Microsoft Announces Xbox XP Division To Expand Games Into Movies And TV

Microsoft has announced a new Xbox division called ‘XP,’ focused on expanding its gaming franchises into movies, television, merchandise and live experiences.

Kayleen Walters will lead the division, moving from her role at Mojang, where she helped oversee the expansion of Minecraft into merchandise and film, including A Minecraft Movie.

XP will bring together four areas of Xbox’s business: Xbox Pictures for film and television, Xbox Products for merchandise, Xbox Partnerships for brand collaborations, and Xbox Places for live events and location-based experiences.

As part of the leadership changes, Maria Angelidou-Smith will become CEO of Mojang and Minecraft on October 19. She previously held senior roles at Reddit and Meta.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced both appointments as part of the company’s broader plans to expand its franchises beyond gaming. Sharma shared the news in an Xbox Wire post.