In a move that may seem shocking to some, Peter Moore, the outspoken Microsoft executive, has left his job at the Xbox manufacturer to take a post as President of EA Sports. As a result, he will move to EA’s Redwood Shores headquarters and will begin his new job in September.

Moore is being replaced by Don Mattrick (pictured), a longtime EA executive who has worked as an external advisor to Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division for the past six months. He will take his position at Microsoft starting July 30.

“The people at EA Sports have created one of the strongest brands in the entertainment industry and John Riccitiello is building an organization which will extend the company’s leadership to new platforms and new audiences all over the world,” said Moore in today’s announcement. “I couldn’t be more excited about joining EA and moving my family back to the San Francisco Bay Area.”

“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,” said Microsft Entertainment and Devices president Robbie Bach. “Don is well-known and respected throughout the industry for his deep knowledge, technical expertise and management savvy.”

Moore’s previous digs includes being the president and COO of Sega of America, where he oversaw the launch of the Dreamcast in 1999. Interestingly, this will be his highest paying job, as this SEC filing reveals. He will be paid $550,000 a year, with a potential annual bonus of $412,500; there is also a one-time signing bonus of $1.5 million. There are other perks, too, in the form of stock options and restricted shares.