Overview

• Xbox communications head Kari Perez stated that Phil Spencer is “not retiring anytime soon,” a position backed by Frank Shaw’s comment that retirement claims were fabricated
• Leaker TheGhostOfHope on X and Insider-Gaming had circulated unconfirmed reports that Spencer would step down after the next-generation Xbox launch in favor of successor Sarah Bond
• This week’s cost-saving measures have included layoffs affecting approximately 9,000 employees companywide, with further reductions at various Xbox development teams
• High-profile project cancellations announced on July 2 included Rare’s Everwild, The Initiative’s Perfect Dark reboot and a new MMO at ZeniMax Online Studios
• Spencer has led Xbox since 2014 and became CEO of Microsoft Gaming in 2022, during which he oversaw major acquisitions of ZeniMax and Activision Blizzard and the expansion of Xbox Game Pass