Microsoft Games for Windows Live gets new general manager
After laying off its previous general manager last week, Microsoft has named Ron Pessner as general manager of the Games for Windows Live division.
Pessner, who previously worked in MIcrosoft’s Entertainment & Devices division, will head Microsoft’s Windows gaming service efforts. He replaces Chris Early, but his responsibilities will be broader than Early’s. Pessner will work with Dave Luehmann, a longtime Microsoft game veteran and general manager of Microsoft Windows game development.
The company declined comment on other changes. Early was laid off along with an unspecified number of Windows gaming employees. The cuts were announced the same day that Microsoft said it would cut 1,400 jobs immediately and 5,000 over 18 months. Microsoft said it remains committed to Games for Windows, the marketing program aimed at promoting games on the PC.
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About the Author, Dean Takahashi
Dean is lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat. He covers video games, security, chips and a variety of other subjects. Dean previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News, the Wall Street Journal, the Red Herring, the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register and the Dallas Times Herald. He is the author of two books, Opening the Xbox and the Xbox 360 Uncloaked. Follow him on Twitter at @deantak, and follow VentureBeat on Twitter at @venturebeat.