Chris Early Named Windows Live General Manager

Microsoft has announced that Microsoft casual games manager and Xbox Live Arcade/MSN Games 'driving force' has been promoted to general manager for the company's Games For Windows - Live initiative where he will continue to 'bridge the gap' between PC and console. Recently featured on Gamasutra, Early has been a "passionate advocate" for Microsoft's Games for Windows - Live strategy and "cross-platform gaming vision," says the company. Prior to working with Microsoft, Early was president and COO of GameSpy Industries, as well as executive VP of Mplayer. Microsoft says Early will focus on adding features and services "appropriate to PC gamers," and help developers integrate the service and platform into their games. Taking on Early's former XBLA role will be former casual games executive and interim XBLA group manager Bryan Trussel, who stepped in to the manager role in February following the departure of Greg Canessa.