Microsoft has announced a new Xbox division called XP focused on expanding its gaming franchises into TV, film, products, and events. The initiative, detailed in a blog post by Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball, aims to help Microsoft become 'the number one entertainment company in the world' by entertaining one billion people daily. XP will bring Xbox's 'worlds and characters to new audiences through film, television, and other forms of linear storytelling' while engaging existing fans via authentic product launches, live events, and attractions.
The division will also pursue partnerships with creators and brands. Kayleen Walters, former Lucasfilm employee of 13 years and president of Mojang, will lead XP. She served as an executive producer on the successful A Minecraft Movie and is attached to its sequel.
A Minecraft theme park is set to open in the UK next year, now under XP's purview. Microsoft's transmedia push builds on successes like Prime Video's Fallout and plans for adaptations of Gears of War, Candy Crush, Diablo, Forza, and The Elder Scrolls. The company also intends to collaborate with Kojima Productions on TV and film projects following its acquisition of publishing rights for Physint, the upcoming action-espionage game from Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing