Microsoft’s Entertainment Head Don Mattrick Leaving to Take Top Role at Zynga

According to sources close to the situation Don Mattrick could be leaving Microsoft as early as today.

[jc48573]

sooner the better. I've never been so offended by this guy.

[Abash]

Doesn't look good, him leaving would look like he's jumping ship and has no faith in the Xbox One after the way it was received. I'd like him to leave but this will look very bad for Microsoft right now

[LOGICWINS]

Investors might not like this, but consumers won't give a woot. I'd be surprised if even a tenth of 360 owners knew who Don Mattrick was. Major Nelson leaving on the other hand would be very baf for MS' games division.

[da_2pacalypse]

Or maybe MS is letting him go for saying so many stupid things lol

@LogicWins

I'm pretty sure people know him as the guy who suggested people buy xbox 360's instead of Xbones lol

[pompombrum]

I think many skeptics like myself will assume him leaving is just a credible way of saying he got the boot for his failures on the Xbox 180.

Not only that though, I disagree about it looking bad.. as a predominately Xbox 360 gamer who currently has a very low opinion of Microsoft, Mattrick leaving the team is the best news in a long time. May the others who shared his vision for the Xbone soon go too!

[Baka-akaB]

Nah , let's be fair , as uninteresting as the XB1 reveal was for me , however offensive was the whole DRm debacle , and however hyped i might be instead for the PS4 .... whatever he did , we'd be throwing rocks at him and/or MS .

If he stayed you or others would be complaining about MS ignoring our feedback ... and now that he has no faith if he leaves .

EDIT :

And for once everywhile , i'll agree with Logic ... the general public doesnt know most public gaming figures , especially hardware figureheads , and wont care .

[LOGICWINS]

2Pac, VERY few people pay attention to things like that. Not everyone constantly researches MS' bad PR moves like people on N4G.

[Blacktric]

Oh God this is so fitting...

A retarded executive who literally ran the branch of a huge company into the ground in terms of PR and target audience focus in the last 4 years is now becoming the head of a studio that's known for stealing ideas and making unoriginal and crappy casual games.

[abzdine]

panic on board at MS ship right now! i think this might be the last MS console we ever see.

[-Alpha]

@Abash

I think it can only be good news, since he is often seen as the cause for Xbox's downfall and shift in demographic focus. At the very least, he was a terrible face for PR.

[solidworm]

Your kidding right? The sooner MS ditch this fool the better for them. Sadly the damage is done, whoever gave this tool a job in the first place needs sacking next.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

After the screwed up MS reveal and E3 180 for Xbox One I am sure investors are actually going to be happy to see him leave. I think this whole debacle has been soooo mishandled (ESPECIALLY BY HIM PUBLICALLY) that there was no way he was keeping his job in light of Steve Ballmer talking about wanting to shake things up.

[NewMonday]

this is finally good news, this is the man that turned XBox into a Kinect machine, the one that set up DRM and TV TV sports TV.

the Xbox ship can finally turn around, it will take time for them to dig themselves out of the hole he got them into.

Phil Spencer has a good eye for games, hope he gets the nod.

[da_2pacalypse]

@logic Dude, he said that on Spike television. That was seen by a lot of people lol

[iceman06]

@LOGICWINS..."VERY few people pay attention to things like that." True, but shareholders DO. Once those pre-order results weren't showing what they wanted, there had to be a reason (read scapegoat). I wouldn't be surprised if this was a "find a job so it doesn't look like you were fired" situation. It's rare that you see higher ups actually get fired. They get restructured, seek "better" opportunities, etc.

[BallsEye]

No. It looks more like he screwed up with his ideas ALWAYS ONLINE and DRM. Now he's getting his punishment.

[Boody-Bandit]

I said after E3 that his head should roll and it is. Best decision MS has made in a long time. I can't stomach Mattrick. He comes off as a pompous smug D-bag that has no enthusiasm towards gaming but only the money MS stuff his bank account.

MS needs to replace him with someone that isn't just another corporate shill / puppet. They need another front man like Peter Moore but a younger cooler version that actually enjoys gaming and doesn't come off so pretentious and arrogant like Mattrick does all the time.

