Midway Games says CEO Zucker leaving the company

NEW YORK, March 20 (Reuters) - Midway Games Inc (MWY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) 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.

"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 is controlled by Viacom Inc (VIAb.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone. The company publishes such titles as "Stranglehold" by Hong Kong action director John Woo and "Unreal Tournament." (Reporting by Michele Gershberg, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)