 5 months before the new platform arrives strikes me as strange."

Ward suggests that "MS performed an internal review of how the Xbox One chose its misguided DRM and connected console strategy (before the post-E3 'Xbox 180') and found the buck stopped with Mattrick."

"Perhaps some reason related to the broader Microsoft reorg will come to light in the next few weeks but it's hard not to read this departure as a referendum on the current status of Xbox One, and Microsoft is clearly looking for a new direction," Ward continued.

Independent analyst Billy Pidgeon says that the move may be the best thing for Microsoft, suggesting that "Microsoft's turnaround on the initial digital policy for Xbox One provided a great opportunity for Don Mattrick to leave. Microsoft can announce a new Xbox business leader and the executive shift will play as part of the strategic change for Xbox One without much negative effect on the impending launch."

EEDAR's Jesse Divnich doesn't see Mattrick's departure has a hindrance to the company, explaining that "Don's been an industry pioneer and a key catalyst to Microsoft's success in video games. He's leaving behind a well-crafted and very skilled team of executives that are perfectly capable of carrying the torch." Divinch also believes Mattrick, and Microsoft, deserve credit for taking an "active listening approach to their consumers and reversed key business policies as quickly as they did."

As for Mattrick's move to Zynga, Ward's shock was apparent: "Going to Zynga?! This is worthy of an SNL segment, 'Really?!? with Seth Meyers'." Before questioning "why would Mattrick leave Xbox for a troubled company like Zynga?!"

Pidgeon shares Ward's view saying, "turning Zynga's fortunes around may be even beyond the talents of Don Mattrick."

RW Baird's Colin Sebastian was a little more optimistic about Mattrick's new position, calling him a "good catch", and a positive development for Zynga."

Posted: Jul 01, 2013 8:41 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/417175/mixed-opinions-from-industry-analysts-on-don-mattricks-move-to-zynga/