Phil Spencer Not Retiring as Xbox Chief in the Near Future
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is not planning to retire in the near future. He has led Microsoft's Xbox division since 2014.
Microsoft has stated that Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming and head of Xbox, is not planning to retire in the near future. This statement follows recent online rumors about Spencer's retirement after Microsoft's recent layoffs.
"Phil is not retiring anytime soon," said Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, in a statement.
The statement was made in response to claims from Call of Duty leaker GhostOfHope, who suggested that Spencer would retire after the launch of the next generation Xbox and that Xbox president Sarah Bond would succeed him as CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
Microsoft's response does not address all aspects of the rumor but indicates that Spencer is not retiring imminently. Additionally, Microsoft communications chief Frank Shaw stated on X that at least part of the rumor was inaccurate.
Spencer began leading the Xbox division in 2014, following his previous role at Microsoft Studios. During his tenure, he has overseen several initiatives, including:
- Launch of the Xbox Series X / S
- Expansion of Xbox Game Pass
- Acquisitions of companies such as Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax Media
- Bringing more Xbox games to platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch
Although Spencer is not retiring soon, Microsoft is continuing with workforce reductions that have affected Xbox studios and employees. The games Perfect Dark and Everwild have been cancelled. Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 Studios will be reducing its staff by more than 70 employees. Zenimax Online Studios has also reportedly cancelled a new MMORPG, codenamed Blackbird, that had been in development since 2018.