As players, it’s easy to forget that actual people are behind the video games we play and the hardware we play them on. That’s why it’s interesting to note when someone who was a big figure in designing game hardware goes and changes careers. In this case, it’s the chief designer of the Xbox One, Xbox One X, as well as the upcoming Xbox, dubbed Project Scarlett, John Sell.
People noticed that Sell had changed his Linkin page to identify his employer as Intel. Not long after that, Intel made an official press release to announce the acquisition. He was at Microsoft a total of 14 years, meaning he was there during two generations of Xbox consoles, and he also previously worked for Apple and 3DO.
Sell is part of a string of high profile hires by Intel, such as Manisha Pandya, a 10 year veteran at Apple. The company is definitely making some aggressive moves, so it’ll be interesting to see what all that talent produces. We wish Mr. Sell the best.