Microsoft has denied claims that Xbox boss Phil Spencer is set to step down, stating that the exec “isn’t retiring anytime soon.”
On Wednesday,amid Microsoft’s widespread layoffs, claims appeared online thatMicrosoftGaming CEOPhil Spencerwas due to retire from his position soon, with Sarah Bond lined up to succeed him.
However, Microsoft has taken the unusual step of flatly denying the rumor. This claim was firstrefuted on X by Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s head of communication, who claimed that any such story about Phil’s retirement was “made up.”
Later on Wednesday, in a statement toThe Verge,Microsoft flatly denied the claim, claiming that “Phil is not retiring anytime soon.”
Spencer, who turned 57 in January, has worked at Microsoft since 1988. He joined theXboxteam in 2001, before assuming the role of general manager of Microsoft Studios in 2008. In 2014, Spencer was promoted to lead Xbox, Xbox Live, the now-defunct Groove Music, Movies & TV, and Microsoft Studios.
It was during this time that Spencer attempted to steady the ship following the disastrousXbox Onelaunch and the ousting of Don Mattrick. In 2022, Spencer would again be promoted to the new position of CEO of Microsoft Gaming. This came as Microsoft declared its intent to acquireActivision Blizzard.
On Wednesday, Microsoft announced sweeping layoffs, which could amount toover 9000 staff losing their jobs. The publisher’s reboot ofPerfect Darkhas been cancelled, andThe Initiativehas been closed.
Rare’s troubled Everwildhas also been cancelled, andseveral senior developers have left the historic studio.
ZeniMax Online Studios boss Matt Firorhas also announced that he is leaving the studioamid the cancellation of Project Blackbird, a long-in-development project at the studio.
