2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of Xbox, and Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has teased it as a “really special year” for the games division.
In an interview on the official Xbox podcast, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer was asked about his remark towards the end of his segment during the recent Xbox Games Showcase, where he had said that players everywhere are going to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the games division with titles and experiences that have really been core to the Xbox experience all this time. In response, he mentioned that he wanted to highlight some of the important franchises that had previously been talked about but didn’t make an appearance at the show in terms of new entries.
Spencer wanted Xbox fans to know that when one thinks about Fable, Gears, and Forza, it’s these franchises that have really been part of what makes Xbox what it is today. He added that it’s going to be a nice lineup for Xbox next year in 2026.
The Microsoft Gaming CEO further said that he loves the games the company’s studios have launched so far in 2025. He mentioned that Xbox has a strong finis to 2025. Additionally, when he looks at 2026, Xbox’s 25th anniversary, and the franchises that it is set to launch that year, he believes it’s going to be a really special year for the company.
Earlier this year, during an interview with Xbox Era, Spencer outlined Xbox’s evolving strategy, prioritizing cross-platform expansion over efforts to convert players from rival consoles like PlayStation or Nintendo. The remarks signal a notable shift in Microsoft’s approach to growing its gaming ecosystem. He stressed that Xbox’s future lies in embracing player preferences rather than pushing hardware loyalty. Spencer highlighted the financial upside of cross-platform sales, noting that the 70% revenue from games sold on third-party storefronts supports Xbox’s ability to “build great portfolios.”
