Don Mattrick, President of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment unit and the face for much of the Xbox One hate, is leaving Microsoft to join Zynga as CEO. Have all the horrible memes driven him to career suicide?
In a weird turnaround, yet another 180 for Mattrick, he is jumping ship and moving to the mobile gaming company that many wrote off as a sinking ship. Remember, Zynga has just gone through more huge retrenchments. It appears that he was brought on board to turn things around at the floundering Zynga, but I’m not too sure there’s much hope for him – Zynga has seriously squandered a powerful position in the market. However, he is apparently highly sought after – sources also hint that he was on the short list to come on at EA as CEO. Could one of the factors in his move be his longstanding desire to move back to the Bay area (San Francisco area)?
Sources also say that the talks have been going for some time – this is not related to the restructuring being considered by CEO Steve Ballmer. It appears that Mattrick made the choice to move and was not pushed out, but we may hear otherwise in the weeks to come.
Explaining himself in an open letter to Zynga employees:
More than 1 billion people have installed a Zynga game across web and mobile and popular franchises like FarmVille and Words With Friends are a daily habit for millions of people. It’s a staggering milestone that speaks to the mass market opportunity ahead of all of us.
I joined Zynga because I believe that Mark’s pioneering vision and mission to connect the world through games is just getting started. As Mark was recruiting me to come here, I was impressed by his creativity, drive and the clarity in which he sees the future of games and entertainment as a core consumer experience.
Zynga is a great business that has yet to realize its full potential. I’m really proud to partner with a product focused founder like Mark and work with the executive team to grow the DNA of the company and lead this transition.
This could be bad news for Microsoft, who sources say does not have anyone to replace Mattrick as gaming product head. That said, it could be good for them to get a change of face in there – I wonder who will step in to fill those shoes. In the meantime, apparently everything will go through Steve Ballmer:
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.
Still, it’s hard not to wonder what this means for Xbox One, and if we will see Microsoft move in a new direction after this.
Last Updated: July 2, 2013
matthurstrsa
July 2, 2013 at 07:08
“Zynga is a great business”
Only because its made money, not in the way its run. Stealing ideas, nickel and diming consumers, blatantly copying games. These are all the Zynga way. Good luck to him though.
Trevor Davies
July 2, 2013 at 08:37
That’s why it’s a great business, not a great company 😉
Kromas
July 2, 2013 at 11:22
So its pretty much like Microsoft,Apple,Sony and every major corporation that has ever existed?
matthurstrsa
July 2, 2013 at 11:24
Yeah, but most at least try and hide it in some way, they do it unashamedly. They have a terrible rep, even among big corporates, which have terrible reputations to start off because of the very things I mentioned.
Kromas
July 2, 2013 at 11:37
Apple did not even try to hide it in the 80s. Yet they were loved by a lot of people back then.
matthurstrsa
July 2, 2013 at 11:39
Yeah, that’s wrong. Companies get away with far too much if you ask me. Don’t trust any of them for a second. Except CD Projekt Red.
Kromas
July 2, 2013 at 11:41
True that brother. All hail Geralt of Rivia! Master of killing monsters …. and DRM policies!
LordCaptainAwesomeness
July 2, 2013 at 07:20
Bwaa haaa
Thanks Zoe for making me so happy, so early in the morning
RinceWind
July 2, 2013 at 09:08
I know hey, huge smile on my face, and I’ve only had one coffee! WIN! Alrighty!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 2, 2013 at 07:21
Okay did not really see that one coming … AT ALL … Don for Zynga …. I thought he would head EA … not join Zynga
Dean
July 2, 2013 at 07:33
Well, since he likes always online suppose it makes sense to jump to a social online gaming developer.
But seriously, I thought the guys were still under investigation for insider trading, when the top brass sold all their shares before posting their losses? What the hell is this guy thinking.
Jonah Cash
July 2, 2013 at 07:34
Just like with the DRM he is quite clearly not thinking!! I think his wife is trolling him with all these bad ideas and then she forces him to implement it!!!
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 07:34
Ok. That’s a shocker. I guess it makes sense that he would want to leave. He had a vision for the XBox and well, people really did force him to abandon that vision (for the time anyway. Although the choice now is still a better one) so one can understand why he would want to leave MS.
But move over to Zynga? Really? Surely there must have been far more lucrative offers out there?
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 2, 2013 at 07:36
I wonder if it has anything to do with the One. Such a huge move does not happen in a month, talks had to be going on for a while now. that or MS is using him as a scapegoat as they did with Oarth
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 07:39
Not sure. Could be. But I am sure this must have at least a little revolving around the XBoxOne debacle. Or at least be the straw that broke the camel’s back kind of thing.
