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Xbox Live and Game Pass CVP Mike Ybarra is leaving Microsoft

Ybarra is departing the company after remaining there for 20 years.

Brittany Vincent

October 9, 2019 3:00 PM

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Microsoft and Xbox's Mike Ybarra is leaving the company after 20 years.

Ybarra took to Twitter to make the announcement, where he thanked followers and his coworkers at TeamXbox for helping him out over the years. He's been at Xbox for nearly 20 years, and as such he's leaving quite the legacy with his departure.

"After 20 years at Microsoft, it's time for my next adventure," wrote Ybarra. "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. More soon on what's next for me (super excited)!" wrote Ybarra in his initial tweet.

"Most importantly I want to thank all of you fellow gamers, and our great fans, for all the support. Keep gaming and I hope to see you online soon!" Ybarra continued. Most recently in 2014 he was promoted to a VP role as corporate VP of program management for Xbox. In 2017, he then began handling Xbox Live, Xbox Game Pass, and Mixer as corporate VP.

Microsoft hasn't commented just yet on who will be replacing him, nor in general about Ybarra's departure.

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. More soon on what’s next for me (super excited)! 1/2...

— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) October 9, 2019

Most importantly I want to thank all of you fellow gamers, and our great fans, for all the support. Keep gaming and I hope to see you online soon!” 2/2 #gamers https://t.co/1eK6p7ppYe

— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) October 9, 2019

Ybarra's surprise departure comes after Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios' Shawn Layden announced he would be exiting the company earlier this month. It's truly been a year of shake-ups from the Big Three, but hopefully Ybarra has greener pastures in mind – even though you can't get much "greener" than Xbox, natch. 

Brittany Vincent

Senior Editor

Fueled by horror, rainbow-sugar-pixel-rushes, and video games, Brittany is a Senior Editor at Shacknews who thrives on surrealism and ultraviolence. Follow her on Twitter @MolotovCupcake and check out her portfolio for more. Like a fabulous shooter once said, get psyched!