As it turns out, the E3 2009 Press Conference of Microsoft was to be John Schappert's last big gig with the company. Reports got out today saying that the man who handled Xbox Live and MS Game Studios has left the building to make his way back into his old employer, Electronic Arts.

The announcement was made by Electronic Arts, revealing that he has been re-hired to be the publisher's new Chief Operating Officer. John Riccitiello expressed his happiness at Schappert's return home.

"We are thrilled to welcome John Schappert back to EA," he 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 recognizing what consumers want."

Schappert  merely said of his comeback, "I've got EA in my blood." This event is a complete deja vu of Peter Moore's move to EA. Moore was formerly the Corporate VP for Microsoft and did a final presentation for the company back in E3 2007 before saying goodbye and packing up for EA.

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