I may naturally be very wrong and he just needs a change like we all sometimes do
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 2, 2013 at 07:48
Indeed, hard to tell really. I wonder if he will make a change at Zynga , despite everything he is a highly intelligent guy
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 07:50
One must give credit where due. I am sure he could make some changes and considering Zynga is online anyway he should be in his element
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 2, 2013 at 07:59
Indeed hey … well I do hope he can achieve some of his vision there
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:01
We need more rumors.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 09:02
Sarcasm? I’m not spreading rumors, I am giving what I believe may be. As I said, I could be wrong. Nothing I state is fact
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:21
Not Sarcasm but the only way we are going to get close to the truth will be with rumors.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 09:21
Ah yes. I see what you mean. My bad sorry.
I doubt he is going to release any official statement as to why though
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:27
Dont worry I could have stated it better.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 09:28
No worries 🙂
CaptainNemo42
July 2, 2013 at 07:45
Vision? I think his vision was to swim through mountains of gold like Scrooge McDuck. But yes, people did force him to abandon that vision due to not biting into the forced DRM they were trying to sell us.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 07:48
As I said, the better choice was made by removing all the DRM. Just trying to imagine what I would feel if a project I worked on for years was suddenly turned inside out.
CaptainNemo42
July 2, 2013 at 07:53
Yeah, I think it would be heart breaking. But, that being said. I think he should have seen it coming.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 07:54
Yeah, can not argue with that
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:02
I agree
RinceWind
July 2, 2013 at 09:09
I heard that Mac Donlads have already met their quote for the year, he had limited options…
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 09:15
hehehehe
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 07:35
Also, this header needs to win header of the week. Just saying, that play on words is masterfully executed
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 2, 2013 at 07:36
Just because you like BBT lol
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 07:38
Well, yes
Martin du preez
July 2, 2013 at 07:43
shhhh no words only clouds now
Jonah Cash
July 2, 2013 at 07:44
Just found this over on Gamespot…..
Gavin Mannion
July 2, 2013 at 07:47
Who else thinks he went to Zynga because all Zynga games are always online?
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 2, 2013 at 07:48
We were all thinking it. You just said it.
PS: Happy Birthday for yesterday. Only saw the ION this morning
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
July 2, 2013 at 08:02
*raises hand*
HvR
July 2, 2013 at 08:15
was typing the same thing until I saw your comment.
Ultimo_Cleric N7
July 2, 2013 at 08:40
OH YOU!
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 08:53
Me, O Me.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
July 2, 2013 at 08:55
He wen there for the money too. CEO’s don’t get small change.
CaptainNemo42
July 2, 2013 at 07:48
So Don Mattrick wanted to go in One direction but nobody liked it and he does a 180 on DRM, but then does another direction change and goes to Zynga, where he will try to turn a sinking ship around. I’m confused, but which direction is he actually going at the moment?
Trevor Davies
July 2, 2013 at 08:34
Down 🙂
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 08:54
He is trying for straight down at the moment.
Martin du preez
July 2, 2013 at 07:52
Let the spinning begin… “no no…. this was planned before hand, he’s not being fired, he’s leaving to look for new opportunities” LOL… and if you believe that you’re an idiot.
Now they need to drop that Larry Hyrb tool. What a douche he is. 4 days prior to the XBOX “180”, claiming they cant just reverse their policies, its not that easy… talking down to Angry Joe like he’s stupid.
CaptainNemo42
July 2, 2013 at 07:58
I think ol Stevie is not too happy with the way the whole Xbone debacle went about. He might be swinging that might fire axe around a bit over at Redmond.
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:07
Or Bill got involved. I think that if Stevie got a call from Bill he would need new underwear. I know that Bill has technically got nothing to do with this but you cant tell me that he does not still wield unbelievable power there.
CaptainNemo42
July 2, 2013 at 09:12
Ha, imagine that phone call:
Bill: Hey Steve, how are you?
Steve: Good and you Billy?
Bill: I’m great, I just placed my pre-order for a Playstation 4. I can’t wait.
Steve: Why Bill? We have our own console competing with the PS4.
Bill: Because your people fucked up Steve. Not sure if I should trust them with my money.
Steve: …
Bill: You still there Steve?
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:18
The conversation with Don would have gone the same way as the part in Hot Fuzz when then gave Nicolas Angel his promotion to Sargeant.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 2, 2013 at 09:21
Angel: Do I have any choice in this?
Sergeant: Neeeeo
ElNicko
July 2, 2013 at 08:06
Watched that show , and he did look like a Major Douche (salute to Major Douch) when he was chatting to Joe.
Joe response to M$’s 180 was classic , including bits of the original chat he had with major nelson.
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:04
Angry Joe also commented on that point. Very Funny. Time to demote the Major to a private.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
July 2, 2013 at 11:27
Private Nelson more like it.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
July 2, 2013 at 11:27
I used to think Larry was cool, but that Angry Joe interview really shed some light on the guy. He needs to join The Jacket at Zynga. Also, throw out that Kudo Tsunodo clown as well. They can all go play online poker at Zynga.
