Michael Harnisch

Michael Harnisch has extensive experience working in various creative roles in the gaming and technology industries. Michael is currently the Principal Creative Lead at Mojang Studios, where they are involved in the development of Minecraft. Prior to this, they worked at Microsoft, holding positions such as Principal Storyteller for Dynamics 365 and Principal Creative Director for the Mixed Reality Demo Team. Michael also served as the Principal Visual Design Director for Mixed Reality Dynamics 365 and the Principal Creative Director for Fluent Design for 1st Party Windows Apps. Before joining Microsoft, Harnisch worked as the Senior Art Director for Windows 3D For Everyone and as an Art Director for Xbox. Michael began their career in the gaming industry, working as a Senior Environment Artist at BioWare Austin for Star Wars: The Old Republic and as a Senior Environment Artist at Electronic Arts Chicago for Fight Night and Def Jam: Icon. Michael also worked as an Environment Artist at Acclaim Studios Austin for NBA Jam and as a Flash Animator at 1stbuy.com.

Michael Harnisch earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Plan II/Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin, where they studied from 1995 to 2000.