Phil Spencer will leave Xbox in the summer of 2026 to help Asha Sharma settle in as head of Microsoft Gaming. Recall that back in January 2025, blogger Destin asked him about his upcoming retirement and what he wants Xbox to be.
I am convinced, that games are a blessing for the planet... I want the industry to grow because it is fundamentally important for entertainment. Games are better than other forms of entertainment, they create community and bring people together.
[Regarding Xbox] I want us to be a part of that. I don't want us to do tomorrow what we did yesterday, just because that's the way it's always been. I don't want us to be afraid of innovation. Something will work great, something won't, but it's important to remain flexible and a team that is willing to take risks and learn from successes and mistakes.
In February 2026, Spencer officially announced his departure. Previously, rumors of his possible resignation had appeared online, but Microsoft denied them.
Dmitry Krivov
10:59
Sources:
PureXbox
