Microsoft recently posted a job opening for an "Xbox Games Supply Strategist," creating a dedicated role for global supply, inventory, and retail execution of physical Xbox games. The position will coordinate the launch of physical Xbox games across platforms and develop global supply strategies covering all stages of the product lifecycle.
According to the job description, the role will also be responsible for inventory planning, sales, and channel execution, working with product marketing, finance, and supply chain teams to balance cost, service, and working capital targets.
This job posting indicates that Microsoft is still hiring dedicated personnel for the release and distribution of physical Xbox games. However, the text uses the term "physical games" and does not explicitly state that the medium must be discs.
The job description also does not officially confirm that the next-generation hardware, codenamed Helix, will include a traditional optical drive. Cartridges or other media are currently only speculative, and Microsoft has yet to clarify the specific medium for physical Xbox games and the design of the next-generation console.