David Gosen is stepping down as I-play’s president, effective immediately, following further integration of I-play with Oberon, after the company’s acquisition in June 2007.

He is to be replaced by casual games industry vet Don Ryan, who will take responsibility for Oberon’s mobile publishing activities moving forward.

A statement just released by I-play owner Oberon reads: "Mobile remains a pivotal part of Oberon’s strategy to maintain its leadership position as a multi-platform casual games company. We wish David well in his future endeavours."

I-play's appointment of ex-Nintendo Europe boss Gosen, first as its COO in 2004 and then CEO in 2006, was seen as a bit of coup.

Gosen's steady hand was ostensibly put in place to take I-play through to either IPO or a sale, with that objective reached when online games giant Oberon bought the company in June last year.

Following the deal Gosen - a staunch advocate of casual gaming - was installed as I-play's president, but with the main goal acheived it appears pastuers new now await.

All eyes will now be on where he turns up next - will we see a return to 'traditional' games or a new role in mobile?

Ryan's CV is certainly impressive. He was formerly general manager of Microsoft Game Studios and director of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.