Microsoft confirms Harrison's departure

Microsoft has officially confirmed that Phil Harrison is no longer with the company, revealing that he chose to leave in order to seek out a fresh challenge. GamesIndustry.biz reported that Harrison was leaving Microsoft in March, after several sources confirmed rumours of his departure.

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer issued a statement exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz regarding Harrison leaving, wishing the executive all the best as he pursues those new interests.

"Following a successful tenure as Corporate Vice President in Xbox in Europe, Phil Harrison has chosen to pursue business interests outside of Microsoft," Spencer's statement reads.

"Phil has been a distinguished leader for our European Xbox team - overseeing production at our award-winning European studios and making a substantial contribution to the Xbox business globally. I want to thank Phil for his creativity and leadership over the past three years. Phil is a great friend of mine and I wish him the very best with his future endeavours."

Harrison also spoke with us, issuing a statement on his departure which praises the work of the studios he oversaw during his three-year tenure at the company.

"I have enjoyed the last three years at Microsoft enormously and it has been a privilege to lead and work along side the incredible talent within Microsoft Studios in Europe, including Rare, Lionhead, Lift, Soho and Press Play. I wish them and my many friends throughout the Xbox world every continued success and know that games will continue to prosper across Microsoft under Phil Spencer's leadership," he said.

In addition to this statement, GamesIndustry.biz spoke at length to Harrison about his new venture, his time at Microsoft and his plans for the near future. That exclusive interview will appear here on Monday.