Xbox Guru Phil Harrison Reportedly Leaving Microsoft

Microsoft executive Phil Harrison is leaving the software company, according to a recent report from GamesIndustry.biz. The report states that Microsoft is refusing to comment on the Xbox leader departing, though inside sources indicate the rumour is true.

Harrison joined Microsoft in 2012 as Vice President of the Interactive Entertainment Business and head of games after making a name for himself for the past 16 years at Sony, where he helped to establish the rise of the PlayStation. He was initially pleased with the move to the software giant.

I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry…I am really impressed with the company’s long-term vision for growing the market for interactive entertainment globally and also with the incredible wealth of talent, technology and resources the company has available to succeed.

Current head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, welcomed Harrison with open arms at the time of his being hired.

We are honoured to have Phil join a team that boasts a wealth of talent from across the industry…Phil is one of video gaming’s true visionaries, and his experience overseeing global studios and deep industry relationships make him the ideal person to lead our European efforts. Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing cultivating the best talent and growing our business in the region.

However, Harrison became frustrated with the resignation of then head of Xbox and long time friend, Don Mattick. Since Mattick left the company, Harrison was promoted, but it did not, “result in him moving up the corporate ladder,” and Harrison subsequently, “decided to move on.”

Many video game sites, including Eurogamer, have attempted to contact Microsoft for confirmation on the report, but even Phil Harrison himself has refused to comment, saying, “I’m sorry, I don’t think I can say anything about that.”

Microsoft were also in the news recently themselves when it was announced that Windows 7 is now available to download for free…provided users already have a legal retail copy of the operating system. Users will still need a legitimate Windows 7 activation key to download the ISO file, but will be able to burn a copy to a DVD or create a USB bootable flash drive.

With the departure of Phil Harrison from Microsoft, many industry experts and users alike will be wondering who will be taking over his role at the company. So far no news has been announced about a potential replacement.