My company verified my degrees. I know they did because I had graduated from a master's program around the same time I sent in the paperwork to HR, and they needed me to physically bring in my diploma as proof of graduation (the university records hadn't been updated in all systems yet).

I didn't need transcripts though. You don't need a transcript to verify that someone obtained a degree.

In 20 years, I've never even been asked about my non-existent degree. Not even one time. I've mostly worked at 'big 5' companies, and their equivalents in the game industry.

If he was doing the job and doing it well, I don't see why it's a big deal. Universities used to be where you had to go to learn something new, but with the internet, anyone can learn anything they choose to.