XBOX is expanding into the film industry with the establishment XBOX XP.
In an announcement published on XBOX Wire, Microsoft revealed the creation of XBOX XP, a new division focused on film and television adaptations alongside other areas of investment. Former Mojang CEO Kayleen Walters will lead XBOX XP, while Maria Angelidou-Smith joins XBOX to take over Walters’ former role at the Minecraft studio.
What is XBOX XP?
In an effort to “grow their games into enduring franchises that entertain”, Microsoft has launched XBOX XP–with the name being a play on “experience points”, according to CSO Matthew Ball. The new division formalises four investment areas for XBOX: XBOX Pictures, XBOX Products, XBOX Partnerships, and XBOX Places.
XBOX Pictures appears to be the biggest highlight of the new division. XBOX describes it as a platform to “bring our worlds and characters to new audiences through film, television, and other forms of linear storytelling”.
This means fans can possibly look forward to adaptations of XBOX franchises, which includes major gaming brands like Call of Duty, Halo, and World of Warcraft.
One of the biggest gaming franchises under XBOX’s umbrella, Minecraft, has already made its way to the film industry with A Minecraft Movie, which was released last year. The film starred Hollywood A-listers Jack Black and Jason Momoa, bringing the popular sandbox game to life on the big screen. It grossed nearly US$1 billion during its theatrical run.
It is clear that XBOX intends to continue pursuing this strategy, with the establishment of an entire division dedicated to expanding its franchises into the film scene.
The other areas under XBOX XP will handle licensing and merchandise under XBOX Products, sponsors and brand partnerships under XBOX Partnerships, and major broadcast and in-person events under XBOX Places.
Who will lead XBOX XP?
XBOX has appointed Kayleen Walters, the former CEO of Minecraft developer Mojang, as president of XBOX XP.
The move makes sense given her background. Before leading Mojang and helping turn Minecraft into the multibillion-dollar franchise it is today, Walters spent 13 years at Lucasfilm, contributing to the expansion of Star Wars across films, products, and partnerships.
She also served as an executive producer on the Minecraft film adaptation and is set to produce its upcoming sequel, according to the XBOX Wire announcement.
Taking over her former position at Mojang is Maria Angelidou-Smith, who joins from Meta, where she led Facebook Groups. She also previously served as chief product officer at Reddit.
