Mike Ybarra, corporate vice president of Xbox Live, Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft’s Mixer streaming platform, is leaving the company after nearly 20 years.
Mike Ybarra
“After 20 years at Microsoft, it’s time for my next adventure. It’s been a great ride at Xbox and the future is bright. Thanks to everyone at TeamXbox, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and I wish you the best,” Ybarra said via Twitter.
Ybarra didn’t say what he is planning to do next, other than the following: “I’m not done giving every ounce of energy I have to try and make gaming better for everyone. Soon…!”
His departure takes place against the backdrop of major reshuffles at Sony Interactive Entertainment. In fact, PC Games Insider goes as far as to speculate if Ybarra might be considering joining the PlayStation company.
Ybarra had been with Microsoft since 2000. He started as a systems engineer, and nine years later became GM of Xbox Live. In 2012 he started managing Xbox first-party titles inlcuding Gears of War 3, Sunset Overdrive and Ryse: Son of Rome. In 2014, he took on the job of CVP of Xbox platform program management before eventually becoming corporate vice president of gaming in 2017.
Whatever the future holds for Ybarra, he will continue streaming on Mixer.