Phil Harrison about to leave Microsoft

[-DMP-]

Phil Harrison to leave Microsoft
By Dan Pearson

Thursday 05 March 2015

Microsoft refuses to comment as figurehead departs

Executive Phil Harrison is leaving Microsoft, GamesIndustry.bizhas learned through multiple sources at GDC, though Microsoft has so far refused to confirm his departure.

"I don't, no. I'm sorry, I don't think I can say anything about that," Xbox boss Phil Spencer told Eurogamer when asked today at GDC. Chris Charla, director of ID@Xbox also refused to comment - with a Microsoft spokesperson stepping in to say Charla wasn't the person to ask about staffing issues, and that the company does not comment on rumour or speculation.

The news comes in tandem with the proposed merger of Lift London, which Harrison was instrumental in founding, with Microsoft's multimedia-focused Soho Productions. Several redundancies are understood to have taken place as part of that move.

Harrison joined Microsoft in 2012 as VP of the Interactive Entertainment Business and EMEA head of games, having previously held a senior role at Sony and founding London Venture Partners in the interim. He was hired by then head of the Xbox business, Don Mattrick, who it's understood had a long standing friendship and mutual respect with Harrison.

"I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry," said Harrison when he was hired back in 2012. "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."

"We are honoured to have Phil join a team that boasts a wealth of talent from across the industry," added Phil Spencer at the time. "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, GamesIndustry.biz understands that 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.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-03-04-report-phil-harrison-to-leave-microsoft

Ain't this the dude that's basically been cleaning up the launch fiasco caused by mattrick?

-DMP-

 

[#StarkSet]

Game is over





Let the spin begin

 

[Bathing Ape]

Nah that's Phil Spencer, he the one who reversed all that bullshyt in the beginning. As long as they still have him they will be alright

 

[-DMP-]

Nah that's Phil Spencer, he the one who reversed all that bullshyt in the beginning. As long as they still have him they will be alright

If that's the case seems like msoft did the right thing.

All I know about Harrison is that he use to work for Sony. Guess he can

-DMP-

 

[Why-Fi]

i know folks dont want to hear it but they may not need him. nadella has pretty been pulling miracles out of his ass since day one. i know for a fact he'll figure out how to get on without spencer

 

[Dominic Brehetto]

Nah that's Phil Spencer, he the one who reversed all that bullshyt in the beginning. As long as they still have him they will be alright

A monkey could do what Phil Spencer has done. He hasnt done anything of note that wasnt completely obvious to everybody with a pulse of what needed to be done.

Except you know, changing their parity clause for games thats losing them massive support from the indies.

 

[ORDER_66]

 

[Bathing Ape]

A monkey could do what Phil Spencer has done. He hasnt done anything of note that wasnt completely obvious to everybody with a pulse of what needed to be done.

Except you know, changing their parity clause for games thats losing them massive support from the indies.

I didnt say he created atoms breh. Stop trying to reach for something not there

 

[BasedPrime]

We cant be stopped :gg:

 

[Rekkapryde]

If that's the case seems like msoft did the right thing.

All I know about Harrison is that he use to work for Sony. Guess he can

-DMP-

He's been taking Ls since he left Sony.......

left Sony in 2008 to goto InfroGames/Atari....resigned 2 years later

Joined Gaikai in 2010 and left them before Sony absorbed them

Joined Team Larry in 2012 as part of the their board....quite sure he was involved with the original vision of Xbox One ( and Phil was too, don't get it twisted).... but