A Familiar Voice in Gaming Faces an Unexpected Transition

Larry Hyrb, best known to generations of players as Major Nelson, has confirmed that he was laid off from his position at Unity. The news marks an unexpected turn for one of the most recognizable and trusted figures in the modern gaming community.

At this time, it remains unclear whether Hyrb’s departure is tied to broader reductions at Unity. Or if it reflects a more role-specific decision, though the situation highlights the continued uncertainty surrounding the company’s restructuring.

Larry Hyrb Addresses the News Directly

Rather than letting speculation take over, Hyrb chose to address the situation himself. In a post on X, speaking directly to the audience that has followed his career for decades, he shared.

As many of you have been with me during my career in gaming, I’d like to share personal news. Like many in the gaming space recently, I’ve been laid off from @Unity.

After leaving Microsoft, I joined the Unity team in 2024. I am proud of the goals my team and I accomplished in just 18 months, and I am grateful for the creators and teams I had the chance to support. Now, I am excited to explore the next chapter.

I’ve had invigorating conversations over the past weeks with companies in tech and non-tech spaces to discuss partnerships. I love what I do, but I also believe change is necessary. I’ll let you know where I go from here.

Larry even shares a little extra to say where he goes from here, and you can read that here.

From Xbox Icon to Industry Veteran

For more than twenty years, Larry Hyrb was synonymous with Xbox’s public-facing identity. As Major Nelson, he became a constant presence during the rise of online console gaming. He helped define how Xbox communicated with its audience during key generational shifts.

In his role as Director of Programming for Xbox Live, Hyrb went beyond announcements and marketing. Through podcasts, blog posts, and live events, he helped humanize a massive platform, building trust with players while strengthening relationships with developers across the industry.

A New Chapter at Unity

After departing Microsoft in 2023, Hyrb joined Unity in 2024, a move widely seen as a natural extension of his work in developer and community advocacy. At Unity, he focused on developer relations and communication, working largely behind the scenes to support creators using the engine. While his role was less publicly visible than his Xbox tenure, Hyrb’s experience and reputation made him a valued presence during a period of internal change for the company.

Unity’s Continued Industry Challenges

Hyrb’s layoff comes amid ongoing restructuring at Unity, which has undergone multiple rounds of job cuts as it reassesses its long-term strategy. Unity has not clarified whether Hyrb’s departure was part of broader reductions or a more role-specific staffing change, leaving the circumstances open to interpretation. Regardless, the loss of experienced industry figures highlights the continued instability facing parts of the tech and game development sectors.

Continued Work Beyond Unity

Despite the layoff, Hyrb remains actively involved in the games industry. He continues to serve on the board of Midwest Games. Here, he helps support and advocate for game developers throughout the Midwest. His ongoing role there underscores that this transition does not mark a step away from the industry, but rather a shift in where his experience and leadership are being applied.

A Community Responds

Reaction to Hyrb’s announcement was swift and overwhelmingly positive. People from developers, creators, and longtime fans are voicing their support across social media. Messages poured in highlighting his professionalism, transparency, and the lasting influence he has had on gaming communities over the years.

Industry figures such as Ryan McCaffrey, Danny Peña, Ralph Jodice Jr, Kahlief Adams, and I, along with many others throughout the games media and development space, shared words of encouragement and appreciation. The breadth of responses reflected just how widely respected Hyrb remains.

For many, the outpouring of support served as a reminder that Hyrb was never simply a spokesperson. He was a trusted bridge between platforms. Also, the people who play and create games. He was someone whose impact extended well beyond official titles or roles.

An Industry in Flux, a Legacy That Endures

Larry Hyrb’s departure from Unity is another sobering reminder of the uncertainty currently shaping the games industry. But it does little to diminish the legacy he has built. From shaping Xbox’s online identity to advocating for developers at Unity and beyond, his career reflects a long-standing commitment to community and communication. Wherever his next chapter leads, Hyrb’s influence on gaming and on the people who make and play games will continue to be felt.