Larry Hryb, better known by many as his gamertag, ‘Major Nelson’, has announced on social media that he has been struck by a wave of layoffs at Unity. In 2024, Unity laid off a whopping 25% of its employee base, a move that reportedly cost the company more than $200 million.
It was later reported that the firm’s CEO netted millions in bonuses mere months after the company let go of hundreds of employees.
MajorNelson is Moving On to New Things
In a new post on social media, Major Nelson announced his recent departure from Unity:
As many of you have been with me during my career in gaming, I’d like to share personal news. Like many in the gaming space recently, I’ve been laid off from Unity.
After leaving Microsoft, I joined the Unity team in 2024. I am proud of the goals my team and I accomplished in just 18 months, and I am grateful for the creators and teams I had the chance to support. Now, I am excited to explore the next chapter.
I’ve had invigorating conversations over the past weeks with companies in tech and non-tech spaces to discuss partnerships. I love what I do but I also believe change is necessary.
I’ll let you know where I go from here.
Major Nelson stepped down from his role at Microsoft after 22 years, back in July 2023. He announced a hiatus from employment, stressing he’d be taking time out to enjoy family life before diving into the next chapter of his career, which took him to Unity’s doors.
Unity has had an awful few years. In 2023, the company laid off hundreds of employees, dismissing 3.8% of its workers just before Christmas. Months later, another 25% of all employees were made redundant. The CEO scored millions in bonuses and rewards, and in February 2025, the entire behavior development team was cut from the company’s roster.
In 2023, the company came under fire after announcing controversial pricing changes that would have seriously impacted developers using the engine.
Regardless of that track record, Larry Hryb harbors no ill will toward Unity.
In the comments under his post, Hryb thanked well-wishers and suggested he has ‘a few things cooking,’ and requested that his followers stay tuned for more information.
It seems that Hryb knew he was on the chopping block several days ago. When one comment was posted asking if there were any game franchises he’d love to work with, the gaming industry legend wrote: ‘I am open to anything! (Famous last words)’.
Are you shocked to hear that Unity is making more layoffs? Let us know your thoughts on the Insider Gaming Discord server.
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Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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