Peter Moore was, in my opinion, the most charismatic, open and likeable of all the big three's main players. He shot from the hip with statements that weren't perhaps always mature, but seemed to come from a straight talker. Even though it could have just been a lot of spin, I have to confess that I really was quite partial to the guy and I think it's a shame that he's left The 'Soft, especially during this time of success for the Xbox 360.

His replacement is Don Mattrick, who formerly worked for Electronic Arts before becoming an advisor to Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division. A 23-year veteran of the games industry, Mattrick has high hopes for the company's future success. "I'm thrilled to join an already strong team that's delivering truly amazing gaming experiences to customers around the world. I've never been more excited about the future of the industry, and firmly believe Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in gaming," Mattrick stated, not that he'd say he thought the company's due to bomb any time soon.

I will miss Peter. He looked like a Cheshire Cat. Now all we have is Kaz 'resembles a Tekken character' Hirai and Reggie Beefburger Flesh.

[Ed note: Hey lads, Linde here -- we got our hands on Microsoft's press release for Mr. Moore's departure, so be sure to hit that jump for all the official-speek we've got to offer.] 

Peter Moore Resigns From Microsoft to Return to Northern California

Don Mattrick appointed to head Microsoft’s Xbox and Games Business.

REDMOND, Wash. — July 17, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Don Mattrick, a former president at Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), will lead the Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB), which includes overseeing the Xbox® and Games for Windows® businesses. Peter Moore, who currently serves as corporate vice president of IEB, has decided to move his family back to the Bay Area for personal reasons and has secured another opportunity in the video games industry.

Mattrick will take over as the senior vice president of IEB at Microsoft, effective July 30. Mattrick was the founder of Distinctive Software Inc., which operated as a private company from 1982 until its merger with EA in 1991. Mattrick held various senior positions within EA, most recently as president of Worldwide Studios, until his resignation in February 2006. In February 2007, Mattrick began working with the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft as an external advisor.

“Peter has contributed enormously to the games business since joining Microsoft in 2003 and we are sad to see him go,” said Robbie Bach, president of Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “Since that time, he presided over the global launch of the Xbox 360™, spearheaded a revitalized and rebranded Games for Windows business, and helped steer the console’s ascent.”

Moore has decided to return with his family to Northern California, where they lived until he took the position at Microsoft. Moore will remain at Microsoft to assist in the transition through August and will then return to the San Francisco Bay area.

“While Peter will certainly be missed, we are delighted to have one of the industry’s most talented and passionate veterans on board to lead the business,” Bach said. “Don is well-known and respected throughout the industry for his deep knowledge, technical expertise and management savvy. Under Don’s leadership, the games team is looking forward to embarking on our biggest holiday ever, with a wide-ranging roster of some of the most highly anticipated titles.”

Mattrick brings 23 years of games industry and development experience to the strong Microsoft management team, having helped bring to life such celebrated game franchises as the “Need for Speed,” “Harry Potter” and “The Sims” while at EA.

“Over the past two decades, and the past few months in particular, I’ve worked closely with many of Microsoft’s top leaders and I’ve always been impressed by their talent, passion and commitment,” said Mattrick. “I’m thrilled to join an already strong team that’s delivering truly amazing gaming experiences to customers around the world. I’ve never been more excited about the future of the industry, and firmly believe Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in gaming.”

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.