Pulse2 Technology and Social Media News » Don Mattrick

Over 2.5 Million Kinect Devices Have Been Sold

Amit Chowdhry — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 02:57:41 +0000

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has announced that they have had “strong demand” throughout the Black Friday weekend. Over 2.5 million of the Xbox 360 Kinect controllers have been sold across the world. Microsoft head of interactive entertainment Don Mattrick said that the Kinect is on track to sell about 5 million units through the holiday season. The Kinect is being sold across 60,000 retailers in 38 countries. [Barrons]

John Schappert Quits Microsoft, Heading Back To EA

Amit Chowdhry — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:08:43 +0000

John Schappert was the Corporate VP of Interactive Entertainment LIVE of Microsoft’s Software and Services Business. Now he is returning to Electronic Arts as the Chief Operating Officer. Schappert left EA for Microsoft two years ago.

When Schappert was at EA, he worked in leadership positions behind the Madden NFL and Tiger Woods video games. Schappert arrived at Electronic Arts when his gaming company studio Tiburon was bought out in 1998.

Microsoft has decided not to look for an individual to replace Schappert. Instead they have decided to allow Marc Whitten and Phil Spencer to head up their divisions. Both of them will report to Don Mattrick, SVP of the Interactive Entertainment Business.

[via CNET]

Microsoft Buys Out Gaming Company BigPark

Amit Chowdhry — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:44:02 +0000

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has acquired gaming company BigPark Inc., based in Vancouver, British Columbia. BigPark started in 2007 by former executives at Electronic Arts Canada and Distinctive Software Inc. Between the executives they have about 80 years of gaming experience. They had contributed to the production of games such as FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed, NBA Street, and SSX.

Through the acquisition, BigPark executives will be joining Microsoft’s Game Studios where they will work specifically on the Xbox 360 console. “We are delighted by the opportunity to welcome the BigPark team into Microsoft Game Studios,” stated Phil Spencer, General Manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “The team is composed of some of the most experienced and creative minds working in the industry today. The combination of the BigPark and Microsoft Game Studios talent pools will be an accelerant for growth and innovation. We believe BigPark has tremendous potential to create new properties and innovative gaming experiences for our platforms, one of which we’re looking forward to showcasing at the E3 Expo in June.”

BigPark was started by Wil Mozell, Hanno Lemke, and Don Mattrick. Mattrick was the SVP of the Interactive Entertainment Business division at Microsoft. Microsoft was aware of Mattrick’s investment in BigPark before the acquisition.

[via TradingMarkets.com]