Every time I saw Don on the stage my skin crawled. Ding dong the witch is dead. Can you tell just how much I liked the guy? /s

[ChozenWoan]

I wouldn't be surprised if in a year from now all Zynga games where going Xbone exclusive.

I'm just saying it could happen.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Keep in mind that Mattrick was the one who prompted the development for Kinect when he joined on 2007. Let that sink in.

I do think it would be fantastic if Don Mattrick left (he was head of EA's global studios for 25 years, so I have no faith in him making a console for hardcore gamers) but this does send a terrible message.

Who would replace him? Hopefully it would be someone with a good sense on what the gaming market wants. The problem is that the entire Xbox team is out of touch, not just Mattrick. Remember Adam Orth? He wasn't exactly a high-ranking official and yet his mentality was a reflection of how everyone was thinking within the XBox crew. Mattrick leaving would be a good start, but it would only be beneficial if the other suits within the Xbox team also leave.

[MizTv]

He is a tool
But after e3 I think he new his time was up

[Mystogan]

Nah man nobody gives a shit about him, investors maybe, he has a very good looking resumé. but this is very good news for gamers.

[Virus201]

Whoever said that this has anything to do with his confidence in the X1?

It makes more sense to me that he was probably asked to leave based on his terrible public relations. Sad part is, fanboys will spew that same bullshit endlessly based on no facts whatsoever to make themselves feel better.

[andibandit]

@Abash

"Doesn't look good"
"he's jumping ship"
"no faith in the Xbox One"
"very bad for Microsoft"

Well you certainly got the ball rolling, i'll add some more

..soon we'll see MS employees and investors throwing themselves off tall buildings, the Windows operating will be pulled off the shelves and seize to exists and Ballmer and Gates will end up living on the streets.

[Mainsqueeze]

Hopefully they get someone in charge who's all about the hardcore AAA titles now and not this guy. I felt he was single handedly one of the big reasons why people hated the xbone so much. I feel like this is a blessing for microsoft.

[headblackman]

not at all. it looks like he's stepping down to keep from getting fired. it was only a matter of time and this is only helping him to save face. it has nothing to do with a sinking ship. him leaving means nothing bad for Microsoft. only good. Xbox will never sink. it may waver a little with all of the bad press that's been going around for them, but when the games and entertainment lovers actually get this hardware in their hands and play it for themselves, all of that will turn around quickly. and from there the full concept of the console will be truly known to the developers and the gamers as the system continues to move forward into a healthy life of prosperity.

[nveenio]

Wait...what does this mean for TV?

/s

[Demobot]

He didn't leave. He was fired fool. That much should be clear.

[SilentNegotiator]

"Investors might not like this"

Why?

[mewhy32]

Wow this Xbone thing just get worse and worse for Micro$oft. Sony and PS4 all the way baby!

[gaffyh]

He's been fired, they're only saying he resigned to save face.

[rainslacker]

I understand why everyone dislikes Mattrick. Never been a huge fan of his. But do all these people saying that it's such a great thing he's leaving really believe that the proverbial ship is going to be righted with his departure.

Keep in mind that MS isn't a company that has one guy making all the decisions. Everything they do is focus tested to make the most money. Mattrick may have pushed for the late-era 360/X1 focus, but don't think that if there wasn't tangible possibilities to maximize a companies directive that they would have gotten anywhere. Everything going on with the X1 since it's reveal is exactly the ideal that MS set out to achieve since first getting into the console business. The back-peddling on some policies was because they realized it would jeopardize that goal.

What it comes down to is that the new boss is going to be the same as the old boss. At most you all can hope he is more careful with his words when speaking to the general public to not make such an ass of himself or MS.

[RyuCloudStrife]

I learned to hate that guy really quick. And the other stupid microsoft puppet that was at E3 whatever his name is. They are all annoying and annoying looking.

I'm not a fan of M$ anyways, so it might just be that...

[LOL_WUT]

If only we could get Iwata to do the same hopefully this brings good stuff to Microsofts camp ;)

[sak500]

"panic on board at MS ship right now! i think this might be the last MS console we ever see."

