Larry Hreib, Major Nelson on Xbox, is leaving Microsoft

Larry Hreib, better known as “Major Nelson” in Xbox circles, chirp Today he will leave Microsoft. Hreib spent many years as one of the most prominent public faces of the brand as Programming Director for Xbox Live. He did not give his reasons for leaving the company but said he plans to step back and work on the next chapter of his career. The move comes as Microsoft tries to close its $68 billion purchase of Activision. “As I take a moment and reflect on all we’ve done together, I want to thank the millions of gamers around the world who have included me as part of their lives,” said Hraib.

Hreib has spent more than two decades with Microsoft, joining the company as editor-in-chief of MSN Music in 2001. But it was in 2003, when he joined the Xbox division, that he found his identity with the company. His public role was a mixture of official employee and super fan. His blog posts, podcasts, interviews, unboxing, and various other updates have straddled the line between marketing executive and trusted “gamer player,” helping fans feel like they have one of their own inside at the gaming giant.

Xbox hasn’t used it 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 I got the handle of the player and the generic title from Larry Hagman’s character on the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie – after being recommended to him by TiVo.

Hreib has not yet detailed what his next career chapter will be. However, he did notice it The official Xbox podcastwhich he hosted, will take a hiatus this summer and return later “in a new format”.