Pure Xbox reports Xbox announced Xbox XP division for physical and linear media

“XP is a play on Experience Points and formalizes four investment areas for us: Xbox Pictures for film and television adaptations; Xbox Products for licensing and merchandise; Xbox Partnerships for sponsors and brand partners; and Xbox Places for our marquee broadcast and in-person events, theme parks, and other location-based experiences,” Xbox boss Asha Sharma stated.

A brand-new division called Xbox XP was announced on October 8, 2026, headed by newly appointed XP President Kayleen Walters, Pure Xbox reported. Walters previously worked as an executive producer on A Minecraft Movie and spent 13 years at Lucasfilm on the Star Wars franchise. The reorganization establishes four formal investment paths to push gaming franchises into physical and linear media.

Xbox Pictures will adapt company worlds and characters for film, television, and other linear storytelling formats. Xbox Products will handle licensing and merchandise authentic to core fandoms. Xbox Partnerships will collaborate with creators, brands, and communities on sponsorships and brand integrations. Xbox Places will manage live events, immersive experiences, attractions, broadcasts, theme parks, and location-based destinations.

Leadership Changes at Mojang and Minecraft

“Our franchises can mean more to people than the time they spend playing them, and Kayleen knows how to build those experiences with the industry without losing what made people care about the franchise in the first place,” Sharma said regarding the appointment of Walters to the XP presidency. Sharma previously stated an ambition for Xbox to become the #1 entertainment company in the world, a strategy that the new division aims to accelerate through consumer products, theme parks, and media expansions.

The restructuring follows long-standing indications that Xbox intended to grow its footprint beyond software development. With Walters overseeing the multi-industry push and Angelidou-Smith managing the core Minecraft studio at scale, the division sets the operational framework for upcoming cross-media projects.

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