Sure just like ps3 was last console by sony since their top execs like Ken K, Phil harrison and few others left this gen. U'd think one person leaving means company is going to close down? U mush be in junior school.

His last words @ MS "$499 LOL I effed u MS"

[Kevin ButIer]

Phil Harrison appointed to Don's position... infiltration COMPLETED

LoL

[badboy776]

I think this may be Microsoft's last Console.

[Baka-akaB]

Maybe , maybe not . If thing went their way , it would definitively be their last , as they would shift to full on digital and streaming/downloading games to tv , pc , mobile , tablets , boxes for gaming among other content .

Now they might actually need at least one more for further phases to convince the public

[SouthClaw]

Typical moronic comment from a child. It was more said the PS3 would be the last Sony console after all the hacking problems. It was more severe than most people know. So if a company can come back from something like that then I'm sure Microsoft will be ok. Get over yourself.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

IF its there last console it will be because they are moving to a service base that works on many types of hardware. But don't fool yourself into thinking MS is jumping out of this industry. MS see's this industry as one of the pillars to entertainment and they like that space alot as a piggy back to their other service / hardware offerings.

[Prime_28]

Microsoft are rich, sony are not. If anyone is leaving the console market it's sony.

[SilentNegotiator]

I just hope it's their last Don Mattrick.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

@Prime_28

I don't think anyone is going anywhere in this market, but what you said is just stupid. Just cause on competitor has more money than the other, doesn't mean they'll spend it all on competing. Rich people don't get rich by spending everything to win at any cost... If it was a lost cause (which I don't think it is) they would simply cut out the branch that's leaking money and move on, not trow more money at the problem.

[Ritsujun]

Awww, Prime's mad.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Hmm, MS could get somebody better.

[CoolBeansRus]

Is this a promotion? No, just another way of saying, we dont like you here.

[Smurf1]

He didn't know how to speak but his business skills were good.

[Voozi]

As someone that works at Zynga, this will be very interesting to see how this unfolds. All I know is, stock prices are going up so hopefully my stocks will be worth something :P

[Anon1974]

Well what do you make of that?

[Benjammin25]

He has a really punchable face. I'd just love to beat the crap out of the smug git.

[PLAYWATCH]

LOL I couldn't help but laugh

[Persistantthug]

Smart move......I guess.

[chrismichaels04]

Microsofts bad public relations continues to get worse. This guy was the face of Xbox one these last few months and now he's abruptly jumping ship to another company before he becomes the scapegoat and blamed for Xbox Ones low pre sale orders by the MS Board of Directors.

[Orionsangel]

To give the guy some credit. He was just doing his job, but at the same time his approach was all wrong. He came off like a real douchebag.

[pr0t0typeknuckles]

strike 3 and your out.

[hollabox]

Agree, typical Execs fashion, screw up the brand with their own vision and coward away to another company to start over. He should have never been allowed to run MS game division given his disrespect to consumer while at EA.

[zeal0us]

I can understand him leaving but for Zynga of all companies, dafuq is he thinking? Thats a freaking downgrade.

[InMyOpinion]

Perhaps he didn't have that many takers. I'm actually surprised Zynga wants him. The comments he's made lately shows a lack of professionalism that shouldn't be found at his level.

[AzaziL]

Given the bad press about Zynga's ethics, he'll fit perfectly with them.

[majiebeast]

Sinks the ship and then jumps in the first life boat. I wonder who will replace him Agent Phil,Major screwup or Phil i like T shirts. Maybe they can get Richitello to put em completely out of business.

[Sharius]

do you mean Phil Spinner? i think this guy spin alot from E3 til now

[NewMonday]

Phil is just responsible for the games, and he delivered at E3 and with no Kinect, the last interview he did with Kotaku was good.

[GABRIEL1030]

My vote is for Nancy Tellem!

http://static.giantbomb.com...

[Hello_World]

Agent Phil haaaaaa

[-Mika-]

He left MS for Zynga. What is wrong with this guy.

[MysticStrummer]

I have a feeling he's only being allowed to say he left, and it was more of a suggestion that he seek other employment.

