Gamescom 2010 has brought a new Microsoft venture to light; the unveiling of Windows 7 mobile with gaming support will finally put Microsoft into a position for stronger presence in the mobile market. To head that charge, will be former Midway CEO Matt Booty.
Booty, following a disastrous performance by former chief executive David Zucker, was appointed as interim CEO of Midway in March 2008. By October that same year, he was officially given the job. Booty became the company’s chairman when Peter Brown resigned in January 2009.
With rising debt and financial backer Sumner Redstone facing an economic credit crunch, the company’s share value plummeted 67% year-over-year, putting Booty in an incredibly difficult situation.
Booty, however, persevered, looking for ways to cut costs and stem the growing tide of debt. However, Midway eventually folded, forcing the shut down of the Chicago Studio, with Booty being laid off.
Today, Booty has been announced as the lead manager for Microsoft’s mobile initiatives. He’s calling the new initiative the “launch of a major gaming platform,” and is looking forward to a challenge that hopefully won’t play out like his last job.
