Alumni Excellence – Original Xbox

NMT alum Ed Fries graduated in 1986 with a degree in Computer Science and went on to co-found the Xbox project at Microsoft, leading to the creation of the first Xbox console. Fries began his career at Microsoft in 1986 as a developer on Word and Excel before shifting his focus to gaming.

Artifact Xbox

He later helped launch Microsoft Game Studios, serving as Vice President of Game Publishing. Under his leadership, the division grew from 50 to over 1,200 employees and published more than 100 titles, including the blockbuster Halo: Combat Evolved, which established Xbox as a major player in the gaming industry. Fries worked closely with developers to expand Microsoft’s gaming portfolio, shaping the company’s global reputation in entertainment and technology.

Known as one of the “Fathers of Xbox,” Fries remains a respected figure in the gaming world. His career reflects how an NMT foundation in computer science and problem-solving can lead to pioneering achievements in cutting-edge technology and creative industries.

Learn More:

Wikipedia page on Ed Fries:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Fries