Mixed opinions from industry analysts on Don Mattrick's move to Zynga
IDC research manager Lewis Ward said to GamesIndustry International, "the timing seems awful to me. I could see Mr. Mattrick departing for greener pastures a year after the Xbox One launches, but to exit 5 months before the new platform arrives strikes me as strange."
Ward suggests that "MS performed an internal review of how the Xbox One chose its misguided DRM and connected console strategy (before the post-E3 'Xbox 180') and found the buck stopped with Mattrick."
"Perhaps some reason related to the broader Microsoft reorg will come to light in the next few weeks but it's hard not to read this departure as a referendum on the current status of Xbox One, and Microsoft is clearly looking for a new direction," Ward continued.
Independent analyst Billy Pidgeon says that the move may be the best thing for Microsoft, suggesting that "Microsoft's turnaround on the initial digital policy for Xbox One provided a great opportunity for Don Mattrick to leave. Microsoft can announce a new Xbox business leader and the executive shift will play as part of the strategic change for Xbox One without much negative effect on the impending launch."
EEDAR's Jesse Divnich doesn't see Mattrick's departure has a hindrance to the company, explaining that "Don's been an industry pioneer and a key catalyst to Microsoft's success in video games. He's leaving behind a well-crafted and very skilled team of executives that are perfectly capable of carrying the torch." Divinch also believes Mattrick, and Microsoft, deserve credit for taking an "active listening approach to their consumers and reversed key business policies as quickly as they did."
As for Mattrick's move to Zynga, Ward's shock was apparent: "Going to Zynga?! This is worthy of an SNL segment, 'Really?!? with Seth Meyers'." Before questioning "why would Mattrick leave Xbox for a troubled company like Zynga?!"
Pidgeon shares Ward's view saying, "turning Zynga's fortunes around may be even beyond the talents of Don Mattrick."
RW Baird's Colin Sebastian was a little more optimistic about Mattrick's new position, calling him a "good catch", and a positive development for Zynga."
Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum
Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/417175/mixed-opinions-from-industry-analysts-on-don-mattricks-move-to-zynga/
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Comments
-BlitzKrieg-Posted:
Probably given 2 choices after the brutal XBone reveal. Leave with with your reputation intact, or get let go.
DJMarkyMarkPosted:
I don't understand why you would leave Microsoft for Zynga.
Especially if you were head of the Xbox One.
Maybe he lost interest or something.
Especially if you were head of the Xbox One.
Maybe he lost interest or something.
AustraliansPosted:
Cheers Don, appreciate you leaving as the most senior member at the most crucial moment of Xbox's career.
CyimkingPosted:
ExoticWolfsShadowBoltDashieCyimking Don't know why he left for Zynga. I can see Google, but not Zynga... unless they pay him more than Microsoft.
I highly doubt Zynga is paying him more than Microsoft did. But hey if they are then he went for the bigger money. Still though Zynga was a little weird for me when I heard that, I thought Zynga was dying down or something. Maybe he'll help them get back up there, who knows.
Yeah, I think he will help out Zynga and when they are all good, he might just go back to microsoft.
I doubt he will go back to Microsoft. It wouldn't surprise me if he start up his own little company.
OasisPosted:
SorceryI-DA-KING Why would someone leave a job of being the spokesman for billion dollar company for a company thats falling apart
Microsoft is hanging by a thread and also has the potential to fall apart any time soon, Zynga isn't exactly a great company but he obviously saw an opportunity there.
Sorcery, you say the funniest things, I could have sworn I just heard you claim a multi billion dollar company was 'falling apart'.
If you knew anything you'd know that Zynga has had some trouble recently and they needed a shift of staff to keep it fresh.
I do worry about comments like that from you, others, whoever. Are you not of sane mind? Did you miss your daily dose of bREEEEEjhhggggEeep HELLO! pills?
You get the idea.
AdamuPosted:
lolohnoeszsz haha he quit cause of everyone hating on the shitbox one. #ps4
lol i think the ps4 will be better tbh.
bigchukkaPosted:
Exactly what I-DA-KING said. Why would he leave a hugecompany for Zynga?
I bet he was forced to resign for some of the comments he made.
I bet he was forced to resign for some of the comments he made.
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