Microsoft and Zynga have both confirmed that Don Mattrick is leaving the Xbox maker to become the FarmVille publisher's CEO, replacing founder Mark Pincus in that position. Pincus will remain with the company as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Product Officer. In a note to employees, Pincus explained the reasons for the shift.

"I've always said to Bing [Gordon] and our Board that if I could find someone who could do a better job as our CEO, I'd do all I could to recruit and bring that person in," Pincus said. "I'm confident that Don is that leader."

Pincus said he was particularly impressed with Mattrick's pedigree. Before he was head of Microsoft's Xbox business, Mattrick served as Electronic Arts' president of worldwide studios.

"Don is unique in the game business," Pincus said. "He can execute in multiple domains - hardware, software and network - and he's been the person responsible for game franchises like Need for Speed, FIFA, and The Sims."

As for Mattrick's interest in Zynga, he said, "I joined Zynga because I believe that Mark's pioneering vision and mission to connect the world through games is just getting started. Zynga is a great business that has yet to realize its full potential. I'm proud to partner with Mark to deliver high-quality, fun, social games wherever people want to play."