Microsoft creative head reportedly leaves company after Xbox tweets

11 Apr 2013

Microsoft's next-generation Xbox is to be unveiled on 21 May

Microsoft’s head of Creative Studios Adam Orth has left the company following his tweets in response to rumours that the new Xbox will only work with always-on internet connections, reports say.

An anonymous source told Game Informer that Orth resigned following the controversy that followed his Twitter comments last week, CNET reported. However, it isn’t clear whether Orth left voluntarily or was forced out.

Orth had taken to Twitter to respond to complaints about the alleged always-on requirement for the next-generation Xbox, which is to be revealed on 21 May:

Tweet

Orth’s tweet sparked a response from another Twitter user.

“You’ve lived in LA, SF, Seattle … very connected places,” the response read. “Try living in Janesville, WI, or Blacksburg, VA.”

Orth replied: “Why on Earth would I live there?”

Microsoft then sprung into action and issued an apology.

“We apologise for the inappropriate comments made by an employee on Twitter,” the company said.

“This person is not a spokesperson for Microsoft, and his personal views do not reflect the customer-centric approach we take to our products or how we would communicate directly with our loyal consumers. We are very sorry if this offended anyone, however, we have not made any announcements about our product roadmap, and have no further comment on this matter.”

Orth also apologised for the tweets, having said they were just banter between friends.

Tina Costanza was a journalist and sub-editor at Silicon Republic

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