It’s becoming quite easy to see why former Xbox head Don Mattrick jumped ship for mobile and social gaming proprietor Zynga; they’re throwing money at him.
According to Zynga filings, Mattrick will net himself a $5 million signing bonus, a $1 million salary – plus stock options of $25 million over three years, plus additional restricted shares and options valued at $15 million. That’s $19.3 million just in his first year.
Next year, Mattrick could be getting a performance bonus of $5 million, plus performance-based equity grant valued at $7 million.
All totalled, that’s a heck of a lot of money – but it’s worth noting that 95% of it is in stock, so he’s going to have to actually work damned hard to make that money. So far, it seems like he’s already helping; just being brought on has caused Zynga’s stock to surge 10%.
Still, it’s down 70% from what it was a year ago – so Don Mattrick’s going to have to pull a magical rabbit out of his arse if he plans to keep Don’s Mattress stuffed with cash.
If this is what video game executives earn, it’s no wonder the industry’s not making enough money.
Last Updated: July 4, 2013
Airborne
July 4, 2013 at 15:03
I am not seeing the upside… Except for Microsoft… sounds like a punchline to a bad joke…
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 4, 2013 at 15:05
Good grief that is a lot of cash. Heck even the portion that isn’t tucked away in shares is still a crap load. I wouldn’t even know what to do with all that cash 0_o
HvR
July 4, 2013 at 15:13
Well Zynga first got to make $30 million to actually pay him, their facebook money is worth much in the real world.
TiMsTeR1033
July 4, 2013 at 15:13
I would easily lol
Trevor Davies
July 4, 2013 at 16:03
A pony made of diamonds.
OVG
July 4, 2013 at 15:06
I bet it is all a cunning plan to bring Zynga to the Bone.
IceH
July 4, 2013 at 15:19
Best Photoshopping Ever. Looks like his head is ACTUALLY part of the cartoon
RinceWind
July 4, 2013 at 15:20
That’s his natural look though 🙂 hehehe
RinceWind
July 4, 2013 at 15:19
Shame, maybe Cliffy B can lend him a hand, after all, it’s us bastards who buy second hand games that is ruining the industry, right?
Trevor Davies
July 4, 2013 at 15:48
Just like you killed Kenny!
RinceWind
July 4, 2013 at 15:54
And a WHOLE bunch of others *sharpens pencil while staring at colleague* ‘one more snort, I dare ya, one more…’ 0-O
Trevor Davies
July 4, 2013 at 15:57
One of those?
*sniff sniffffffff*
DIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
RinceWind
July 4, 2013 at 15:58
You have no idea… It would be okay if it happened like clockwork, you know, then you block it out, but it is ALMOST like clockwork. Sniff, sniff, sniff, s…. … … when is it comi… SNIFF! GAHHH!
Trevor Davies
July 4, 2013 at 16:04
I feel your pain. I really, really do. I like to look on the bright side, at least it’s easy to know where they are.
RinceWind
July 4, 2013 at 16:06
Here you go, a laugh for you! http://i.imgur.com/CAKYvig.gif
Trevor Davies
July 4, 2013 at 16:12
LOL!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 4, 2013 at 15:20
Evacuation in my building ohh noooooooz!!! it’s been fun
RinceWind
July 4, 2013 at 15:21
No dude! Tell them you have LG to write to! #screwdeath
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 4, 2013 at 15:25
Hellz no im almost packed ready to go! see ya’ll on the other side!!!
RinceWind
July 4, 2013 at 15:32
Keep me a warm spot!
ElNicko
July 4, 2013 at 15:24
but I thought we were told that Used Games are whats causing this industry to go down (supposedly) , it could never be ludicrous amounts of money like this being thrown around
Trevor Davies
July 4, 2013 at 15:52
I know, it’s so upsetting. If it wasn’t for those filthy used games he’d get paid twice as much & then they’d have to work extra hard to find another scapegoat.
Ultimo_Cleric N7
July 4, 2013 at 15:26
Wow…..far to much cash.
Theo Steenekamp
July 4, 2013 at 15:26
Geoff can actually submit a few of these headers to the creators of South Park. Maybe they will inspire them!
Macethy
July 4, 2013 at 15:34
Am I the only one that sees another tech bubble burst coming with the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Zynga, etc.?
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
July 4, 2013 at 15:41
No sir. It is going to happen. It’s just a case of “when”
Happy Hamster
July 4, 2013 at 15:45
Maybe in the Future Headline: Zynga to close doors due to Bankruptcy and Over Paid CEO’s
Trevor Davies
July 4, 2013 at 15:46
“dull a magical rabbit”? That made me giggle like an anime schoolgirl.
Trevor Davies
July 4, 2013 at 15:47
If anyone can dull something down it’s Dot Matrix.