Microsoft has confirmed the much-speculated reorganisation of the company and has announced that Windows chief Julie Larson-Green will be heading up the Interactive Entertainment Business along with Terry Myerson. Green's appointment could see a change in attitudes and culture at the Xbox division of Microsoft.
According to the re-alignment's announcement "Julie Larson-Green will lead this group [Devices and Studios Engineering Group] and will have all hardware development and supply chain from the smallest to the largest devices we build. Julie wil also take responsibility for our studios experiences including all games, music, video and other entertainment."
Green's appointment was first rumoured at the start of the month following the departure of Don Mattrick who has since assumed the role of CEO of Zynga.
Spry Fox's Daniel Cook has previously blasted the corporate culture of the Xbox devision saying that when he worked there the atmosphere was "viciously political" adding that "Xbox put machismo, ultra-violence and boys with backwards caps in the paid spotlight."
As a former employee Cook's comments should likely be taken with a grain of salt; even so, there's no doubt the Xbox branch of Microsoft is highly competitive.
Green's appointment may see a change of attitudes and possibly a diversification of Microsoft's exclusive games line-up.
Microsoft are currently looking to overhaul their reputation system on the Xbox One and perhaps under Green's leadership the Interactive Entertainment Business will also see a more welcoming atmosphere develop.
With less than five months until the Xbox One's launch however what shouldn't be expected of her stewardship is any significant change to Microsoft's plans for launching the console. Of course, Mattrick ultimately took quick action to reverse many of the Xbox One's most controversial policies and time might prove Green to be just as decisive.
Some have speculated that the move makes Green the heir-apparent to one day replace Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Larson has been at Microsoft for 19 years and has overseen the launches of both Windows 7 and Windows 8.
How do you feel such a major change at Microsoft will impact the next generation so soon before it begins?
