SEATTLE, USA: Microsoft Corp said on Thursday one of its leading video game executives, John Schappert, is returning to his previous company Electronic Arts Inc to be chief operating officer.

Schappert, who led many of Electronic Arts' biggest games such as FIFA Soccer, NHL Hockey and Need For Speed, joined Microsoft in 2007, spearheading the company's creation of online services for its Xbox game console.

In that role, Schappert was also in charge of Microsoft's Game Studios, overseeing the biggest games published by the company, including Halo, Gears of War and Forza Motorsport.

Schappert is scheduled to return to Electronic Arts on July 14.