Midway Games discharges CEO David Zucker

Midway Games Inc said on Thursday Chief Executive David Zucker is leaving the company as it searches for a new leader to improve the loss-making video game maker's performance.

Photo: Midway Games discharges CEO David Zucker

"The board is confident that a new CEO will be selected who can fully utilize the opportunities presented by this next-generation console cycle to renew Midway's position as a major player in the video game industry," Midway Chairman Shari Redstone said in a statement.

The company said Matthew Booty will serve as interim CEO while it searches for a new executive. Booty has worked with the company since 1991, most recently as senior vice president, worldwide studios.

Midway Games is an American video game publisher. Midway's legacy includes landmark titles such as Ms. Pac-Man, Spy Hunter, Tron, Mortal Kombat, and NBA Jam. It was listed as the #19 video game publisher in September 2005 and the #20 in September 2006 by the magazine Game Developer.

Midway is controlled by Viacom Inc Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone.

Sumner Murray Redstone (born Sumner Murray Rothstein; May 27, 1923) is majority owner and Chairman of the Board of the National Amusements theater chain. Through National Amusements, Sumner Redstone and his family are majority owners of CBS Corporation, Viacom, and Midway Games, MTV Networks, BET, and movie production and distribution Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks movie studios, and are equal partners in MovieTickets.com.