Larry Hryb, also known as “Major Nelson,” announced today that he will be leaving Microsoft. Hryb has been a prominent figure in Xbox circles for many years, serving as the Director of Programming for Xbox Live. While he did not explicitly state his reasons for leaving, he did mention that he plans to take a step back and explore the next chapter of his career.
This news comes at a time when Microsoft is in the process of finalizing its $68 billion acquisition of Activision. As Hryb reflects on his time with the company, he expresses gratitude towards the millions of gamers worldwide who have included him in their lives.
Hryb has had a long and successful career at Microsoft, spanning over two decades. He initially joined the company in 2001 as the editor-in-chief of MSN Music. However, it was in 2003, when he joined the Xbox division, that he truly found his calling. During his tenure, Hryb played a dual role as an official employee and an avid game enthusiast. Through his blog posts, podcasts, interviews, and other updates, he effectively bridged the gap between a marketing executive and a trusted “gamer’s gamer.” By doing so, he made Xbox fans feel like they had a representative on the inside of the gaming behemoth.
While Hryb’s visibility as the face of Xbox has diminished in recent years, there was a time when he was synonymous with the platform. From the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s, “Major Nelson” was the name that came to mind when thinking about Xbox. Interestingly, Hryb reveals that he got his gamer handle and public nickname from Larry Hagman’s character in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie—his TiVo recommended it to him.
As for Hryb’s future plans, he has yet to disclose specifics about his next career move. However, he did mention that The Official Xbox Podcast, which he hosted, will be taking a hiatus this summer and will return in a new format later on.
Hryb’s departure marks the end of an era for Xbox fans who have followed and supported him throughout his journey with Microsoft. His contributions and unique perspective have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the gaming community. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, gamers around the world will undoubtedly be eagerly watching to see where his passion and expertise take him.
It will be interesting to observe how Microsoft navigates this transitional period without one of its most recognizable figures. As the company works towards the completion of the Activision acquisition, Hryb’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. Nevertheless, Xbox fans remain hopeful that the brand will continue to innovate and deliver exceptional gaming experiences under new leadership.
In conclusion, Larry Hryb’s departure from Microsoft marks a significant change for the Xbox community. His contributions as “Major Nelson” have shaped the perception of the brand for many years. As he takes a step back to explore new opportunities, fans eagerly await the next phase in his career. Meanwhile, Microsoft must navigate this transition and continue to deliver on its promises to gamers worldwide.
