By Xbox’s communications chief adds her perspective
- by Ben Kerry & Fraser Gilbert
Update #2 []: In an additional update, Xbox’s communications head (Kari Perez) has now informed The Verge that Phil Spencer isn’t retiring “anytime soon”. Here’s the precise statement from their article:
“’Phil is not retiring anytime soon,’ states Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, in a comment to The Verge.”
TheGhostofHope (who initially shared the rumour) has replied with the following:
“Microsoft has responded to this and confirmed that Phil isn’t stepping down “anytime soon”. Whether you choose to believe this or not is your decision. I simply share what I hear from reliable sources and don’t mind if I’m wrong.”
Update #1 []: In reaction to this, Windows Central is indicating that preparations aren’t established for Phil Spencer to resign as it currently stands.
“There are no arrangements for Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s Xbox and gaming leader, to leave the company (at least for now).”
“To our understanding, nothing is expected imminently, though plans, like individuals, can evolve over time, so we’ll see what unfolds.”
Original Story: As if today hasn’t already been a whirlwind for us at PX HQ — and for everyone else closely monitoring Xbox presently — new speculation is circulating that long-time leader Phil Spencer may potentially resign from his position shortly.
Call of Duty insider TheGhostOfHope has made this public, asserting that Phil is “ensuring a seamless transition” towards the brand being led by current Xbox President Sarah Bond once the team’s new console has launched. Here’s their social media post regarding this ‘exclusive’ update:
Now, this alone wouldn’t necessarily persuade us of much – but it’s been reinforced by Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson; a journalist with extensive industry connections. Henderson notes that “it’s a rumour I’ve also encountered multiple times this year at the Summer Game Fest” and while he “can’t thoroughly verify” the aforementioned information, Henderson was even preparing for a possible announcement today to coincide with Xbox’s wider layoffs.
Once again, considering that Henderson can’t thoroughly validate this rumour — and others, like WC’s Jez Corden, share doubts about its authenticity — we must exercise caution here – but TheGhostOfHope certainly believes that this is a transformation in progress at Microsoft. We can only wait and observe what transpires with Phil and the Xbox leadership group in the upcoming years, but it’s certainly been a turbulent period for the brand over recent times.
Could you envision Phil stepping back after these past few years? Share your thoughts about this new speculation in the comments.
[source insider-gaming.com]
Ben is a News Writer at Pure Xbox, and enjoys action, racing, and straightforward shooting in any Xbox game available to him. When he’s not gripping an Xbox controller like it’s essential, Ben spends his time enjoying music that’s far too old for him, watching football on television, and likely dining somewhere.