Larry Hryb, widely recognized as Major Nelson from his two-decade tenure at Xbox, has been dismissed from his role as director of community and advocacy at Unity, a position he held for less than two years. This news, which Hryb himself shared on LinkedIn, highlights the ongoing volatility within the technology and gaming industries, where job cuts have become increasingly common.
Hryb's departure from Unity is particularly noteworthy given his iconic status in the gaming community. He joined Microsoft in 2001, initially working as editor-in-chief for MSN Music before transitioning to a senior project manager role at Xbox. There, he launched the highly popular Major Nelson Radio podcast, later rebranded as the Official Xbox Podcast, establishing himself as a household name among gamers. Even after moving into corporate communications at Xbox in 2012, he maintained his identity as Major Nelson, becoming the consistent voice of the Xbox brand, especially during the Xbox 360 era.
Unity, the company Hryb joined, has faced its own share of challenges. Over the past few years, it has implemented extensive workforce reductions, closed numerous offices, and provoked significant backlash from its user base with a controversial runtime fee. This fee was later acknowledged as "insane" by current CEO Matthew Bromberg, who took over from John Riccitiello in May 2024. These internal struggles and strategic missteps have contributed to a tumultuous period for the game engine developer.
Upon joining Unity, Hryb aimed to bring the same level of community engagement and advocacy that characterized his work at Xbox. He spearheaded the rebuilding of Unity's Community and Advocacy Team, focusing on creating a more transparent and connected experience for creators, developers, and gamers. He revitalized dormant communication channels, worked to restore trust, and actively participated in key industry events like PAX, ensuring Unity's presence in broader discussions. Hryb emphasized the importance of effective communication, noting that his team strived to tell better stories, rebuild brand confidence, and align community engagement with product strategy to foster a more cohesive experience for users. He expressed pride in the team's accomplishments during his time there.
The specific reasons behind Hryb's layoff remain unclear, with questions lingering about whether it is part of broader organizational restructuring within Unity or a targeted decision regarding his role. Regardless, this event underscores the precarious nature of employment in the rapidly evolving tech and gaming sectors, where even highly recognized figures can be affected by corporate shifts and industry trends.
