Major Nelson Laid Off from Unity in Latest Tech Cuts

Larry Hryb, the legendary voice behind Xbox's community for more than two decades, has announced his departure from Unity. Better known as Major Nelson, Hryb revealed his layoff through a uniquely gaming-centric post on January 13, 2026.

The former Xbox communications director shared an image of a zero Gamerscore Xbox achievement titled "Laid Off!" across his social channels. This marks the end of his 18-month tenure at Unity, where he served as Director of Community and Advocacy.

His exit adds to a growing list of high-profile tech layoffs that have rocked the gaming industry throughout 2024 and 2025. Industry colleagues have already rallied behind Hryb, calling the decision a significant loss for Unity.

Hryb confirmed his departure through both Twitter/X and LinkedIn on Thursday, maintaining the transparency he's known for. His social media post featured a mock Xbox achievement notification - a nod to his gaming roots.

On LinkedIn, Hryb elaborated on his situation, writing: "I've always been transparent with this community, so I wanted to share that - like a lot of people in tech and gaming right now - I was laid off from Unity."

The timing marks a swift transition from his celebrated exit from Microsoft. Hryb left the software giant in September 2023 after more than two decades, stating he wanted to "take a step back and work on the next chapter of my career."

His move to Unity in June 2024 was seen as a major coup for the game engine company, bringing one of gaming's most recognizable voices to their community efforts.

For over 22 years at Microsoft, Hryb served as the primary communications bridge between Xbox and its community. His role extended far beyond typical corporate communications.

Hryb's responsibilities included:

• Hosting the official Xbox podcast
• Maintaining a comprehensive blog of new releases
• Regular appearances on official Xbox livestreams
• Direct community engagement across multiple platforms

His departure from Microsoft in 2023 prompted an outpouring of appreciation from industry leaders. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer personally thanked Hryb, stating: "for being a friend, and for everything you've done for our Xbox community and team."

The respect Hryb commands within the industry reflects his role in shaping modern gaming community management. He helped establish the template for how gaming companies maintain direct, authentic dialogue with their player base.

During his 18 months at Unity, Hryb undertook a comprehensive rebuild of the company's community infrastructure. His work focused on creating what he described as "a clearer, more connected experience for creators, developers, and gamers."

Hryb detailed his key achievements:

• Rebuilding the Community and Advocacy Team from the ground up
• Restoring trust with developers and creators
• Revitalizing channels that had fallen silent
• Increasing Unity's presence at major industry events like PAX

He emphasized consistent engagement where it mattered most, ensuring Unity maintained a clear voice in industry conversations. His strategy prioritized direct communication with the development community that powers Unity's platform.

We brought energy back to channels that had gone quiet, restored trust, and showed up consistently where it mattered.

Industry observers noted that Hryb's approach represented a significant shift in Unity's community strategy, focusing on transparency and active engagement.

The news of Hryb's layoff prompted immediate and strong reactions from industry veterans who viewed the decision as shortsighted.

Don McGowan, former legal chief at The Pokémon Company, offered a particularly pointed critique:

You hire a legend, the legend leaves on his own terms if at all, and if he chooses never to leave then THAT'S THE DEAL YOU MADE WITH HISTORY!

McGowan called the move "completely unacceptable," a sentiment echoed by other former colleagues. Jeff Williams, a former Microsoft colleague, responded: "My immediate thought was how poorly it reflected on Unity but you articulated it much better."

The reaction underscores the unique position Hryb holds in the gaming community. Unlike typical corporate transitions, his departure has sparked broader questions about how companies value institutional knowledge and community relationships.

The timing also raises concerns about Unity's strategic direction, particularly following recent controversies around the company's pricing and licensing changes.

Despite the setback, Hryb remains optimistic about his next chapter. He is actively exploring new opportunities that leverage his unique expertise in community leadership and platform strategy.

His focus areas include roles at the intersection of hardware, software, and services - spaces where his decades of experience managing gaming communities can drive growth and innovation.

Companies interested in hiring Hryb can contact him directly through his personal website at LarryHryb.com. His availability represents a rare opportunity to bring a proven community architect with deep industry relationships onto any team.

For now, the gaming community watches to see where Major Nelson lands next. Given his track record of building authentic connections and his unparalleled industry standing, his next move will likely be closely watched by competitors and allies alike.

The departure of Larry 'Major Nelson' Hryb from Unity represents more than just another tech layoff - it highlights the ongoing turbulence in the gaming industry and raises questions about how companies value community leadership.

Key developments to watch:

• Hryb's next career move in gaming or tech
• Unity's strategy for replacing their community leadership
• Continued tech industry layoffs throughout 2026

As the industry continues to evolve, Hryb's situation serves as a reminder that even legendary figures aren't immune to corporate restructuring. However, his proven track record and industry respect position him well for his next challenge.

The gaming community will undoubtedly follow Major Nelson's journey with interest, waiting to see where this veteran of two decades at Microsoft lands next.