"Spencer was just added to Microsoft's Senior Leadership Team, a 16-person group that's made up of executives and board of directors members. Apart from his increased influence over decisions, it's said that Spencer will now report directly to CEO Satya Nadella. Before, Spencer reported to Terry Myerson, who is the executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group. The promotion also comes with a title bump from "head of Xbox" to "executive vice president of gaming." While Xbox is still under the Windows and Devices Group banner, this change emphasizes Microsoft's video game-related efforts by giving a seat at the table to the head of gaming. It also underscores how the Xbox brand encompasses both console and Windows 10 now."

 https://www.destructoid.com/phil-spencer-is-movin-on-up-at-microsoft-462099.phtml

I hope this means what I think it means because if it thinks what i think it means then so much yes, i think?

Not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Was Phil hamstrung by his superiors and can now have better rein to steer MS gaming on a good course or has the anemic first party of late been his fault and it'll only get worse with his promotion?

Before he wasnt able to go directly to Nadella and had to go Myerson who would go to Nadella but now he is able to go directly to Nadells and basickly has full control of Microsofts gaming division. Microsoft putting him in that position shows that Xbox or gaming is something they are pushing hard.

I don't know how much I like Spencer at this point, but anything is better then Nadella.

This could be very good or very bad.

Very good if Spencer was pro xbox and was being held back. But the shackles are released and he can finally get things in motion for the platform.

Bad if Spencer was actually pushing the negative changes of recent years and spear heading their redrawel from the aggressive approach needed to challenge Sony. The suits like this cautious approach and have promoted him with the expectations he'll continue their approach of late.

Impossible to tell now but time will tell eventually.