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Microsoft Refutes Claims That Phil Spencer Is Retiring

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer will stay on after the next-generation Xbox launch despite ongoing studio closures, project cancellations, workforce reductions.

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Overview

  • Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, told The Verge that “Phil is not retiring anytime soon.”
  • Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s communications chief, dismissed the retirement reports as fabricated in a post on X.
  • The unverified rumor claimed Spencer would step down after the next-generation Xbox launch with Sarah Bond set to succeed him.
  • Microsoft’s recent workforce reductions affected around 9,000 employees across multiple divisions and led to the cancellation of projects like Everwild and Perfect Dark.
  • Spencer has led Xbox since 2014 and was appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming in 2022, guiding major acquisitions including ZeniMax and Activision Blizzard.