[pr0t0typeknuckles]

thats a good theory,and i wouldnt be surprised if you were right.

[joeorc]

"I have a feeling he's only being allowed to say he left, and it was more of a suggestion that he seek other employment."

Though, i am wondering what is going on over @ Microsoft's Leadership. I mean for xbox as a platform, One only has to look at this blunt truth to see not all is well.

This cannot be ignored:

ED fries: Left after 18 year's over at Microsoft help create the xbox platform.

Robbie j Bach now [former Microsoft executive]

Ray Ozzie [now gone]

Peter Molyneux Hall of fame just like Mark Cerny

Also now Gone!

Nat Brown one of the [xbox founder's] Gone

as a matter of fact

http://www.huffingtonpost.c...

Kevin Bachus [yet another founder of the xbox project gone]

Seamus Blackley [yet another founder of the xbox project gone]

Ted Hase and Otto Berkes [both founder's of the xbox project and now both are gone]

J Allard

http://www.engadget.com/201...

Now add in MATTRICK, THIS IS NOT A REAL GREAT SIGN PEOPLE. THIS MANY KEY EXEC'S IN THIS SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME IN UNDER 10 YEARS IS NEVER GOOD.

[Kanzes]

Zynga is one of the best money-machine in gaming industry.. and he got an opportunity to take the CEO seat, with that, why would he stay at MS?

[badz149]

he drive Zynga to the ground!

[Baka-akaB]

Zynga is hardly in good shape , and is fighting for its survival ... hence the shift and new blood for new management

[Urusernamesucks]

Lol hes gona kill zynga

[Double_O_Revan]

Zynga already killed themselves. Their stock has tanked, their games are being abandoned quickly. At this point, he can only bring them Up.

[OrangePowerz]

As bad as it would be for a lot of people loosing their job, I wouldn't mind if Zynga goes out of business.

[NovusTerminus]

This was prolly not a "willing" leave on his part, he was most likely told to leave due to the DRM issues and such, he did horrible with PR during E3, so I think thats what this is.

And Zynga will be more then happy to take him in, they are sinking already.

[LOGICWINS]

I don't know any living person that could have made DRM seem like to a good idea to consumers. He had an impossible job.

[NovusTerminus]

With his job, he was one of the final steps to letting it in the system to begin with, so it was part his idea for it to be there.

He couldn't defend what he wanted to the consumers.

[majiebeast]

Well nobody in their right mind would say in a interview, tough shit you have a 360.

[Baka-akaB]

There is a difference between a tough , even impossible and unpopular sale , and being a completely abrasive douchebag about it .

EDIT :

Dont forget that they managed to sell the idea of paying for multiplayer . Hardly a popular idea , and with little logistic and hardware justification behind it . With even ads included .

It worked cause they had an actually good pr team then , and didnt behave like arrogant morons .

Imo their DRM wasnt such an impossible sale , in the proper hands . Like you said above , many in the general public wouldnt care , and among the "nerds" like us , they did find plenty champions

[LOGICWINS]

^^He was probably thinking something along the lines of...

"I have a family to support and I want to keep my job, so let me say whatever MS execs want me to say."

[MysticStrummer]

It would have been a good thing to make it clear what they were doing. They let negative rumors float around long enough to take on a life of their own, then confirmed many of them at the reveal.

He should have been out in front much sooner, making the case for why DRM could be a good thing. The fact that he didn't do that is either an indictment of him or a sign that they knew it was impossible to make DRM seem good. Either way, a fall guy is needed.

He could have done all that without confirming the existence of the One, if that's what the hold up was. Just say "No product we are working on has DRM" or "We feel DRM could be a good thing in future products, whatever they may be, because...".

MS's usually top notch marketing/PR department really dropped the ball big time.

[LackTrue4K]

What's the fat guys name, the guy that runs Steam...he did it right.

