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Microsoft Gaming

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Xbox AI pledge signals human-led storytelling as Sharma takes Microsoft Gaming helm
technology4 days ago

Xbox AI pledge signals human-led storytelling as Sharma takes Microsoft Gaming helm

Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma pledges a 'no bad AI' policy at Xbox, insisting AI is part of gaming but that great stories remain human-crafted and the platform will avoid 'soulless AI slop' or short-term efficiency grabs. The move follows Sharma’s rise from CoreAI president to Microsoft Gaming chief, amid leadership changes that see Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond depart Xbox, signaling a push toward platform-building during a transformative tech era.

Asha Sharma Takes the Helm of Microsoft Gaming, Promises AI-Driven, Platform-First Play
technology4 days ago

Asha Sharma Takes the Helm of Microsoft Gaming, Promises AI-Driven, Platform-First Play

Asha Sharma was named CEO of Microsoft Gaming, succeeding Phil Spencer, signaling a platform-wide, AI-forward approach for Xbox across console, PC, mobile, and cloud. Drawing on leadership roles at Instacart, Meta, Porch, and Microsoft’s CoreAI, she outlines priorities of great games, loyalty to core Xbox fans, and new business models, while not treating franchises as static IP. Her first move: promote Matt Booty to Chief Content Officer to anchor content while she focuses on cross-platform execution and community engagement. The shift comes amid revenue pressure and leadership changes, with Sharma emphasizing gaming as art and a renegade spirit for Xbox.”,

Xbox President Exits as Microsoft Advances Next-Gen Console Under New Leadership
technology5 days ago

Xbox President Exits as Microsoft Advances Next-Gen Console Under New Leadership

Xbox President Sarah Bond is leaving Microsoft to pursue her next steps, saying the moment is right during a period of change after the Activision Blizzard deal. She praises incoming Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma and will remain as an adviser to ensure a smooth transition as the company progresses on its next-generation Xbox, which is reportedly in development amid potential memory shortages; Bond also continues her duties on Tyson Foods' board.

Xbox's New Era: Sharma Promises Great Games and a No-Tolerance Stance on Bad AI
technology7 days ago

Xbox's New Era: Sharma Promises Great Games and a No-Tolerance Stance on Bad AI

Microsoft named Asha Sharma, formerly head of CoreAI, as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming to succeed Phil Spencer. Sharma frames her priorities around delivering “great games,” reviving Xbox, and shaping the future of play, saying games should have deep emotional resonance and a distinct point of view while committing to listening to the community. With a strong AI background, she asserts “no tolerance for bad AI,” but acknowledges AI’s ongoing role as a growth engine, stressing that great stories are still created by humans. Her platform-building approach aims for consistency and trust as she steers the division through industry transformation, ahead of major announcements at GDC and Xbox’s upcoming showcases.

Microsoft Gaming shakes up leadership as Phil Spencer retires
business7 days ago

Microsoft Gaming shakes up leadership as Phil Spencer retires

Phil Spencer is retiring as CEO of Microsoft Gaming after nearly four decades with Xbox; Asha Sharma will become CEO, reporting to Satya Nadella, with Spencer remaining as an adviser through the summer. As part of the overhaul, Sarah Bond is leaving Microsoft and Matt Booty is promoted to Chief Content Officer, with Microsoft Gaming overseeing studios like Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, King and Mojang. The leadership shuffle aims to ensure stability and continued growth of Xbox, Game Pass and the broader gaming ecosystem under Sharma’s new tenure.

Asha Sharma named CEO of Microsoft Gaming as Xbox expands beyond consoles
technology7 days ago

Asha Sharma named CEO of Microsoft Gaming as Xbox expands beyond consoles

Microsoft names Asha Sharma as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming after Phil Spencer’s departure; Sharma’s first memo outlines three commitments—great games, the return of Xbox with cross‑device reach (console, PC, mobile, and cloud), and a future of play that explores new business models while ensuring monetization and AI evolve without sacrificing the artistry of game creation.

Microsoft Gaming Shake-Up: Phil Spencer Retires, Asha Sharma to Lead
technology7 days ago

Microsoft Gaming Shake-Up: Phil Spencer Retires, Asha Sharma to Lead

Microsoft announced a major leadership reshuffle in its gaming division: Xbox chief Phil Spencer will retire after nearly four decades, with Sarah Bond also leaving; Asha Sharma, currently head of CoreAI, will become CEO of Microsoft Gaming and Spencer will stay on in an advisory role through the summer. The changes also include Matt Booty’s promotion to EVP and chief content officer as Sharma sets a strategy centered on great games, Xbox growth, and the future of play.

Xbox's Surprising Cancellations of Promising Games Despite Enthusiastic Feedback
technology7 months ago

Xbox's Surprising Cancellations of Promising Games Despite Enthusiastic Feedback

Microsoft's canceled ZeniMax Online game, codenamed Blackbird, was a highly anticipated sci-fi third-person shooter that Phil Spencer enjoyed playing, but it was ultimately canceled in July likely due to high production costs despite positive early feedback and impressive gameplay footage, highlighting the unpredictable nature of game development and corporate decision-making.

"Xbox Partner Preview: 30 Minutes of New Trailers and Third-Party Games Showcase"
gaming2 years ago

"Xbox Partner Preview: 30 Minutes of New Trailers and Third-Party Games Showcase"

Microsoft Gaming will host a 30-minute Xbox Partner Preview live stream on March 6, showcasing more than a dozen new trailers for third-party titles, including Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, and The First Berserker: Khazan, among others. The stream will be available on YouTube and Twitch, offering a closer look at upcoming titles.

"Phil Spencer's Overwatch 2 Experience Leads to Cancellation of Activision-Blizzard Deal"
gaming2 years ago

"Phil Spencer's Overwatch 2 Experience Leads to Cancellation of Activision-Blizzard Deal"

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer cancels the deal with Activision-Blizzard after playing Overwatch 2 and expressing disappointment with the game's changes, missing features, and broken promises. Spencer criticizes the shift to 5v5 gameplay, longer queue times for tanks, and the absence of the anticipated single-player mode. Overwatch 2 Game Director Aaron Keller admits that the focus was on transitioning to a more predatory business model, leading to Spencer's frustration. Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick declines to comment.

Xbox's Phil Spencer Reveals Annual Release Strategy for First-Party Games
gaming2 years ago

Xbox's Phil Spencer Reveals Annual Release Strategy for First-Party Games

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, confirmed in an interview that Xbox has a "plan" to release four first-party games every year, with this year already seeing several releases. Spencer acknowledged the mixed reception of Redfall and expressed the desire to improve Xbox's performance in offering exclusive, first-party titles. The announcement is seen as encouraging for Xbox users who are excited about the prospect of more new games.