On his official blog, Xbox Live’s Major Nelson confirmed yesterday that John Schappert, corporate vice president of Xbox Live, software and services, and unofficial designated keynote speaker for Microsoft since 2007, is returning to his old employer, EA.  Schappert will be assuming the role of Chief Operations Officer, a job previously held by John Pleasants.  The switch will take place on July 14, after which Pleasants will move on to social gaming company, Playdom. 

Schappert’s legacy at EA is already secure; he’s the founder of Tiburon, the studio that has developed the Madden series since 1994.  So why the move? “After nearly two decades working in or around this company, I’ve got EA in my blood,” said Schappert. “This is a team that is intensely focused on quality and innovation. I’m looking forward to rejoining EA as Chief Operating Officer and helping grow the business on new platforms and in new markets.”  As for EA’s decision to rehire Schappert, EA CEO John Riccitiello said, “We are thrilled to welcome John Schappert back to EA. He has a great track record as a leader and innovator in our industry. His years of experience with EA and in Microsoft’s Xbox business, provide him great insight into recognizing what consumers want.”

For the past few years, high-level employees have been bouncing between EA and Microsoft pretty regularly.  Peter Moore left Microsoft for EA in July of 2007, and his role was immediately filled by Don Mattrick, who had left EA for Microsoft only a few months earlier.

So who’s next to jump?  President of Entertainment and Devices at Microsoft, Robert Bach? EA CFO Eric Brown?  Major Nelson himself?  Pretty soon it’s going to be impossible to tell who’s on which team during the annual EA/Microsoft softball game that I’m sure doesn’t exist.