[ruefrak]

I honestly don't think he was forced out. If he was going to be asked to leave, it would have been done in the Steven Sinofsky style and he would leave after the product shipped. Screwing with the executive team this close to launch is not a good idea, no matter how poorly he was communicating.
Another reason I think he wasn't let go is that the rumors about Microsoft's restructuring was going to have him in a more prominent role. He was on the short list of execs who would be getting promoted. I think Don wanted out, and if going to Zynga is his next move, he must have really wanted out. Or maybe he wants a challenge.

[Baka-akaB]

I dont see it . Zynga is hardly a dream place right now . I dont see anyone seeking it , even for the challenge and thrill of turning a ship around .

He already had that with the whole PR behind the xbox one to rethink and correct . A much better challenge

Doesnt feel in any way like some voluntary departure . Either he got fed up and ditched MS with their troubles .. or was asked to leave . I vote for the later

[OrangePowerz]

Who would put him on the shortlist for promotions?

[yewles1]

Reminds me of Peter Moore...

[Grap]

don't u dare compare Peter Moore with this POS

[Hydralysk]

Why not? I don't hold EA Sports in much higher regard than I do Zynga, and some of Moore's recent statements have been just as insulting as what's come out of Mattrick's mouth.

[v1c1ous]

Peter Moore bent over to japanese devs, worked hard to make the console easy to develop for, and was thinking about winning over the hardcore.

the RROD was what did him in, which wasn't something he planned for, it was on the engineering department.

[Godmars290]

Peter Moore: transferred to MS from Sega America after the full company went under because of mismanagement. Seemingly applied the exact same tactics used with the Dreamcast.

Never saw why he was such a big deal.

[hollabox]

@Godmars290

I agree with Godmars290, his track record does not look good considering the big picture. What Peter Moore does well is public speaking, this guy like Reggie can impulse a crowd like there's no tomorrow.

But like V1c1ous was saying Peter Moore bent over backwards for the Japanese market, I never seen or played some many quality JRPGs in the first 2 years of the console life since the SNES days. Ultimately his efforts was a waste of time because of the quality of the Xbox 360 at launch, and the historical trend of American consoles not selling in Japan.

[v1c1ous]

Sega of Japan's decisions were the fall of the dreamcast, not Peter Moore. in Fact, Sega of America did not want to call it quits when things looked bad, it was Sega of Japan that folded over without trying.

[mrmarx]

lol he got the boot.

[Lannister]

Please be true, then he can destroy Zynga and we all win.

[Roper316]

I won't miss him!

[PSjesus]

BaZynga.....don is the new mayor of farmville

[No FanS Land]

Lol i just went on wikipedia and his page is vandalized hahaha!

[cleft5]

I feel sorry for Zynga.

[Godmars290]

Expected that this would happen post XB1's launch, not before if its happening at all.

As badly as the console's message has been mangled, I can't see much mending of it with who's suppose to have put it together jumps ship.

[MilkMan]

Is this guy crazy? That company is sinking faster than the Titanic.

[PSjesus]

don's mattrick future

http://img.gawkerassets.com...

[Ninjamonkey82]

Best rid off him get someone in with a fresher look on things. He was a mess tbh and he was dragging xbone down. Hopefully they will bring something a bit better to the table.

It took xbone to fall flat on its face for them to make a turn around and i don't think Mattrick had a thing to do with the changes.

Someone new needs to continue the trend towards change. maybe unlock Kinect from the system aswell and that will help more towards its appeal.

[CRAIG667]

I call rumour.

[komp]

I tend to agree. I think as usual a story is put out there to gauge reaction. Then action is taken based on reaction.

Edit: It seems the reaction would be to let him go.

[ThatCanadianGuy514]

Good.He is literally the most unlikeable guy in the entire game industry in my opinion.Everything about him just screams scummy used car salesmen.

Things are off to a rocky start for xbox U.
3rd console curse is legit.

[FoxHound_]

He's being sent to Sony to as a secret agent for Microsoft to counter Phil Harrison being a secret Sony agent in the Microsoft HQ. :p

[wAnxTa]

Leaving microsoft for a company that is shutting down its offices left and right and is at the brink of dissolving?

[reko]

he got fired probably for saying " if you have a problem
with required internet, get an xbox 360"

[310dodo]

Xbox one to Zynga

makes sense

[Atomicjuicer]

Hopefully he takes Kinect with him.

