Home Gaming Microsoft mum over Phil Harrison’s departure

Microsoft mum over Phil Harrison’s departure

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Phil Harrison

There are a bunch of Phils at the top of gaming. While the Xbox brand is run by (good guy) Phil Spencer, Phil Harrison was also a figurehead at Microsoft. However, it seems that he is leaving for even greener pastures.

Harrison joined Microsoft in 2012 as VP of the Interactive Entertainment Business and EMEA head of games. He was hired by then head of Xbox, Don “The Jacket” Mattrick and it’s understood that they had a long stranding friendship and mutual respect. However, GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that “multiple sources at GDC” have confirmed Harrison’s departure, despite no official word from Microsoft.

According to their sources, Harrison gave Microsoft an ultimatum, and then followed through:

Harrison grew frustrated when Mattrick’s departure and Spencer’s subsequent promotion did not result in him moving up the corporate ladder, issuing the ultimatum to Microsoft that he would leave if not offered a new position. However, it seems that no offer was forthcoming, and Harrison has made good on his promise.

I am extremely curious if this departure will lead to some new information about Microsoft’s inner workings. It’s not often that a senior executive leaves with ill will towards the corporate giant on the gaming side of things. Even Mattrick left for Zynga after being offered a ridiculous amount of money and seeing the Xbox One through it’s initial launch. I wonder if Harrison will confirm the reasons for his departure, and perhaps shed some light on Microsoft’s corporate environment. The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions have been struggling to sell the Xbox One, and tons of staff were let go. As the exec in charge of the region, I wonder if he could offer some insight into the corporate strategy for EMEA, and why he doesn’t think it’s working.

It’s always quite a shake up when senior people leave a company. Plus, I’m sure this will change their plans for the E3 press conference. Could we see his replacement announced there, or will they fill their gaps with other guys in indie game t-shirts and blazers?

Last Updated: March 5, 2015

27 Comments

  1. Norm

    March 5, 2015 at 14:11

    *Fails to think of any useful comments*

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      March 5, 2015 at 14:16

      *Looks at header
      Ox one 😛

      Reply

      • ReaperOfSquirrels

        March 5, 2015 at 14:28

        Could also be “Philox one”?

        I’ll leave now….

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          March 5, 2015 at 14:29

          XD lol

          Reply

        • RinceThis

          March 5, 2015 at 14:30

          I’ll follow 0_O

          Reply

          • Norm

            March 5, 2015 at 14:46

            Look out !

      • RinceThis

        March 5, 2015 at 14:30

        Philox?

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          March 5, 2015 at 14:35

          Or Bollox

          Reply

    • ReaperOfSquirrels

      March 5, 2015 at 14:18

      *Same issue here*

      Reply

  2. Ghost In The Rift

    March 5, 2015 at 14:14

    They need to Phil that opening, with another Phil maybe?

    Reply

    • Spathi

      March 5, 2015 at 14:26

      Damn, that’s so bad I actually laughed 😀

      Reply

      • Ghost In The Rift

        March 5, 2015 at 14:35

        LOL

        Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      March 5, 2015 at 14:30

      ROFL

      Reply

    • Pariah

      March 5, 2015 at 14:36

      This Phil wasn’t the One though. XD

      Reply

      • Ghost In The Rift

        March 5, 2015 at 14:42

        Lol, because they Phil our heads with lies!!#900p

        Reply

        • Pariah

          March 5, 2015 at 14:43

          He does look rather Phil-osophical, don’t you think?

          Reply

          • Ghost In The Rift

            March 5, 2015 at 14:48

            LOL yeah, and seems to be a Phil-istine

          • Pariah

            March 5, 2015 at 14:51

            LOL! That’s Phil-arious!!!

  3. Francois Knoetze

    March 5, 2015 at 14:14

    from the playstation days I thought of this guy as a real tool. Microsoft is better without him.

    Reply

  4. RinceThis

    March 5, 2015 at 14:24

    • RinceThis

      March 5, 2015 at 14:32

      Just need to say that cats are right bastards. Poor rat, minding his own business…

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief

        March 5, 2015 at 15:35

        SLAP A RAT

        Reply

  5. Hammersteyn

    March 5, 2015 at 14:30

    Did he keep the jacket at least. Or was that the other one

    Reply

  6. CAE9872

    March 5, 2015 at 14:37

    Come on everyone sing with me…

    “Silence is golden, golden, but my eyes still see”

    Reply

  7. xdvd

    March 5, 2015 at 15:13

    Maybe he was “let go” because of the South African Master Chief Collection matchmaking ban? We do fall under his jurisdiction after all.

    Reply

  8. Pieter Kruger

    March 5, 2015 at 15:52

    Oh why don’t you just cry me a river for not getting a promotion, rather throw your toys and jump ship to someone that deserves you for your brilliance! ROFL!

    Reply

  9. 40 Insane Frogs

    March 5, 2015 at 18:00

    Agent Phil did what he needed…

    Reply

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