This morning, a wave of layoffs within Microsoft impacted Xbox and several gaming studios under its umbrella. This sparked multiple reports about the company’s current situation, including the alleged cancellation of several projects. One of the biggest rumors? That Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming and head of Xbox, is preparing to retire. But is that actually true?
Microsoft Denies Rumors of Phil Spencer’s Imminent Retirement
New information coming directly from Microsoft debunks the rumor. According to company representatives, claims about Phil Spencer stepping down are completely false—so much so that they’re calling them fabricated.
Phil Spencer Has Been the Face of Xbox for Over a Decade
Following the rumor’s circulation, Kari Perez, head of communications at Xbox, issued a statement to The Verge. She stated that Phil Spencer is not stepping down in the “near future,” implying he still has several years left leading Microsoft’s gaming division.
The rumor originated from GhostofHope, a well-known Call of Duty leaker, who claimed Spencer would retire after the launch of the next Xbox console. According to the same leak, Sarah Bond—current Xbox President—would then take his place.
These claims were further amplified by Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson. However, Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s head of communications, publicly shut down the rumor on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“As long as by ‘summed it up well’ you mean ‘made it up’”
Link to tweet
No Retirement Plans, Say Other Sources
Meanwhile, sources at Windows Central confirmed that there are no internal plans for Spencer’s retirement at Microsoft.
That said, it’s worth noting that Phil Spencer is currently 57 years old, and the official retirement age in the U.S. is 62. So while his eventual departure isn’t out of the question, today’s rumors appear to be entirely false.
How Long Has Phil Spencer Been at Xbox?
Phil Spencer became the head of Xbox in 2014, but his journey at Microsoft began much earlier. Prior to leading the console division, he served as head of Microsoft Studios.