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Xbox One Exec Phil Harrison Expected to Leave Microsoft

Sources say executive planning to exit the company after three years, though Microsoft has yet to comment officially.

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Microsoft corporate vice president Phil Harrison, a senior member of the Xbox leadership team, is planning to leave the company. That's according to a new report from GamesIndustry International, which cites multiple unnamed sources with the information.

Phil Harrison
Phil Harrison

Microsoft has declined to officially comment on the matter. It told GameSpot that it does not discuss "rumor or speculation".

Harrison, a former longtime Sony PlayStation executive, joined Microsoft in 2012. In his role as corporate vice president, he is responsible for leading Microsoft Studios Europe, overseeing UK-based developers such as Lionhead Studios, Soho Productions, and Rare Ltd.

According to GamesIndustry International, Harrison "grew frustrated" when former Xbox boss Don Mattrick left the company in 2013 to join Zynga. Harrison, according to sources, was also frustrated when Phil Spencer's promotion to Head of Xbox did not lead to a promotion for him.

Finally, the site claims Harrison issued an ultimatum to Microsoft, saying he would leave the company if he was not offered a new, better position.

Rumors of Harrison's departure from Microsoft come on the same day that GamesIndustry International also reported that Microsoft's Lift London and Soho Productions would merge. Harrison was instrumental is founding Lift London.

GameSpot will have more details on this story as they become available.

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