StepTo, known as Stephen Toulouse to his mum is a name many Xbox Live users – especially those who’ve erred on the side of douchebaggery – should be well acquainted. As Microsoft Live’s head of online law enforcement, StepTo was responsible for wielding – and swinging the service’s digital banhammer – making Xbox Live a nicer place than it could have been.
It’s come time for him to pass that hammer on.
This weekend, StepTo announced he’d be leaving the company that’s been his home for the past 18 years and as of February 16th he’ll no longer be The director of Xbox Live Policy and Enforcement.
“On the 16th,” he said on his blog, “I’m going to head down to Dallas to visit my family. Then I’m off to JocoCruiseCrazy!” Cofirming that he’s no jumped ship, he continued to say “ I have no other plans beyond that. I’m a free agent.”
According to Toulouse, the split between himself and Microsoft is amicable – but the suddenness of it all has lead some to speculate the reason for the separation could be the recent spate of brute-force hacks and attacks that have left a number of Xbox Live users disillusioned. Toulouse says his reasons for leaving are “complex and personal.”
Microsoft’s issued a statement regarding StepTo’s departure to Joystiq:
“As you know, after more than 17 years at Microsoft, Stephen Toulouse has decided to leave the company. We thank Stephen for his years of contributions and wish him all the best. We do not have any details to share around a potential successor for Stepto at this time, but can assure you that the Xbox LIVE Enforcement Squad will continue their work to help ensure a safer and more secure experience on Xbox LIVE for our nearly 40 million members.”
There’s no word on who’ll be filling his shoes.
Last Updated: February 6, 2012
