Xbox Boss Isn’t Going Anywhere, Amid Cancelled Games And Massive Layoffs

Following today’s news that Microsoft is laying off thousands of employees across various sectors of the company, including the gaming division (Xbox), one person we know who won’t be affected by any restructuring is Xbox boss Phil Spencer.

Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming and head of Xbox, also has no plans to retire anytime soon

Former Xbox Exec Suggests Microsoft Would Stop Making Hardware Given the Choice

Peter Moore recently appeared on Gamertag Radio with Danny Pena and said that if given the option, Microsoft would no longer make consoles.

Retirement chatter has surfaced today amid the layoffs that greatly affected Microsoft Gaming with not only job cuts, but studio closures and even game cancellations.

Phil Spencer Won’t Be Out Of The Xbox Division Anytime Soon

The rumor surfaced today via Call of Duty leaker GhostOfHope, who announced on Twitter that Spencer will be retiring from his role as CEO of Microsoft Gaming after the launch of the next-gen Xbox.

The rumor claims Spencer is working closely with Sarah Bond to ensure a smooth transition for her to take over the reins as CEO of Microsoft Gaming once he retires. Instead of keeping quiet, Microsoft has officially debunked this rumor. In a statement to The Verge, Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, said, “Phil is not retiring anytime soon.”

Not only that, but Microsoft’s head of communications, Frank Shaw, also went to X (formerly Twitter) to dismiss the rumor as unfounded, stating that it was “made up.”

I don’t know about you, but that’s as definitive as it can get, right?

EA Planning To Close Its Main Racing Studio As Part Of Future Layoffs

An additional 400 jobs are reportedly at risk.

Spencer took the driver’s seat at Microsoft’s Xbox division in 2014, which was a promotion from his previous role as the boss of Microsoft Studios. Since then, Spencer has essentially been the face of Xbox, appearing in Xbox Showcases, announcing games and more.

We don’t know who decides who gets laid off, but hopefully, people don’t solely blame Spencer for it, given it’s foolish to assume he’s the only one who decides who gets laid off at Microsoft Gaming and which projects should be canceled. Speaking of which, we rounded out the list of games that got canceled amid today’s layoff news.

Last year, Spencer spoke to the media and explained that he dislikes expansions that are “manipulative” and that games today are less “Excel-based” when it comes to achieving success.