Wednesday, July 2nd 2025
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer Rumored to Retire Following Next-Gen Xbox Launch
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is reportedly planning to retire after the launch of the next-generation Xbox console, according to reports from gaming industry sources. The information reported by Insider Gaming originates from @TheGhostOfHope, a leaker with a track record for Call of Duty information. Spencer is allegedly working closely with Xbox President Sarah Bond and her team to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. Bond is expected to assume the role of Microsoft Gaming CEO following Spencer's retirement. However, no replacement for Bond's current position as Xbox President has been identified at this time.
Windows Central's Jez Corden has indicated that Spencer's retirement would occur "some time" after the next-generation Xbox launches, though no formal plan is currently in place. Industry reports suggest the next-generation Xbox hardware could arrive as early as 2026 or 2027. This report arrived during a tough time for Xbox, as Microsoft cut jobs across its gaming division affecting many Xbox studios. The company canceled several big-name projects, including Everwild, Perfect Dark, and ZeniMax Online's unannounced MMORPG. Microsoft also shut down The Initiative. Phil Spencer has been in charge of Microsoft's gaming division for more than ten years. He has overseen key efforts such as the launch of Game Pass, the purchase of Activision Blizzard, and various strategic moves that have shaped Xbox's current market standing.
Sources:
Insider Gaming, @TheGhostOfHope
Windows Central's Jez Corden has indicated that Spencer's retirement would occur "some time" after the next-generation Xbox launches, though no formal plan is currently in place. Industry reports suggest the next-generation Xbox hardware could arrive as early as 2026 or 2027. This report arrived during a tough time for Xbox, as Microsoft cut jobs across its gaming division affecting many Xbox studios. The company canceled several big-name projects, including Everwild, Perfect Dark, and ZeniMax Online's unannounced MMORPG. Microsoft also shut down The Initiative. Phil Spencer has been in charge of Microsoft's gaming division for more than ten years. He has overseen key efforts such as the launch of Game Pass, the purchase of Activision Blizzard, and various strategic moves that have shaped Xbox's current market standing.
18 Comments on Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer Rumored to Retire Following Next-Gen Xbox Launch
You chose to publish this rumor and make the real news a foot note in it?
In 2001, I saved up $700 from my first part time job and bought the Xbox original launch bundle with Halo, Jet Set Radio Future and Dead or Alive 3. Went to the midnight launch and won some trivia contest in the tents they had set up. Won a DVD remote control and dongle pack. Later got Gunvalkyrie and got funny feelings looking at Kelly's ass. Good times.
In 2025, I have no idea what an Xbox is and the answer seems to be "(shrug) It depends?! (thumbs up)". Whatever it is, it's apeing the Switch form factor - which I already enjoyed with my Game Gear in the 90s - and will be fueled by digital licenses under the guise of "Like Nintendo's store, but not shit!" even though MS fumbled that twice already with the Microsoft Store and the Xbox App on PC. And somehow Halo died.
Yeah its time to go. Unless MS goes deep into true emulation on PCs, take your golden parachute and run.
And then, shortly afterwards, look for the prices of all M$ hardware to increase significantly to make up for it :(
The only notable thing that came out of the brand in the past decade is a controller with the best d-pad, a fridge, and a toaster.
www.theverge.com/news/697125/microsoft-xbox-layoffs-2025
www.dsogaming.com/news/microsoft-has-become-the-new-ea-buying-activision-and-blizzard-just-to-kill-off-its-other-studios/
This could leave the door open for Bobby Koticks return. I mean he did make money hand over fist for all the investors and share holders. Im sure he'd carry on doing the same if M$ offered him the job back.
If you're going to start gutting, best to do it with the group that doesn't have the track record.