July 02, 2025 09:12 PM GMT update
As reported by The Verge, the lead for Xbox Communications, Kari Perez, has now denied that Phil Spencer is leaving the company. Perez uses the phrase "anytime soon", so this may not reflect Spencer's longer-term plans.
Edited article continues as follows:
Microsoft has announced that it's laying off around 9,000 employees, which is 4% of its workforce. After realizing how many eliminated Microsoft jobs were gaming-related, fans directed their fury at Xbox boss Phil Spencer. A letter he wrote to workers highlighting how the company remains successful added to the criticism. If a fresh rumor is correct, Spencer may be leaving Xbox Gaming after a new Xbox console debuts.
TheGhostOfHope has a reputation for mostly accurate Call of Duty leaks. Developers of the shooter have also felt the impact of the new Microsoft job cuts. On his social media account, he revealed that Phil Spencer will retire from Microsoft Gaming. The change would happen following the release of a next-generation Xbox console. Sarah Bond, the current President of Xbox, would then assume the CEO role.
Other insiders are now debating whether the report is accurate. Jez Corden of Windows Central quickly chimed in, denying that there is any plan for Spencer's departure. However, Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming posted an article with additional context. While Henderson can't confirm the TheGhostOfHope leak, he heard several similar rumblings during the Summer Game Fest.
Even if Spencer has decided to move on from Microsoft Gaming, it remains unclear when a new Xbox console will be ready. The company recently signed an agreement with AMD, which involves future console development. Rumors point to a 2027 release date, but the system may be either a Series X successor or a glorified Windows PC.
In the shorter term, Microsoft and Asus will debut the ROG Xbox Ally handheld series this Holiday season.