Larry Hryb, greatest recognized to Xbox gamers as Main Nelson, has introduced that he has been laid off from Unity after 18 months.
Hryb was beforehand at Microsoft for 22 years, changing into Director of Programming at Xbox and the long-standing spokesperson for Microsoft’s gaming enterprise.
He left Xbox in July 2023 and, after taking a break, joined Unity in June 2024 the place he turned Director of Neighborhood following a tough interval for the corporate, which had not too long ago confronted backlash from the event group over controversial monetisation plans for its standard recreation improvement engine.
“I’ve all the time been clear with this group, so I wished to share that – like lots of people in tech and gaming proper now – I used to be laid off from Unity,” Hryb posted on his LinkedIn web page.
“After almost three a long time of creating an affect at Microsoft, I joined Unity in 2024. Throughout my time there, I rebuilt their Neighborhood and Advocacy Staff with a deliberate technique that created a clearer, extra related expertise for creators, builders, and avid gamers.
“We introduced vitality again to channels that had gone quiet, restored belief, and confirmed up persistently the place it mattered. I elevated Unity’s visibility at PAX and key trade occasions, strengthened relationships, and ensured Unity had a transparent voice within the broader dialog.
“Good communication was crucial to that work. We instructed higher tales, rebuilt confidence within the model, and experimented with rising platforms to satisfy audiences the place they already have been. We aligned group engagement immediately with product technique, so creators and gamers skilled a extra cohesive Unity. Making that connection tangible once more was significant, and I’m happy with what the crew achieved.
“Change makes you stronger. I’m exploring alternatives the place my expertise in group management, platform technique, and communications can drive development on the intersection of {hardware}, software program, and companies.
“I’m drawn to ecosystems the place these items work collectively to create built-in experiences for creators and gamers. My background in product platforms and large-scale group operations positions me to form technique, not simply reply to it.”
Unity has delivered quite a few rounds of layoffs lately, most notably shedding 25% of its workforce – some 1,800 workers – again in January 2024, following a interval of great instability for the corporate.
In October 2023, Unity introduced that John Riccitiello was stepping down as president and CEO efficient instantly. His departure got here weeks after the corporate sparked a backlash from builders after asserting plans to cost builders each time a recreation that makes use of its Unity engine was put in.
These plans have been partially walked again following the outcry, and in September 2024 it scrapped its controversial Runtime Price altogether.
