Chicago (IL) – A senior Xbox executive has reportedly left Microsoft to join Apple. “We can confirm that Richard Teversham, director of business, insights, and strategy, has taken on a new opportunity outside Microsoft,” a company spokesman told MCV. “A process is under way for recruiting his replacement.”
Teversham apparently played a criticial role in developing the Microsoft Xbox and Xbox Online video game brands in Europe. He is also on the Board of the ISFE (International Software Federation for Europe) which manages the PEGI age ratings for games and promotes gaming across the continent.
The move could indicate Apple’s interest in challenging other players in the handheld gaming market. Indeed, the company recently hired Bob Drebin, former chief technologist at AMD’s graphics group and the creator of Nintendo Gamecube’s graphics processor. In addition, chip designer Mark Papermaster has also joined Apple as head of its iPod business.
The Cupertino giant currently offers close to 10,000 games via its iTunes App store.
