Kudo Tsunoda moves to Microsoft

The unofficial Electronic Arts-Microsoft talent swap might not be over just yet. GameTap is reporting that Kudo Tsunoda, former general manager of the recently closed EA Chicago studio, has found a new home with the Xbox 360 maker.

If true, it would be a reunion of sorts for Tsunoda, given that former Electronic Arts worldwide studios president Don Mattrick is currently serving as the senior vice president of Microsoft's interactive entertainment business. Mattrick was appointed to that position last July to fill the position left by Peter Moore, who had himself taken a position as president of Electronic Arts' EA Sports brand. Yet another EA veteran found himself at Microsoft recently when former EA Canada general manager John Schappert landed a new gig in Microsoft's entertainment and devices division as the corporate vice president of Live, software, and services.

Tsunoda's previous development experience has been heavy on hand-to-hand combat. The EA Chicago studio produced brawlers such as Fight Night: Round 3 and Def Jam Icon, with a Marvel Comics fighting game in the works at the time the studio was closed. However, according to the GameTap report, Tsunoda is being given the chance to try his hand at combat of a different sort as the project lead on a new Gears of War game.

[UPDATE]: A Microsoft representative responded to GameSpot's request for confirmation on the news, saying, "Kudo Tsunoda has joined Microsoft Games Studios, reporting to Shane Kim." The representative did not specify projects on which Tsunoda is currently working.