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
July 2, 2013 at 08:02
DAT FACE
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
July 2, 2013 at 08:15
Can only imagine old Steve saying to Don:
“YOU HAVE FAILED ME FOR THE LAST TIME”
[force choke]
HvR
July 2, 2013 at 08:22
So who is pitching in for Don’s farewell present, heard from my soruce in M$ that top of the list is a Home Colonic Spa Machine. It can even perform mint coffee enema because Don needs to have a minty fresh breath in the morning.
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:08
No it will be an Xbox One with all the policies in place and a 360 when he cant use that one.
Argentil
July 2, 2013 at 08:22
His timing could have been better. This is not great PR for the Xbox brand.
Trevor Davies
July 2, 2013 at 08:36
If horrible memes have driven him to this, then you’re not helping with, “BaZynga.”
Ultimo_Cleric N7
July 2, 2013 at 08:40
Thought that the captain should go down with the Xbox 1 ship?
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 08:50
Nah, they pushed him overboard.
OVG
July 2, 2013 at 08:40
One day when the baby boomers die off, GAMERS will be in charge of gaming and not these fly by night intrapreneurs who all seem to jump ship just as it is about to sink. Watching Atari sink by ex SONY boss Phil was bad enough. Or the Dreamcast…
Or they give a shit about is the next gamble to hipsterville.
Argentil
July 2, 2013 at 08:46
Can you imagine Phil Spencer being the next CEO? That would be catastrophic.
OVG
July 2, 2013 at 08:49
Na but I would not be surprised at all if Phil Harrison gets the slot. Why not? it is just a job to them, not a passion.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
July 2, 2013 at 08:57
Phil, this Phil at least, won Europe over with PS3.
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 08:59
Maybe Phil Harrison would not be a totally bad idea but still I think that he wont be able to totally turn the tide in microsoft’s favour.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 2, 2013 at 08:55
Captain Minion TallTwit
July 2, 2013 at 08:40
I could not help myself…
ALKi1234
July 2, 2013 at 08:43
Leaving M$ or got sacked?
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 08:49
I think he got sacked but Microsoft will never admit that because that will be a clear admission that the Xbox One policies was a big mistake. Also he is leaving way too fast on the 8th of July for it to be completely voluntary. If it was voluntary Microsoft would have made a plans for at least someone to step in. To put it another way ” they gave him an offer he could not refuse”
Argentil
July 2, 2013 at 08:51
Unless it was his intention to join Zynga and he handed in his two weeks notice. If anything, I think it sounds more like his abandonment, than their sacking.
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 08:55
You got a point there. Still it does not look good for the One. Now Steve can answer directly.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
July 2, 2013 at 08:58
If you can understand a word Steve says.
HvR
July 2, 2013 at 09:07
YEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! COME ONNNNNN!!!!!!
I’m happy to be here and I’m trying to convey a persona because my neck is to fat for polar necks.
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 08:46
Bye Bye Don. Please dont go to EA because then all their games will be always online and it would appear as if they are letting go of that stupid idea. You might just mess the progress they have made up. Enjoy farmville.
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
July 2, 2013 at 08:58
Enter Sir Howard Stringer like it’s 2006 all over again.
RinceWind
July 2, 2013 at 09:06
“This could be bad news for Microsoft, who sources say does not have anyone to replace Mattrick as gaming product head.” They still do gaming? trolololol! More coffee!
Sageville
July 2, 2013 at 09:27
I wonder who is cursed to wear the jacket now…
silverscorpio
July 2, 2013 at 09:29
Stevie, Heyooo
Sageville
July 2, 2013 at 09:48
Hopefully this time he simply makes it into Mordor and destroys that thing in the fires of Mnt Doom once and for all!
OVG
July 2, 2013 at 10:43
Steve is over the moon lol
OVG
July 2, 2013 at 10:54
bwahahahaha
http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18sjdzpphbscmgif/original.gif
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
July 2, 2013 at 11:23
His jacket compelled him!
Harvey P. Cheesewinkle
July 4, 2013 at 13:17
Shouldn’t surprise anyone, Sony fans may laugh…but I think they’re forgetting what happened to Ken Kutaragi after the PS3 launched. These things happen. Companies think they’re doing something amazing and their world gets flipped on their head.
It’s fascinating though, I wonder how they came to the conclusion that their Xbox One reveal was going to be a raving success. You know? Couldn’t they tell that DRM, Used Games, and always on connections were a huge concern to many of their loyal fans? For all of us, it’s like…how the fuck do you miss the pulse of the community that badly, right?
Though, in leaving Microsoft, he probably made more money than all of us ever will in our lifetimes. Lucky bastard.