Microsoft hires former Nintendo exec to expand Euro footprint

by Jason Dobson { Mar 20th 2008 at 11:15AM }

Microsoft has opened its doors and brought on former I-Play and Nintendo Europe executive David Gosen to fill the role of Strategic Marketing VP for Microsoft's game business in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) territories. In his new role, Gosen will focus on expanding the European Market for the Xbox 360.

Prior to putting on his Microsoft hat, Gosen spent more than five years as managing director of Nintendo's European arm, and most recently served as the CEO of mobile game developer and publisher I-Play. He will now report directly to Microsoft's European Interactive VP Chris Lewis, who sees the appointment as all part of Microsoft's new "laser-sharp focus" and its grand scheme to "widen the market for Xbox as a mass-market proposition," no doubt part of that whole 'Europe is key' party line the company toed late last year.

Tags: appointment, chris-lewis, chrislewis, david-gosen, davidgosen, europe, i-play, microsoft, nintendo

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

ComicShaman @ Mar 20th 2008 11:23AM

GOSEN: "Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Lesson One is... duct tape."

MS EMPLOYEES: "Ooooh!"

Donald @ Mar 20th 2008 11:27AM

You sure hiring a Nintendo guy to promote Europe is a good idea?

*points to the lack of a Brawl release date*

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Mar 20th 2008 12:27PM

ummm yeah?

*points to the success of the Wii*

Kye NFC: 7016 - 9552 - 1191 - 8991 @ Mar 20th 2008 4:49PM

http://www.play.com/Games/Wii/4-/1028166/-/Product.html?searchstring=brawl&searchsource=0

Apparently it's at the end of May.

Yes it's bad, but just spare a thought for the Koreans.

Co @ Mar 20th 2008 11:28AM

ZOMG ITZ THE MICROSOFT TAKEOVER!!!1!!

If you cant beat 'em, pay 'em double to join you!

Shagittarius @ Mar 20th 2008 11:28AM

Don't look back in anger, I heard him say.

Savok @ Mar 20th 2008 11:28AM

They went to former NINTENDO PEOPLE FOR THIS?!

PAL is getting Smash Bros in JUNE for fuck's sake!

Maverick Saturn @ Mar 20th 2008 1:30PM

Guess thats the situ

Nigeria: Cody ChesnuTT Defense Force @ Mar 20th 2008 11:52AM

Currently, There are no Xboxes in Nigeria. Maybe this guy can muster up launch or something - if the suits think it's worth it.

The last time I was in Nigeria - 2 years ago - the guys were playing Mario Bros on a Nes alongside Pro Evolution on the PS2. This was all outside a coffee parlour at around 2 in the morning.

Africans are serious about their games - the ones that can afford it anyways.

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Mar 20th 2008 12:28PM

In Africa:

Games are serious business.

Maverick Saturn @ Mar 20th 2008 1:29PM

What part of Nigeria did you go to? Certainly not the parts I went to.

Nigeria: Cody ChesnuTT Defense Force @ Mar 20th 2008 2:44PM

Maverick, it was a place called Oru Igebu. South of Lagos, or north. I'm not quite sure. It was a really cool place. Cool, compared to the madhouse that is Lagos.

Kassu @ Mar 20th 2008 1:38PM

European 360 owners - prepare for unforeseen concequences.
By that, I mean Nintendo style delays.

Chilly Willy @ Mar 20th 2008 1:52PM

I wish him the best of luck with MS, but success at one company does not necessarily equate to success at another company. Nintendo & MS have very different internal cultures. ...And no, this is not a reference to U.S. vs. Japan. This is in reference to the values the employess of a company are told are important and the atmosphere of the company. MS runs a VERY different ship compared to Nintendo.

shadaik @ Mar 20th 2008 6:18PM

That guy previously managed PR for Nintendo of Europe and i-Play?
Can we consider that suicide on Micorosoft's part?

PS: The Wii came years after Gosen, Gosen left in the GameCube era. Even if, Wii is a success despite Nintendo's efforts, not because of them in europe imho.

blacktail @ Mar 20th 2008 4:32PM

LOL NGamer magazine are going to have a field day with this. Their forebear, NGC magazine, used to refer to David Gosen as "Go-sen", nintendo's laser spewing homicidal PR robot due to his inability to answer simple questions without descending into robotic non-committal PR nonsense. Good times!