Would Microsoft Just Fire Don Mattrick Already?

Microsoft

At first only serving as a consultant, Microsoft brought Mattrick on-board full-time to replace the departing Peter Moore who was, ironically, leaving to head up EA Sports. Very quickly, it was apparent that Mattrick would be playing the role in a very different way. Whereas Moore was an exciting person on-stage and off, someone who enjoyed the limelight and in interviews and other media felt like a genuine person you could relate to, Mattrick has rarely made public appearances outside of interviews with major media outlets or major unveilings at E3 and internationally. As its alums faded away (among others, Robbie Bach and J Allard in 2010), the Xbox message became increasingly hinged on Mattrick’s words and motivations. He can’t be blamed entirely for robbing Microsoft’s gaming division of its fun, but just like his role during EA’s creative downfall, he was very clearly present at the crime scene.

The biggest addition to the Xbox that can be attributed to Mattrick is the Kinect, once an interesting piece of technology, then upon demonstration, a flawed piece of technology, now a completely under-utilized piece of technology. Many are still arguing about Kinect’s mandate in the Xbox One and Mattrick is short many answers, even if the potential is incredible.

I’ve said for years that Mattrick should find the spotlight more often, but it’s when he opens his mouth that he probably does the least good.