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.
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!
Morbo @ Mar 23rd 2008 9:28PM
Testing
Morbo @ Mar 23rd 2008 9:41PM
test 2 baby
Morbo @ Mar 24th 2008 2:29AM
morbo?
hvnlysoldr @ Apr 12th 2008 4:23PM
At first I thought MS was smart then I realized it was a European Nintendo exec. Then I realized MS Europe has no clue just as that exec does.