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John Schappert leaves Microsoft for EA

Going home.

Lovable Xbox veepee John Schappert is leaving Microsoft to rejoin Electronic Arts as chief operating officer.

Schappert has been one of the most visible executives on the Xbox team since he joined old EA boss Don Mattrick at Microsoft two years ago.

His official title was corporate vice president of Live, software and services for the entertainment and devices division.

He will replace outgoing EA COO John Pleasants, who is off to a MySpace game developer according to SFGate.

There was no immediate word on whether Schappert's changing his phone number, so I don't know if I can chuck out his business card or not.

According to an emotional Major Nelson, Phil Spencer from Microsoft Game Studios and Marc Whitten will now report directly to Mattrick, who remains king.

"We are thrilled to welcome John Schappert back to EA," is what Schappert's new boss John Riccitiello said.

"He has a great track record as a leader and innovator in our industry. His years of experience with EA and in Microsoft's Xbox business, provide him great insight into recognising what consumers want."

Schappert isn't the first Xbox executive to leg it to EA, of course - Peter Moore having done so almost two years ago to head up EA Sports.

See what Schappert had to say about Xbox 360 and friends in our E3 interview.