Kim promoted out of Microsoft Game Studios, Spencer takes reins

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Jun 12th 2008 at 2:56PM }

Changes are afoot within Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, with Microsoft Games Studios lead, Shane Kim, being promoted to the newly created role of "corporate vice president of Strategy and Business Development." According to Microsoft's press release, such a grand title is furnished on someone who will "explore new growth opportunities" and look after "future external relationships and partnerships." We imagine Mr. Kim's new role will also provide some sort of assistant trained to tell him as soon as a new Resident Evil game is announced.

Taking over Kim's role will be Phil Spencer, former general manager of Microsoft Games Studios Europe. Spencer will foster new franchises that "aim to attract new audiences" and keep an eye on all that "Gears of War" and "Fable" stuff the kids are so into these days.

Both fellows will report directly to senior vice president of Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick. Also announced in the same press release: Jeff "Jeff Bell" Bell is bailin'.

Tags: breakingnews, Microsoft, Microsoft-Game-Studios, Phil-Spencer, Shane-Kim

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Lijik @ Jun 12th 2008 2:59PM

Jeff Bell AND Shane Kim are out? Man, there goes Microsoft's surefire Rush Hour esque comedy duo.

Kizzle @ Jun 12th 2008 3:13PM

Come back, Peter. It has kind of sucked without you.

Knight Marquise @ Jun 12th 2008 3:18PM

Agreed...I miss Peter Moore. The guy had style, class, and credibility. Traits that seem to becoming rare in corporate heads.

verymetal @ Jun 12th 2008 3:42PM

They never existed in Japan anyways, dont see how this will change that. Maybe if they introduce a Microsoft balance board and motion sensing device. Wait that idea has already been taken, but that wont stop Microsoft from jumping on that bandwagon. Keep searching Kim, I am sure on origianl idea is in there somewhere...

tyetheczar @ Jun 12th 2008 3:48PM

PROMOTIONS!

J.Goodwin @ Jun 12th 2008 3:54PM

Who was the person who was managing Microsoft's overseas third party relations?

This job sounds an awful lot like that...but it's hard to believe that MS would get this flood of high quality Japanese content (three Square RPGs? No one expected that, seriously; not to mention the massively high quality retail titles that Capcom's been shipping on 360).