Microsoft’s ‘Major Nelson’ Larry Hryb Departing
Larry Hryb, also known as “Major Nelson” in the Xbox community, announced via Twitter today that he will be departing from Microsoft. Hryb, who served as the Director of Programming for Xbox Live, has been a prominent figure for the brand for many years. While he did not disclose the specific reasons for his departure, he expressed his intention to take a step back and focus on the next phase of his career. This news comes amidst Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to finalize its acquisition of Activision for $68 billion. Hryb expressed gratitude towards the millions of gamers worldwide who have embraced him as a part of their gaming journey.
Hryb spent more than two decades at Microsoft, joining the company as editor-in-chief of MSN Music in 2001. But in 2003, when he joined the Xbox division, he found his identity within the company. His public role was a combination of official employee and superfan. His blog posts, podcasts, interviews, unboxings, and other assorted updates straddled the line between marketing executive and trusted “gamer’s gamer,” helping fans feel like they had their own inside the gaming monster.
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 💫✨ (@majornelson) July 14, 2023
Xbox had used him less as the face of the company in recent years, but at least from the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s, “Major Nelson” was practically synonymous with the platform. He says he got his player handle and public nickname from Larry Hagman’s character on the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie — after his TiVo recommended it.
Hryb has not yet said what his next career will be. However, he did note that the Official Xbox Podcast he hosts will be on hiatus this summer and will return later in a “new format.”