I'd be nice if Xbox wasn't completely destroyed by forcing surveillance into the console.

[swerve121]

Well maybe its time for a new face. Someone who has gamers and business in mind. Not 1 or the other.

[0pie]

is he leaving or microsoft kicked him out? no one will ever know...
But after his poor job at talking about the xbox one i would kick him out of my company.

[Urusernamesucks]

Good f***ing Riddance.

[famoussasjohn]

So he's leaving MS to join a company that isn't doing well and has had numerous lay offs and nothing can save them. What a way to kill your career.

[GentlemenRUs]

Good, people are...

Jump(ing) Out of the XBONE!

PR Backlash/Disasters a bitch isn't it ;)

EDIT: But Zynga are no better! They ruined flashgames...

EDIT2: Reply then Disagree, Don't just click because someone does not agree XD!

[nigelp520]

Those who put profits ahead of customers will soon have neither

[Godmars290]

That would be true except MS makes money by more than selling to consumers. their hold on the PC OS market for instance means millions of copies of Windows are sold to go into off the shelf PCs well before the program itself hits retail. And then there's things like owning general programming codes. Including some on Linux, DVD formats and ones associated with Blu-ray.

All that is part of the reason they think they can get away with forcing things on consumers.

[cell989]

Enter: Agent Phill Harrison

[GABRIEL1030]

AKA....The best Helghast infiltrator. He alone destroyed the entire xbox division !

[cell989]

It was not an easy task infiltrating Microsoft like that, but he has proven the best strategic move Sony could have done

[SpideySpeakz]

Sony: Agent Phill, report back to base. You've done good...goooood.

[silkrevolver]

If you want to play farmville offline, we have a product for you: it's called "Agriculture."

[GABRIEL1030]

LOL!

[GABRIEL1030]

Don Mattrick..... jump out!

Not only Matrick must be fired, also Nacy Tellem ( Xbox is about to become the next watercooler.), Yusuf Mehdi ( Xbox watch TV), Mark Whitten ( Xbox is made with rocket science), Bonnie Ross ( Halo Tv series) and Phil Harrison ( Sony's spy).

Microsoft must cancel this console and find a good partner like Samsung to make a good system, because the Xbone is 25% more expensive and 30% less powerfull. Today the Xbox division is a sea of doubts, contradictions and lies.

http://static.fjcdn.com/pic...

[Baka-akaB]

You're leaving Spencer Out ? Both phil couldnt even make sense of their own policies .

[Loki86]

This is great news, this guy is so off putting and is not even a gamer. His replacement should provide a gamer friendly atmosphere.

[stage88]

Obviously he's been slipped a few bucks to leave the company after such bad press.

[biRdy]

Thank you! This guy just had no idea what he was doing.

[urwifeminder]

This will not affect me when I push A button on my new xbox one I only recently found out who he is just another suit in a long list will I bother to find out who takes his job prob not.

[Shellcase]

I like xbox...I hope this is true..I cant stand him.

[Apex13]

He is head of entertainment and yet so lifeless. Could have fooled me.

At least Peter (killed the Dream Cast) Moore seemed enthusiastic.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

So in light of this news and assuming its true and happens...who takes his spot? or better put who would you like to see run the Xbox ship?

My two front runners:

Phil Spencer - I just like Spencer on a whole compared to the other execs they put on stage. I think he has tons more charisma versus what we saw with Matrick.

Phil Harrison - Harrison had great experience with Sony and currently is running Xbox Europe to my understanding.

[PirateThom]

Shady used car salesman. All he will ever amount to.

[zoks310]

I knew it.

[Lucreto]

So all of the original executives from the original Xbox are gone while Sony still has most of theirs.

I wonder if fresh blood will change anything.

I heard Mattrick was planning to leave after the Xbox announement months ago. Turned out to be true.

[Cherchez La Ghost]

Fact is companies go thru good and bad. I think right now MS is in a growing pain time within their business structure. They see how passionate the gaming community is. It's OK to have a dream and turn it into an idea for the future for all. But sometimes when you want to offer a product for your consumers, make sure it something that they will want to have. I hope MS learn from these rough times and turn things around for the best for them and their consumers.

