First it was Microsoft relenting to the demands of the bereaved many and making the necessary adjustments to its policy regarding fixing consoles with the Red Ring of Death. Then it was Robbie Bach selling off US$6.8 million worth of shares at the height of the Red Ring frenzy.

Now, another stunning development - Peter Moore, Corporate Vice President of the Xbox 360/Internet Entertainment business division of Microsoft, has just been confirmed to have resigned from his position, with former Electronic Arts Inc. President Don Mattrick to take his place. This was the shocker that Microsoft itself announced through a press release.

So what made him go? Before we start pointing fingers at a particular crimson ring of light, it's not the reason at all - or so the announcement says. No, Peter Moore's resigning for personal reasons, deciding to move his family back to the Bay Area.

It seems that he's also secured another opportunity in the video games industry - what opportunity, we don't have any info as of yet.

What about Microsoft? Well, they're certainly sad that he's leaving but they don't seem to be that worried that one of their very staunch supporters - namely, the guy who got a Halo tattoo on his arm - left, as they're looking forward to Don Mattrick's experience and management savvy. Robbie Bach and his thoughts on the matter, verbatim:

Peter has contributed enormously to the games business since joining Microsoft in 2003 and we are sad to see him go...While Peter will certainly be missed, we are delighted to have one of the industry's most talented and passionate veterans on board to lead the business.