Microsoft CEO to retire

Steve Ballmer is to retire after 13 years as CEO of Microsoft, the first to succeed Bill gates in 2000.

Ballmer's replacement will be determined b a special committee which includes Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

Investors have criticised Ballmer's lack of commitment to the mobile and tablet market, where Apple has dominated and Google has been gaining.

Despite this, during Ballmer's time we've seen the Xbox become a super-power in the world of gaming, taking a huge chunk out of Sony's market share. It's estimated that Xbox, based on sales, has just over 29% of the market share, while Sony holds just over 28%; the Wii holds over 42% (VGChartz).

He'll be a hard man to replace, Microsoft will want to find someone who can continue to build the brand and hold it's position as the technology sector leader all while maintaining profit growth.

This might also be an interesting time for the game division, especially as new blood and new ideas might bring some structure and focus to the, what seems to be, a confused Xbox and PC gaming strategy.