Andre Vrignaud has left Microsoft for Amazon.com.

SEPT. 8, 2010 • Amazon.com hired away Microsoft’s director of game platform strategy, Andre Vrignaud. Vrignaud had been with Microsoft since 2002, and has been an instrumental participant in the establishment of Xbox Live. For what purpose Amazon hired Vrignaud has not been disclosed.

Impact: We had been surprised that Amazon.com had not seemed to be very aggressive in focusing on digital distribution of games. Vrignaud’s hiring demonstrates Amazon’s desire to have a large impact in the digital distribution of games, similar to its prior – and successful – efforts in digital music and especially ebook sales with the Kindle.  Of course, DFC believes that as a core online retailer, Amazon is a major force to watch.  Amazon’s brand equity and general consumer audience reach should make it well equipped to make a significant impact in the games business as a major marketing and distribution channel.  Furthermore, this impact could be felt in the short term.