Toulouse returns to Microsoft as Gears of War community chief

Former Xbox Live policy and enforcement director Stephen Toulouse has rejoined Microsoft.

His new role is as the director of community engagement for Gears of War, pointing to a stepping up of activity for the Xbox IP in the near future.

Toulouse quit Microsoft in February 2012, and has since gone on to work at HBO among others.

Over the past year I’ve been doing quite of bit of thinking, Toulouse said at the time. I turn 40 this year. Despite the wonderful ability in Microsoft to change careers pretty dramatically inside the company, I’ve been there nearly 18 years and it’s the only world I’ve really ever known. I feel too strangely comfortable, and too strangely tied.

So over the past several weeks I’ve made the decision to resign and have been working with my management for an orderly transition. I have no other plans beyond that. I’m a free agent.”

Microsoft never hired a replacement for his previous role.