Microsoft has denied rumors that Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming and head of Xbox, is planning to retire soon. The company issued a statement following speculation triggered by recent layoffs and unverified reports.
Kari Perez, Xbox communications lead, told The Verge, “Phil is not retiring anytime soon.” This statement responds to claims by a Call of Duty insider who suggested Spencer would retire after the next-generation Xbox launch, with Xbox president Sarah Bond succeeding him.
Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s communications chief, also dismissed parts of the rumor on social media, reinforcing the company’s stance that Spencer remains at the helm for now.
Spencer took charge of Xbox in 2014, after leading Microsoft Studios. Under his direction, Xbox has launched the Series X and S consoles, expanded its Game Pass subscription service, and acquired major studios like Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax Media. His tenure has also seen Xbox titles come to rival platforms including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
Despite Spencer’s continued leadership, Microsoft is moving forward with significant workforce reductions affecting Xbox studios. Projects including Perfect Dark and Everwild have been canceled, Turn 10 Studios is laying off over 70 employees, and ZeniMax Online Studios ended development on an MMORPG codenamed Blackbird.