[TechOne]

There goes that Don Mattrick swagger I look forward to at every E3.

[ala_767]

Time is coming for Zynga to get busted!!

[RickHiggity]

I dislike Don Mattrick and Zynga, so I guess this works out?

[PositiveEmotions]

I feel bad for him but at the same time its better for him to leave ms. If this is true.

[Phoenix76]

im sorry, but are we talking about the same Zynga that produces shovelware crap which then up on Facebook? Cause if he's going there...... at least the amount of FB game invites I get will go down!!

Yippee!!!! :D

[MadMen]

Aww come on, we know what happened here.

MS to Don, we can fire you, you can leave or we can give you time to find another position.

Bye Bye Don, Please Put someone in Charge who actually knows and plays games.

[Double_O_Revan]

There is no way he is leaving 'voluntarily'.

When you are the head of being responsible for almost bringing down the entire Xbox division, you don't just get to say 'Hey guys, I've decided to do other things. Good luck with the launch!'

[Manic2014]

If this guy is gone hopefully the Xbox one can get to a much better stature than what is thought of the console right now.

[jmc8888]

For that to happen, it actually has to have a reason to gain better stature.

It doesn't have it, so it won't.

See reality isn't how people claim things are, it's what they really are.

Only morons believe the hype on anything.

[jmc8888]

So seeing how Zynga is worthless and will need a miracle to still be around in a few years, I don't think he'll have the job too long.

...and that was the case BEFORE Mattrick came on board.

[SpideySpeakz]

And Goodbye

[sAVAge_bEaST]

July first, huh?!

[CuddlyREDRUM]

It is official, via Eurogamer.

Stay greasy, Don.

[first1NFANTRY]

lol this has got to be the worst console debacle since...well EVER. The head of XBone leaves just before launch? guess it's best to jump ship before you drown in the aftermath (launch).

If i was a M$ supporter i would be worried right now. This is never a good sign.

Operation: Harrison is in full effect lol

[ThatCanadianGuy514]

I am not bashing microsoft.

[zugdar]

So when Zynga keeps falling you can't blame him. Good career choice.

[thecowsaysmoo]

I wonder if Microsoft knows that Xbox is either casual or hardcore and not in between.

[monkey48]

Yes! I always thought he was a douchebag at the e3 conferences.

[NeoRatt]

This is great news... I always saw Don M. as dorky and really annoying when he took to stage.

Hopefully, in the longer term, they will choose someone who has a little bit of charisma...

PS: I think he was going to get booted out anyhow because of how the X1 launch fiasco and DRM went down.

[ZBlacktt]

The Ship is sinking. Time to jump.

[Plagasx]

All I have to say is:

[cabinotier]

typical sinking ship lol

[S2Killinit]

The more I hear about this company the more I doubt they are in gaming for the right reasons.

[Bobertt]

Wow he was being considered to be CEO for two of the worst gaming companies, says a lot about him.

[BlaqMagiq24]

Up next Major Nelson.

[johnsonbat]

Word on the street is M$ have offered Mark Cerny 1 billion dollars to take the helm.

[Fringe_Agent13]

I seen a lot of people say he got fired. I believe he jumped ship because the Xbox One is about to get destroyed.

[tarbis]

Wow! Cool! now Xbone will be full of Zynga crappy games come launch time. What an excellent strategy. :D

[Scarecrow411]

Now how will a drowning man save a sinking ship? I don't know who is more stupid on this one, Mattrick or Zynga?

[Qwagy UK]

Steps down, more like told to leave!

[TheOneEyedHound]

I am excited to show you the Xbox One-80

[jay2]

Get ready forxbox ones failed DRM on games games he's working on soon.

[Valkyre]

the first really good news for MS.

[MyWordIsGospel]

Even if King Ratty does leave, it will not mask just how out of touch and plain greedy M$ are by default. However some loyalists could see this potential departure as a reason to buy the awful Bone.

[H4zZz4]

If you don't check within 24 hours , your animals are dead.