2025年12月31日，微軟Xbox業務初創及發展時期的元老級人物、前規劃總監Albert Penello因癌症逝世，享年55歲，他的離世在遊戲產業界引發了廣泛而深切的哀悼。
Penello的職業生涯與Xbox品牌緊密相連，他深度參與了初代Xbox、Xbox 360以及Xbox One的規劃與發布，是塑造Xbox早期身份的關鍵人物之一。2018年離開微軟後，他加入亞馬遜雲科技（AWS）任職。據知情人士向媒體透露，直至近期，他仍在以顧問身份為Xbox的次世代硬體項目提供諮詢，持續為其耕耘多年的品牌貢獻力量。
多位遊戲行業的高管與同仁通過社交媒體表達了對Penello的懷念，一致稱讚其專業才能與積極人格。
Xbox Live前編程總監、以「Major Nelson」為玩家所熟知的Larry Hryb表示，Penello是「微軟和亞馬遜遊戲業務的支柱，我們行業中一個睿智、可信的聲音，一位忠誠的朋友」，並強調了其作為丈夫與父親的角色。
前Xbox總裁Peter Moore稱他為「真正的傳奇」和「終極的樂觀主義者」，永遠充滿活力，勇於接受任何挑戰。
暴雪娛樂前總裁Mike Ybarra則稱讚Penello善良、樂於分享，對遊戲抱有無比熱忱，其影響力與奉獻精神無可替代，始終為玩家權益發聲。
We have lost a true legend… Albert was the ultimate optimist, always energetic and willing to take on whatever project he was presented with (remember HD DVD?)He will be sorely missed and leaves a big hole in the heart of the extended Xbox family.
I found out today that Albert Penello passed away from cancer. Incredibly sad to hear this. Albert was a long time Xbox employee and gaming fan. I spoke to Albert about a month ago, checking in to see how he was. His spirits were high, his attitude was remarkable given the situation. I will remember Albert as a kind person, sharing, and having an incredible passion for the hobby we all love.... gaming. His energy and commitment were second to none. His impact on Xbox was noteworthy. Always debating for the right answer and striving to keep players first. I pray for his wife and 12 year old daughter during this difficult time. RIP Albert - and thanks for everything you did for your family, friends, and gaming. ❤️
Devastated by the loss of my close friend, @albertpenello - Albert was a pillar of gaming at Microsoft and Amazon, a brilliant, trusted voice in our industry, a loyal friend, and most importantly a husband and father who was profoundly loved by his wife, Dara and daughter, Lily.
Albert Penello的離去，讓跨越兩代人的遊戲玩家與行業同仁共同失去了一位先驅與摯友。他的工作深刻影響了數百萬人的娛樂生活，而他對行業與愛好的熱情，將繼續被銘記。
