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Gaffe-prone Xbox boss Mattrick leaves Microsoft, could become Zynga CEO [updated]

Updated Jul 1st, 2013 4:16PM EDT
Microsoft Xbox Boss Mattrick Departure

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Former Xbox boss Don Mattrick has left Microsoft after making a series of high-profile gaffes that caused Microsoft headaches during the launch of Xbox One. AllThingsD reports that Mattrick has not only left Microsoft but is “close to taking a top job at Zynga, the troubled online social gaming company, possibly as its CEO and working in close partnership with its founder and current CEO Mark Pincus.” Mattrick made headlines last month when he suggested that anyone who was unhappy with Microsoft’s Xbox One connectivity requirements should just stick with their current Xbox 360. He also defended the Xbox One’s $500 price, which is $100 higher than Sony’s PlayStation 4, by saying that the console is “over-delivering value” to consumers, who should see the console as a relative bargain.

UPDATE: Zynga has confirmed that Mattrick has been hired as the company’s new CEO.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.