The new year has begun on a high note for Microsoft, its Xbox brand, and especially Phil Spencer. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that he’s literally taken gaming to a new level during his tenure at Microsoft. Last month’s massive announcement featuring the deal (the deal hasn’t been completed yet) with Activision was yet another proof of that.

However, those who know Phil Spencer, also know that besides being the chief of Microsoft Gaming and Xbox, he’s a die-hard fan of gaming himself. In fact, he’s been an avid player of almost all the major titles over the last two decades, following the debut of the first Xbox in 2001.

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Xbox chief Phil Spencer is a true “gamer “

Phil, who’s now 54, originally started at Microsoft in 1988 as an intern and a college student.

After getting his degree in technical and scientific communication, Phil Spencer permanently joined Microsoft. Initially, he worked with teams that used to build finance-based software. During those days, he was a consistent gamer, even during working hours.

According to former colleagues, Phil Spencer’s passion for gaming was such that he used to play in the office itself.

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When Microsoft eventually entered the arena of video games, with 2001’s Xbox launch, Phil Spencer joined its team. It is maybe hard to believe that a company that now owns over 25 game studios only had a total of five back then.

The inception of the Xbox console only added to Phil’s passion. He remained the most active individual in gaming than any other person working at Microsoft.

Richard Irvin, who worked with Phil and left Microsoft in 2016, described him perfectly when it comes to his craze for gaming:

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Phil has literally played every game that launched in the past year and has an opinion on it,” he said.

Adding further, he mentioned that, “Phil at his core is a gamer.”

In a 2020 podcast session, the Xbox chief, himself, admitted to playing lots of games on the newest Xbox series consoles. And it applies to even when he’s on calls.

Simply put, Phil is actually a true video game admirer.

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