Unity Lays Off Former Xbox Director Larry ‘Major Nelson’ Hryb
Larry Hryb, commonly recognized as Major Nelson from Xbox, has recently been laid off from Unity. He announced his departure through a post on Twitter/X, where he shared an image symbolizing the layoff with a zero Gamerscore Xbox achievement titled “Laid Off!” Hryb confirmed his exit from Unity on LinkedIn, where he served as the Director of Community and Advocacy since June 2024.
Larry Hryb’s Legacy in the Gaming Industry
Hryb is well-known for his substantial contribution to Xbox, where he worked for over a decade, totaling more than 22 years at Microsoft. He played a pivotal role in running the official Xbox podcast, maintained a blog about new releases, and frequently participated in official livestreams. His time at Microsoft concluded in September 2023, when he decided to “take a step back and work on the next chapter of my career.” Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, praised Hryb for his dedication to the Xbox community upon his departure.
Achievements at Unity
During his tenure at Unity, Hryb focused on enhancing the company’s Community and Advocacy Team. He implemented strategic initiatives that connected creators, developers, and gamers more effectively. Hryb revitalized communication channels and reinforced Unity’s presence at significant industry events, including PAX.
Reactions to Hryb’s Departure
- Don McGowan, former legal chief of The Pokémon Company, expressed disappointment at Hryb’s layoff, calling it “completely unacceptable.”
- Jeff Williams, a former Microsoft colleague, praised McGowan’s comments, highlighting how the situation reflects poorly on Unity.
Future Prospects for Larry Hryb
Looking ahead, Hryb is exploring new opportunities where his experience in community leadership, platform strategy, and communications can contribute to growth in the gaming sector. He has invited companies interested in his expertise to reach out through his website, LarryHryb.com.
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