Listen, we absolutely hate thinking about it, but there will come a time when Xbox boss Phil Spencer decides to leave his position. He's been in the role since early 2014, and while we'd love to see him continue as the Head of Xbox for the next decade (and beyond), it seems more likely that won't be the case.
We're all well aware of the incredible job Spencer and his team have done over the past few years, reinvigorating the Xbox brand after the devastatingly poor launch of the Xbox One in 2013, and introducing staples of the modern era such as Xbox Game Pass, backwards compatibility, and of course, the Xbox Series X and Series S.
The topic of succession has been brought up fairly recently, when Spencer mentioned back in November that Microsoft was encouraging him to think about who would take over his role in the future. He mentioned that he has "more years behind me than ahead of me", but also stated last year that he "definitely [has] a lot more to do here."
Phil Spencer is, undoubtedly, one of the most important people in Xbox's history, and we're incredibly grateful to have someone like him running the show. There's a very good argument to say that Xbox wouldn't exist in 2022 without him. But one day, he'll inevitably hang up the boots, and we're interested to know when you think that'll be.
When do you think Phil Spencer will decide to retire from Xbox? Let us know down below.
Comments 17
Hopefully not for a very long time indeed. He has been an inspirational boost for us Xbox fans, and long may his reign continue. He actually strikes you as someone that knows what they are doing, rather than someone that got the job because he knew the right people. Personally, I'm full of admiration for him...
Probably at the point where Game Pass is guaranteed to be a long term stable success.
Hopefully not for a long time. But equally the man deserves a happy retirement he's been with Microsoft for almost 35 years. If I had to guess he will hand over BEFORE the next generation, which I think may be delayed a little due to covid slowing this generation down. So around 2026.
While it will be a sad day I think he's created a culture and team to follow on successfully, what better a legacy.
I think when Xbox has a consistent flow of great games, I think that will be the time.
I would say 2026-2027. The guy must be tired as hell.
I say he continues through this generation and into the very beginning of the next, either late 2027 or early 2028. I went with 2027. MS seems to be on a seven year cycle with consoles now so I think that will be when the next Xbox launches, he'll see that through and then leave, hopefully with the Xbox brand in the best position it's ever been. He's done a great job turning things around.
Why even bring this up and talk about it? Nobody can predict when because it’s up to him to decide.
I really love Phil Spencer as a man. As a businessman, he did an outstanding job, especially planning the new hardware strategy (Xbox One S and X vs. Xbox One), the backwards compatibility program and Game Pass.
However, I would put someone much more demanding to control the Xbox Game Studios and to manage Microsoft's IPs! Aaron Greenberg? Jafar?
It'll be before the next gen.
He'll want to give his successor (I'm guessing Sarah Bond) a good run up to the launch.
I'm guessing Phil is here for 2 to 3 years more tops.
And we thank him for his most excellent service 👍
I don't think that Sarah Bond will be ready to even be a shadow of Phil Spencer. I'm sure that there are people that we don't know that are better prepared to become the boss once Phil Spencer decides to retire, whenever he wants to.
We don't want this because we Love Phil Spencer
I could see him taking over the top job at Microsoft one day.
Not any time soon. They just created a new title for him. He's going to be running all of Microsoft Gaming until the start of the next decade at least. I think he wants to stick around and build something worthwhile with everything they've acquired. I don't think he wants to just buy a bunch of crap and bail.
I do not want to think of that! Ever!
Nooooo, don't leave us Phil!
To be serious I think he will be around for a long time yet, he is seemingly in a great role and has done a fantastic job.
I put 2030 plus, because he's a man that likes solid foundations, he has a young family and wants to stay I feel in one location, and see his family grow, plus now that remote working is so widespread like others he can work from home more and see his children more. I think he likes security. And he enjoys his job, MS gave him his shot with Game Pass and as it was a brilliant, successful idea he's been rewarded with the top position.
Phil is a likeable person, he even plays online with everyone else. He isn't the typical executive.
@Clankylad I had to check that for myself as he doesn't look it! But your right, so as he's 54 I definitely think he's their as MS till he retires. He can retire at 60 or 65 and know he's done a good job with the direction he's taking gaming in.
2023 -2024 which not many people are predicting but I think this will be the time he retires from the role (Around 10 year mark). It gives time for the successor to get a good run in before the next generation.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...