In a surprising and significant development, Larry Hryb, fondly known in the gaming world as “Major Nelson”, announced his departure from Microsoft after serving more than 20 years with the tech giant.
The announcement, made on his personal Twitter account, brings to an end a relationship that has spanned well over two decades and leaves a significant gap in the Xbox community.
Joining Microsoft in 2001 as the Editor in Chief of MSN Music, Hryb transitioned into the Xbox team in 2003, becoming a pivotal figure in the gaming community. His contributions to Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, including the Achievement system, cloud saves, party chat, and in-game messaging, have fundamentally shaped the Xbox experience. As senior director of corporate communications from 2012, Hryb helped steer the Xbox brand through a dynamic and increasingly competitive landscape.
After 20 incredible years, I have decided to take a step back and work on the next chapter of my career. As I take a moment and think about all we have done together, I want to thank the millions of gamers around the world who have included me as part of their lives. (1/3)
— Larry Hryb, Gamer Emeritus ⌨️🖱️🎮 (@majornelson) July 14, 2023
Equally comfortable in front of the camera as he was behind the scenes, Hryb’s unique blend of charisma and authenticity made him a beloved figure among Xbox’s millions of global gamers. Whether engaging with fans on Twitter, hosting the Official Xbox Podcast, or participating in fan meet-and-greets, Hryb consistently embodied the accessible and passionate ethos that has defined the Xbox brand.
However, even as the gaming world adjusts to Hryb’s departure, the future for Xbox remains optimistic. “The future is bright for Xbox and as a gamer, I am excited to see the evolution,” Hryb stated in his farewell message. As for the Official Xbox Podcast, it will take a summer hiatus and return in a new format, signaling continued commitment to engaging the gaming community.
Hryb’s departure is occurring alongside another significant transition for Microsoft as it attempts to finalize its merger with Activision Blizzard.
💚🫡
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 14, 2023
The only hurdle that remains is the CMA, who has since agreed to a still-to-be-determined compromise. At the moment, Sony has already inked a deal with Microsoft to bring Call of Duty to the PlayStation platform, presumably for the remaining lifecycle of the PlayStation 5 and, quite possibly, the PlayStation 6.
The effects of this acquisition will not be felt until many years from now, and it’s a shame Hryb will no longer be directly responsible for what goes on behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
Hryb has yet to confirm what his plans are post-Xbox. For now, he’s taking some time off to spend time with his family and enjoy the Seattle summer. Hryb mentioned that he is “working on a few projects,” leaving fans curious to find out what his next venture will be and when it will be announced.
Unfortunately, Hryb’s departure comes amidst an ongoing restructuring at Microsoft, which started in January. At the time, CEO Satya Nadella announced workforce reductions by about 5 percent by Q3 this year. Hryb’s resignation follows a notice posted by Microsoft indicating the layoff of 276 workers, affecting customer service, support, and sales.
Despite these changes, the Microsoft and wider gaming community continue to celebrate Hryb’s career and contributions. Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, including from Xbox boss Phil Spencer and even the official PlayStation account, underscoring the broad impact of Hryb’s work.
As Hryb steps away, his legacy at Xbox is an indelible one. His authentic dialogue with gamers, his contribution to building features that enhanced the Xbox experience, and his general dedication to the Xbox brand have left an enduring impact.
Speaking of Xbox, fans are still wondering whether or not Microsoft will make the other big Activision Blizzard franchises exclusive to the Xbox platform. But, it’s clear that Blizzard isn’t open to bringing Diablo to the Game Pass soon, despite the earlier claims made by Phil Spencer.
