Microsoft's gaming division XBOX established a new XP division and appointed Mojang's Kayleen Walters as its head. XP will oversee 4 areas, including films, merchandise, brand partnerships and theme parks.
Microsoft-owned XBOX is establishing a new XP division to oversee screen adaptations, merchandising, events and theme parks based on game IP. Kayleen Walters, former president of Minecraft developer Mojang, will head the division, while Maria Angelidou-Smith, who has held executive positions at Meta and served as Reddit's chief product officer, is scheduled to change into the role.
XP stands for “eXperience Points” and will oversee 4 areas: XBOX PICTURES, XBOX PRODUCTS, XBOX PARTNERSHIPS and XBOX PLACES. The division will consolidate functions that had previously operated separately and expand screen adaptations, merchandise, sponsorship partnerships and theme park operations as extensions of game IP.
Microsoft has already advanced film and merchandise projects for Minecraft, but the creation of XP establishes a cross-organizational structure to drive these initiatives. Specific projects currently planned include a Minecraft film sequel for release in July 2027, a live-action Call of Duty film for June 2028, and the opening of Minecraft World in the United Kingdom, targeted for 2027. Further projects, including screen adaptations of titles such as PHYSINT, are also under consideration.