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Xbox has officially launched a new entertainment division named XP, tasked with expanding its gaming franchises into film, television, and live experiences. Led by Lucasfilm veteran Kayleen Walters, the division aims to position Xbox as a premier global entertainment company by leveraging its intellectual property beyond traditional gaming boundaries.
The XP division operates through four core investment pillars: Xbox Pictures for media adaptations, Xbox Products for merchandise, Xbox Partnerships for brand collaborations, and Xbox Places for live events and theme parks. Microsoft clarified that XP is not a production studio but will instead focus on securing strategic partners to manage these diverse projects.
This initiative builds on recent successes like the Fallout television series and A Minecraft Movie, both of which significantly boosted engagement for their respective games. Future projects include a Minecraft sequel, Fallout Season 3, a Call of Duty film, and a Diablo animated series. Microsoft also plans to adapt the upcoming title Physint.
While Microsoft previously attempted a similar strategy with the short-lived Xbox Entertainment Studios in 2012, the company is now doubling down on its most popular franchises. This transition coincides with leadership changes at Mojang, where Maria Angelidou-Smith has been appointed as the new CEO.
