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Zynga COO John Schappert resigns

Effectively immediately

Zynga COO John Schappert resigns
Zynga has announced COO John Schappert has resigned from his position with immediate effect, just days after the social gaming giant effectively demoted him.

Schappert – who joined Zynga from EA little over a year ago – lost his responsibility for games at the start of August as part of a reshuffled designed to "unify" its operations.

Speculation, however, suggested Schappert was being made to pay for financial woes at the company, with Zynga failing to contend with social gaming's transition from Facebook to mobile.

Socially speaking

Zynga is also currently wrapped up in a legal tussle with Schappert's former employer EA, with the latter claiming the studio has copied its Facebook release The Sims Social.

Indeed, Schappert himself was cited within the lawsuit.

Nonetheless, Zynga claims his resignation was not tendered in connection with any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices."

"John has made significant contributions to the games industry throughout his career and we appreciate all that he has done for Zynga," said Zynga CEO and founder Mark Pincus.

"John leaves as a friend of the company and we wish him all the best."

[source: Reuters]

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.