Microsoft has hired another Electronic Arts executive. This time it’s John Schnappert, who was EA’s executive vice president. He will be joining the Microsoft’s hugely successful Xbox group.
A while ago, Peter Moore who held the position of Corporate Vice President of Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft resigned from this post to head EA. Moore is currently the President of the EA Sports label.
Now that Microsoft has given off its best to EA, it certainly is only fair that EA give something back to Microsoft.
Looks like John Schappert, who is joining Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business unit as corporate vice president in charge of Xbox LIVE, software and services is the little something that EA is giving back to Microsoft.
Schappert was the founder of the Florida-based Tiburon Entertainment in 1994. This company was acquired by Electronic Arts four years later.
Besides, in his gaming career, Schappert had overseen the creation of some of EA’s hugest video game hits including the “Madden NFL” football franchise.
Recently, John Schappert’s position at EA included the supervision of technology, operations and EA online. He also held the office of the chief creative officer at EA.
Now that John Schappert has joined Microsoft, he will focus on expanding Xbox LIVE’s online services and will also look for ways to broaden the audience using it.
Schappert will also oversee Games for Windows- LIVE, XNA and Microsoft Casual Games, which offers over 400 games via MSN Games, Windows LIVE Messenger, Windows games and Xbox LIVE Arcade.
Don Mattrick, Vice President, IBE, Microsoft said: “I am thrilled to have John join the deem bench of proven talent already on Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. John’s expertise will help us focus on expanding and enriching our market leadership with LIVE in areas like online services while broadening our audience.”
“With these changes, we are dedicated to providing our customers, our partners and our employees with value, quality and high-performing teams,” Mattrick added.