Well, that didn't take long. IndustryGamers has now been informed by EA that John Schappert is leaving Microsoft to return to the publisher he left in 2007. Schappert is taking up the COO role left empty by John Pleasants who joined social gaming company Playdom. The move becomes effective on July 14.
The Schappert move apparently preceded Pleasants' leaving EA. EA corporate spokesman Jeff Brown told IndustryGamers, “When we informed Mr. Pleasants of our decision, he elected to pursue another opportunity.”
In returning to EA, Schappert will be responsible for worldwide publishing, the Online Platform Group, EA Interactive, Central Development Services and other divisions of the company. He has a wealth of industry experience, dating back to 1991 as a software engineer on several EA titles. Schappert also founded Tiburon Entertainment in 1994, the studio behind EA’s juggernaut Madden NFL franchise (among other sports titles) – Tiburon was acquired by EA in 1998.
Later, in 2002, Schappert moved to EA’s Burnaby Studio in British Columbia as part of a promotion to Senior Vice President and Group General Manager. He oversaw production of some of EA's biggest franchises such as FIFA Soccer, EA Sports NHL, and Need For Speed. He then was promoted again to Chief Operating Officer for EA’s Worldwide Studios and after that to Executive Vice President with oversight of EA’s Online Platform and Central Development Services Group. Finally, in 2007 he decided to try something else and signed up at Microsoft to become Corporate Vice President of the Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business, overseeing Microsoft Game Studios (and big franchises like Halo, Gears of War and Forza Motorsport) and the Xbox Live group. Schappert helped grow the Xbox Live business from 6 million to 20 million members.
Schappert joked that he just can't stay away from EA, though. “After nearly two decades working in or around this company, I’ve got EA in my blood,” he said. “This is a team that is intensely focused on quality and innovation. I’m looking forward to rejoining EA as Chief Operating Officer and helping grow the business on new platforms and in new markets.”
Added EA Chief Executive John Riccitiello, “We are thrilled to welcome John Schappert back to EA. He has a great track record as a leader and innovator in our industry. His years of experience with EA and in Microsoft’s Xbox business, provide him great insight into recognizing what consumers want.”
IndustryGamers has also contacted Microsoft to find out who will be taking up Schappert's role come July 14.
Update: We've been told that Microsoft will not look to fill the role, and it will instead rely on the current leadership for Xbox Live and Microsoft Game Studios. A spokesperson told us, "Marc Whitten and Phil Spencer will lead their respective businesses, LIVE Services and Microsoft Game Studios, reporting directly to Don Mattrick. Microsoft has complete confidence in the leadership of Marc and Phil and that their teams will remain focused and on track as we ramp up for this holiday.”
