Larry Hryb, known widely as Major Nelson during his two-decade tenure at Microsoft’s Xbox division, has been laid off from his director role at Unity. After nearly twenty months at the software development company, Hryb shared the news of his departure publicly, highlighting the persistent volatility that tech and gaming professionals face today. It surprised many in the industry, as Hryb’s advocacy and communication skills have played a major part in shaping gaming communities for years. His influence has extended through high-profile initiatives and his presence at industry events, which many saw as vital for Unity’s public engagement.
Hryb’s exit adds to a string of workforce cuts that Unity has implemented in recent years. Previous reports indicate that Unity has undergone several sweeps of layoffs, office closures, and pivotal leadership shifts, including the departure of former CEO John Riccitiello and the controversial runtime fee announcement. Unlike previous layoffs where entire departments were affected, Hryb’s case stands out due to his high visibility and unique contributions toward community rebuilding and industry relationships. Coverage from earlier events primarily focused on cost-cutting and restructuring but did not single out individuals who had such a broad impact on brand reputation and outreach strategy.
Why Did Unity Let Go of Its Community Director?
While the company has not specified the reasons for the decision, Hryb’s layoff appears to be either part of broader cost reduction efforts or a move to restructure how Unity handles external relations. Hryb confirmed the news in a public statement, saying,
“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.”
This message links his departure to wider industry trends impacting many professionals at both large and small studios.
What Impact Did Hryb Have at Unity?
During his short time at Unity, Hryb championed efforts to rebuild and revitalize the company’s community engagement. He led initiatives to reconnect with developers and gamers, revamping event participation and elevating Unity’s presence at industry gatherings such as PAX. He emphasized storytelling and transparent communication, seeking closer alignment between community outreach and the company’s strategic direction. Hryb summarized his contributions, explaining,
“During my time there, I rebuilt their Community and Advocacy Team with a deliberate strategy that created a clearer, more connected experience for creators, developers, and gamers.”
Are Further Layoffs Expected at Unity?
There is currently no explicit confirmation from Unity on whether Hryb’s exit is indicative of further layoffs. The company had faced backlash in earlier years over abrupt policy changes and sweeping workforce reductions, making industry observers watchful for additional signs of restructuring. The recent change in leadership, with Matthew Bromberg taking over as CEO, may also be a factor in the company’s evolving priorities regarding staff and public engagement efforts.
Unity’s ongoing adjustments reflect a broader reality in creative industries where communication roles, even when highly visible and impactful, are sometimes deprioritized during cost-saving initiatives. For both companies and professionals, adaptability remains crucial as market conditions fluctuate and priorities shift rapidly. Recognizing the way these decisions affect both internal culture and external reputation is important, especially as community advocacy becomes increasingly significant for brands like Unity. For those in developer relations or advocacy roles, staying prepared for change and focusing on adaptable skill sets may provide resilience in a dynamic employment landscape.
