It all seems a bit like a game of musical chairs in the higher levels of the games industry at the moment. First, Electronic Arts' David Gardner joined Infogrames, then Sony's Phil Harrison followed suit, and now a former Nintendo exec has joined Microsoft.

　　Today, David Gosen was announced as vice president, strategic marketing, of Microsoft's interactive entertainment business for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

　　Gosen was most recently CEO of I-play Mobile Entertainment, and before that he was managing director of Nintendo Europe for five years. He has also held positions in British Sky Broadcasting, Mercury One-to-One, and Pepsico.

　　He will have responsibility for expanding the reach of the Xbox 360 in Europe and making the console appeal to a wider audience. This will involve widening the game portfolio "to offer broader and more mass-market entertainment experiences for consumers of all ages, skills, and interests." Gosen will also be in charge of the Xbox Live business in Europe, along with communications strategy and all marketing for the division.