Microsoft spinning Xbox off into its own division is an idea that’s been floating around for a while now, but has caught more fire in recent times, especially given its overall lack of profitability. Generally, it is assumed that Microsoft will hold onto the division, though, because of Bill Gates’ support for the division (he was the one who spearheaded the development of the original Xbox back in 1999-2000). However, apparently Gates is willing to support the division being spun off, if that is what Satya Nadella, the new CEO of Microsoft, wants.
“Well, we’re taking PC gaming — Windows gaming — and Xbox gaming and bringing those a lot closer together,” Gates said. “The power of the PC graphics chips means you can do great games there. So I’m sure Satya and the team will look at that, and, you know, it’s up to them. But we’re going to have an overall gaming strategy, so it’s not as obvious as you might think.”
“Absolutely [I would support Nadella if he wanted to spin the division off],” he said.
It is interesting to note, however, that the discussion in this case was purely hypothetical- so it is not indicative of Microsoft trying to dump off Xbox any time soon at all.
[Fox News]