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.