Overview
- Ex-Microsoft and Blizzard leader Mike Ybarra disclosed the news on January 2 via Twitter, praising Penello’s impact on Xbox and his character.
- A Kickstarter update stated Penello died on December 31 and said the team will proceed with production, asking supporters to help the campaign reach its funding goal with about 10 days remaining.
- Tributes from across the industry followed, including messages from Larry Hryb (Major Nelson) and IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey sharing memories and archival interviews.
- Penello worked on Team Xbox from 2000 to 2018 in senior marketing roles across the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One generations before joining Amazon.
- Colleagues directed fans to support the Mighty Orbots project and to send messages to his family, highlighting ways for the community to honor his legacy.