Xbox creates XP unit for movies, TV, and live events
Microsoft's Xbox is creating a new division called XP to oversee non-gaming experiences, including film and TV adaptations, merchandise, live events, and brand partnerships. The unit will centralize work already handled by separate Xbox teams and will be led by Kayleen Walters, who moves from Mojang. Maria Angelidou-Smith will become Mojang's CEO on October 19.
The new XP division will consolidate Xbox's non-game efforts, covering adaptations for film and television, merchandise, live events, and collaborations with creators and brands. It organizes these efforts into four areas: Pictures, Products, Places, and Partnerships.
Kayleen Walters, previously head of Mojang, will lead XP as president. Maria Angelidou-Smith, formerly Reddit's chief product officer, becomes Mojang and Minecraft CEO on October 19. Xbox has several adaptations underway, including a Minecraft Movie sequel, Fallout's third season, a Call of Duty film, and a Netflix Diablo animated series. Microsoft previously ran Xbox Entertainment Studios from 2012 until 2014.
This reorganization could affect fans, creative workers, and partner brands by bringing more game-based films, merchandise, and live events into a single strategy. It may create more cross-media opportunities for studios, actors, and event organizers, while concentrating decisions under one Xbox unit. Audiences might see more adaptations and branded experiences, but the shift could also raise questions about how much non-gaming content shapes game franchises and fan culture.