Report: Microsoft names new GFWL chief
Publisher said to name Ron Pessner to recently vacated general manager role in its online PC-oriented division.
Last week, reports surfaced that Chris Early, general manager of Games for Windows Live, was party to Microsoft's opening round of layoffs, which are expected to affect 5,000 over the next 18 months. However, Early's seat atop the GFWL totem pole didn't remain vacant for long.
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Venture Beat's Dean Takahashi reports today that Ron Pessner has assumed the role of general manager of the Games for Windows Live label. Pessner, who comes from the software company's Entertainment & Devices division, will reportedly work with Microsoft Games Studio veteran David Luehmann. The two will reportedly preside over internal development and publishing for Windows-platform games. Microsoft had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.
Today's appointment follows on from a pair of high-profile internal-studio closures focused on the PC platform. In September, Microsoft abruptly announced plans to close Ensemble Studios, creator of the popular PC real-time strategy franchise Age of Empires. Then, this month, the game maker revealed plans to shutter ACES Studio, creator of the venerable Flight Simulator franchise.
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