Xbox Live co-creator Eric Neustadter leaves Microsoft

Eric Neustadter – one of the creators of Xbox Live – has announced his exit from Microsoft after nearly two decades with the firm.

Engadget reports on the departure. Neustadter is best-known for evolving Xbox Live from a network of in-house desktop computers to a multi-platform service boasting 39m users, as well as co-hosting the Major Nelson podcast.

The industry veteran has yet to reveal any post-Microsoft plans.

Neustadter spent the last 18 years and change working at Microsoft, with nearly 15 years dedicated to Xbox development – most recently having served as director of architecture for the hardware.