Microsoft gaming executive Matt Booty on layoffs after Xbox leadership changes: ‘To be clear…’
Soon after Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond announced they will be stepping down from their roles at Xbox, Matt Booty, Microsoft gaming executive vice president has clarified that the division does not plans cut jobs or restructure of Xbox-owned studios. The clarification comes reports pointed to potential layoffs – a concern heightened by the massive jobs cuts Microsoft and Xbox have carried out in recent years. “We have good reasons to believe in what’s ahead. This organization and its franchises have navigated change for decades, and our strength comes from teams who know how to adapt and keep delivering,” ,” Booty said in a blog that contains messages from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Asha Sharma, CEO of Microsoft Gaming and Phil Spencer. “That confidence is grounded in a strong pipeline of established franchises, new bets we believe in, and clear player demand for what we are building. My focus is on supporting the teams and leaders we have in place and creating the conditions for them to do their best work. To be clear, there are no organizational changes underway for our studios,” Booty added.
Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond to leave Xbox
Earlier this week, the gaming industry witnessed a two high-profile departures as key figures in the Microsoft gaming division – Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond – announced that they are leaving Xbox. Spencer, who has been the face of Xbox for years, and a name synonymous with the brand has his departure drawn parallels to other iconic exits, like Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aimé.
What Spencer said about his role at Microsoft Xbox: Read full letter
When I walked through Microsoft’s doors as an intern in June of 1988, I could never have imagined the products I’d help build, the players and customers we’d serve, or the extraordinary teams I’d be lucky enough to join. It’s been an epic ride and truly the privilege of a lifetime.Last fall, I shared with Satya that I was thinking about stepping back and starting the next chapter of my life. From that moment, we aligned on approaching this transition with intention, ensuring stability, and strengthening the foundation we’ve built. Xbox has always been more than a business. It’s a vibrant community of players, creators, and teams who care deeply about what we build and how we build it. And it deserves a thoughtful, deliberate plan for the road ahead.Today marks an exciting new chapter for Microsoft Gaming as Asha Sharma steps into the role of CEO, and I want to be the first to welcome her to this incredible team. Working with her over the past several months has given me tremendous confidence. She brings genuine curiosity, clarity and a deep commitment to understanding players, creators, and the decisions that shape our future. We know this is an important moment for our fans, partners, and team, and we’re committed to getting it right. I’ll remain in an advisory role through the summer to support a smooth handoff.I’m also grateful for the strength of our studios organization. Matt Booty and our studios teams continue to build an incredible portfolio, and I have full confidence in the leadership and creative momentum across our global studios. I want to congratulate Matt on his promotion to EVP and Chief Content Officer.As part of this transition, Sarah Bond has decided to leave Microsoft to begin a new chapter. Sarah has been instrumental during a defining period for Xbox, shaping our platform strategy, expanding Game Pass and cloud gaming, supporting new hardware launches, and guiding some of the most significant moments in our history. I’m grateful for her partnership and the impact she’s had, and I wish her the very best in what comes next.Most of all, to everyone in Microsoft Gaming, I want to say “thank you.” I’ve learned so much from this team and community, grown alongside you, and been continually inspired by the creativity, courage, and care you bring to players, creators, and to one another every day.I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the last 25 years, and I have complete confidence in all of you and in the opportunities ahead. I’ll be cheering you on in this next chapter as Xbox’s proudest fan and player.Phil
