don mattrick

Yesterday it was announced that Don Mattrick, president of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business division, would be leaving the company to pursue a career as CEO of social games giant Zynga. The news comes less than two months after the reveal of the Xbox One. Mattrick joined Microsoft in 2007 following his retirement from Electronic Arts in 2006. During his time at Microsoft Xbox LIVE memberships increased 800%, from 6 to 48 million, respectively. The Xbox 360 install base also saw a similar leap, jumping from 10 to 76 million in six years. Mattrick was also influential in the launch of Kinect, which has sold over 24 million units despite mixed feelings from consumers. Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer will temporarily handle Mattrick’s duties as no successor has been announced.

But with all of this one can’t help but why Mattrick chose now to jump ship. It’s no secret that the reveal of the Xbox One and its original DRM policies have been a public relations nightmare, but on the inverse moves like this are often months in the works. Perhaps Mattrick simply felt his work was done and saw opportunities elsewhere. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Microsoft