Don Mattrick is leaving Microsoft, heading to Zynga: report

Xbox

July 1, 2013

Update:

Zynga has confirmed via a press statement that Don Mattirck is the company’s new CEO. Zynga founder and current CEO, Mark Pincus will operate as chairman and chief product officer.

Original story:

According to a report on All Things D, who is citing “multiple sources close to the situation”, president of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Division (which includes Xbox), Don Mattrick will soon be leaving the company.

It is reported that Mattrick will be joining Zynga – possibly as CEO, which will see Zynga founder and current CEO Mark Pincus vacating the position. Sources say that Mattrick’s appointment could be made public at the close of (US) business on 1 July 2013.

All Things D contacted both Microsoft and Zynga for comment, but was given none.

While some gamers might jump to the conclusion that the bungled presentation of Xbox One during E3 2013 (lead by Mattrick), and the subsequent reversal of contentious DRM policies, is to blame for his move, it’s unlikely. All Things D sources say that talks between Zynga and Mattrick have been going on for some time.

Mattrick joined Microsoft as a top-level executive in 2007, and he lead a very successful period for the Xbox division, showing huge growth in console install base (near 80-million) and Xbox Live subscriptions (near 50-million). Prior to his tenure at Microsoft, Mattrick spent 25 years at EA where he held various roles, including President of Worldwide Studios.

Mattrick clearly likes a challenge, as Zynga has been struggling for some time following its public listing. Mobile devices ate into its desktop-centric social media audience, its Farmville glory days are long gone, it is plagued by lawsuits, and many studios have been closed and lay-offs made.