Stephen Toulouse — known as StepTo to those listening to Major Nelson’s podcast, or unfortunate enough to feel the cold kiss of the Xbox Live banhammer — has given his two weeks notice to Microsoft. The director of Xbox Live Policy and Enforcement will leave February 16, after 18 years with the company.
On his personal blog, Toulouse calls the separation amicable, but says he’s leaving for “complex and personal reasons”.
We’ll remember StepTo as the face of Xbox Live enforcement; vowing swift justice for Modern Warfare cheaters; hilariously reading from “The Book of Enforcement” at PAX 2009; backing up The Pro in his epic clash with a 12-year-old shitbag; and suffering hack attacks and hack attempts from scores of butthurt trolls that Microsoft expunged from Xbox Live during his tenure.
In a statement to Joystiq, Microsoft confirmed the departure and thanked Toulouse “for his years of contribution.” No plans for his successor were discussed. We also thank Sgt StepTo for his service, and wish him well.
In Which I Leave Microsoft [Stephen Toulouse via Joystiq]
tom
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 8:28 PMyay
Scott
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 8:31 PMHe was always really interesting to listen to. I loved listening to him read hilarious gamertags that tried to push the limits of the XBL policy.
Matthew K
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 8:54 PMWhaaaat. I hope he’s moving to another role in the gaming industry so we still hear from him from time to time.
Robbo2332
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 8:59 PMFat Louie C.K look alike?
Greenius
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 10:14 PMBut Louis CK is already fat
I think you meant fatter** Louis CK look alike
Robbo2332
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 10:40 PMLouie C.K says he is fat but he isn’t. Unfit, sure but fat? no.
Femto
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 9:31 PMI don’t like the expression butthurt. Can people stop using it because it sucks dick ;)
Pancake
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 11:07 PMIt’s no better or worse than the term “sucks dick.” Your point?
Mammoo
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 4:53 PMI think that was his point, Bahahahaaaa! oooh. Apologies.
FatShady
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 9:36 PMThis guy was amazing. I remember listening to that 2009 speech on the train on a podcast and was pissing myself…
From what ive heard from him, ive really liked him so this is sad news for me.
N0NEoftheAB0VE
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 11:14 PMYou only need to give 2 weeks notice at Microsoft – wow you’d think with a company that big they’d want a month at the bare minimum!
Braaains
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 12:58 AMI think it’s a USA thing, not a Microsoft specific thing. Here you generally have to give 4 weeks notice when resigning (or firing somebody), over there it’s generally 2 weeks.
N0NEoftheAB0VE
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 7:37 AMWow you can’t recruit a replacement AND have a handover with that time – sometimes I’m amazed that the US even runs!
Tunblor
Monday, February 6, 2012 at 9:05 AM…and some would argue that it doesn’t! Haww-haww-haw!
Hayden
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 6:26 PMThe Major Nelson podcast has included him in an unchanging group of four for a long time. I may not notice his absence from his behind-the-scenes work, but I will miss hearing him in the podcast.