Xbox veteran Larry Hryb, also known as “Major Nelson,” announced his departure from Microsoft’s Xbox division today via Twitter. Hryb spent many years as Xbox Live’s Director of Programming. Although he did not state his reasons for leaving, he said he plans to step back and work on his next step.

The news came as Microsoft’s Xbox is still celebrating its major victory over the FTC in its fight to acquire Activision Blizzard. “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,” He said. “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.”

In his tweet thread, he thanked the fans and people he worked alongside at Xbox.

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

With his more than 1 million Twitter followers, Hryb regularly shared news from Microsoft’s Xbox team and hosted Microsoft’s Official Xbox Podcast. Even though he’s leaving, he says the podcast will take a break over the summer and will return “in a new format” next year.

Soon after the announcement was made, Xbox head Phil Spencer tweeted a thank you message to Hryb.

“Larry, it has been awesome to work alongside you on this journey. Thank you for being a friend, and for everything you’ve done for our Xbox community and team.”

Many expressed appreciation via Twitter for Larry’s departure. This includes Ralph Jodice, who works for a PR company that supports the Xbox team, who shared a Twitter thread with many fun throwback photos, including Hryb trading cards.