In a strategic move to bolster its gaming division, Xbox has appointed Maria Angelidou-Smith as the new CEO of Mojang and Minecraft. This decision, communicated to staff in a memo by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma on October 8, marks a significant shift in leadership as Angelidou-Smith steps into her role on October 19, reporting directly to Sharma.
Leadership Transition
Angelidou-Smith succeeds Kayleen Walters, who has been at the helm of Mojang since February 2025. Under Walters’ leadership, Minecraft saw impressive growth, with sales soaring from 350 million to over 425 million copies. Walters will now lead XP, a newly established Xbox division focused on film, television, merchandise, and live experiences.
A New Vision for Mojang
With a robust background in community-focused products, Angelidou-Smith brings a wealth of experience to her new position, although she has not previously held a role within a game studio. Her nearly decade-long tenure at Meta included leadership of Facebook Groups, Events, Creators, Search, Profile, and Monetization. Following her time at Meta, she contributed to product and technology at HR software firm Personio before joining Reddit in November 2025.
Focus on Community and Monetization
Sharma emphasized the importance of community in her memo, noting that Mojang already boasts an exceptional game development team. The search for a leader who understands the intersection of creators, technology, and monetization was paramount. Angelidou-Smith’s initial focus will be on engaging with both the teams and the community to gather insights and foster collaboration.
Minecraft’s Ongoing Success
This appointment aligns with Xbox’s recent narrative surrounding Minecraft. Following the announcement of 3,200 layoffs in July, Sharma had positioned Mojang and King as pivotal studios that have evolved into platforms. Minecraft continues to attract over 300,000 new players daily, and with the introduction of its first new dimension in over 14 years, titled The Sift, set to launch in 2027, the game’s future appears bright.
While Xbox has yet to disclose any changes to Minecraft’s monetization strategies, the memo’s reference to this aspect may raise concerns among players. As Angelidou-Smith embarks on her journey with Mojang, the gaming community watches closely, eager to see how her vision will shape the beloved franchise moving forward.
