Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Denies Retirement Rumors
▼ Summary
– Microsoft announced deep layoffs, including canceling Rare’s Everwild and an Elder Scrolls Online MMO, but Xbox boss Phil Spencer is not retiring.
– Xbox communications head Kari Perez denied rumors of Spencer stepping down, calling them false, as confirmed by Microsoft’s Frank Shaw.
– Spencer defended the layoffs as necessary for future success, emphasizing prioritizing strong opportunities and delivering exceptional games.
– The Perfect Dark reboot was canceled after its studio, The Initiative, was closed, and 9,000 employees company-wide lost their jobs.
– Despite the cuts, games featured in last month’s Microsoft Showcase are reportedly still on track for release.
Microsoft’s recent workforce reductions sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, with Xbox among the hardest-hit divisions. The cuts included the closure of several high-profile projects, such as Rare’s Everwild and an unannounced MMO from the team behind The Elder Scrolls Online. Despite the upheaval, Xbox chief Phil Spencer remains firmly in his role, dismissing swirling rumors of an impending retirement.
A spokesperson for Xbox, Kari Perez, clarified to The Verge that Spencer has no plans to step down, directly countering speculation from a prominent Call of Duty leaker. The unfounded claim suggested Spencer would exit his position as Microsoft Gaming CEO following the launch of the next-gen Xbox console, with Xbox president Sarah Bond poised to take over. Microsoft’s communications head, Frank Shaw, swiftly debunked the rumor on social media, labeling it as entirely fabricated.
Addressing the backlash over the layoffs, Spencer defended the decision as a necessary step to ensure long-term stability. “Tough choices today are essential for tomorrow’s success,” he stated, emphasizing a strategy focused on prioritizing high-potential opportunities. By streamlining operations, Microsoft aims to strengthen its gaming division while maintaining its commitment to delivering groundbreaking experiences for players.
The restructuring also led to the shutdown of The Initiative, the studio working on the Perfect Dark reboot, alongside broader cuts affecting roughly 9,000 employees company-wide. However, insiders indicate that titles showcased during last month’s Microsoft event remain unaffected and will proceed as scheduled. While the changes have sparked concern, the company insists these moves will ultimately secure Xbox’s future in an increasingly competitive market.
(Source: GameSpot)
