Skip to main content

Phil Spencer named as the new head of Xbox

phil spencer named new head xbox aleqm5ilf 5zyoctqwyxbkzhz  maiputq
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Phil Spencer is the new boss of all things Xbox, Microsoft confirms. The now-former head of Microsoft Studios will consolidate and oversee the Xbox and Xbox Live creative teams, as well as Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and Microsoft Studios.

The role that Spencer now occupies has been in flux ever since Don Mattrick left in 2013 to take over as CEO of Zynga. Following Mattrick’s departure, the role was briefly filled by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, but soon after the company announced a major restructuring that split the Xbox division. Julie Larson-Green was appointed the head of Xbox hardware and studio groups, while Terry Myerson took over development of the Xbox One operating system.

Recommended Videos

Spencer’s new role – officially, “Head of Xbox” – sees him reporting directly to Myerson, who oversees the development teams on Microsoft’s operating systems (including Windows and Window Phone, in addition to Xbox). As Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella writes in a publicly shared, company-wide memo, having Spencer report to Myerson is meant “to keep gaming close to the group developing operating systems across devices.”

“Combining all our software, gaming and content assets across the Xbox team under a single leader and aligning with the [Operating Systems Group] team will help ensure we continue to do great work across the Xbox business, and bring more of the magic of Xbox to all form factors, including tablets, PCs and phones,” Nadella said of the appointment. “Phil will continue his close partnership with Yusuf Mehdi, who leads business strategy and marketing for Xbox, George Peckham, who heads up third-party partnerships and Mike Angiulo, who will continue leading Xbox hardware. “

Spencer has been with Microsoft for 25 years, working in various departments. In 2002, he joined Microsoft Game Studios as a Studio Manager, then in 2009 he took over as head of Microsoft Studios. In his time as boss of that division, he oversaw the development of several exclusive franchises like Forza Motorsport, Halo, and the lineup of Xbox One exclusive launch titles that included Dead Rising 3 and Ryse: Son of Rome. No word yet on who will replace him.

“You will hear much more as we head into E3, but we are at the beginning of an incredible new chapter for Xbox and I can’t wait for the days and years ahead,” Spencer said. “This is going to be fun.”

Ryan Fleming
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…
Best video game deals: PlayStation 5, Xbox S and X, Nintendo Switch

Gaming on a console can sometimes be a lot easier and more straightforward than on a PC, but one thing that you may miss out on is the big deals that aren't as frequent on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch. That doesn't mean that you can't find any deals, of course, and there are actually quite a few great ones that you can take advantage of across pretty much all platforms. That's why we've gone out and collected our favorite PS5 games, best Xbox Series X games, or best Nintendo Switch games to save you the hassle, so be sure to check out all the options below.
On the other hand, if you're just doing a bit of window shopping, then check out some of our other favorite PS5 game deals, Xbox game pass deals and Nintendo Switch deals for more specific offers.

Best PS5 game deals
Deathloop -- $25 $60 58% off

Read more
The best games on Xbox Game Pass right now (November 2024)
Key art for Hi-Fi Rush.

As the Xbox Game Pass program has grown, so has our list of the best games on Xbox Game Pass. After the launch of the Xbox Series X, Microsoft has doubled down on Game Pass, and now offers well over 350 games on that console alone. To help you through option paralysis, we rounded up the top games on Microsoft's subscription platform.

Many titles are available on Xbox and PC, and some even have cross-save support. Most of the games are available for streaming on mobile, too, as long as you have Game Pass Ultimate. The Game Pass library is also constantly changing, so check out our monthly guide for addition and removal announcements.

Read more
Best Xbox Series X and Series S deals: discounts and bundles
Microsoft Xbox Series X and Series S game consoles.

If you're a big fan of the Xbox One, then upgrading to either the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S makes a lot of sense, at least if you've been holding off on waiting a while before taking the plunge. In fact, the proposition of being an Xbox is made even better with the fact that you can grab some great Xbox Game Pass deals that will let you gain access to a massive library of awesome games without having to pay a huge chunk of money. To that end, we've gone out and collected some of our favorite Xbox console and accessory deals for you below, and if you're not quite sold on the Xbox, then check out these PlayStation deals instead.
Xbox Core Wireless Controller -- $44 $60 26% off

Whichever Xbox you buy, you get a standard controller but how about having one that shows off some of your personality? Or one that means you can play games on the couch with your buddies or family. That's where the Xbox Core Wireless Controller is so useful. Available in many different colors, you get all the benefits of an ergonomic design with sculpted surfaces and refined geometry for enhanced comfort. Up to 40 hours of battery life is convenient while it connects via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth so you can use it with your PC, phone or tablet too.

Read more