New Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma Promises to Restore Xbox's Former Glory and Reject AI Slop
Asha Sharma has been appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming following the announcement of Phil Spencer's departure. In her first address to the team, she outlined three key areas of focus, emphasizing both humility towards the company's legacy and an awareness of the urgent need for change in the rapidly evolving gaming industry.
Sharma stated her top priority is to deeply understand the mechanisms that ensure Xbox's success and to protect them. She noted that she is assuming the role built upon a foundation created by generations of artists, engineers, and musicians whose work has brought joy to hundreds of millions of players. According to her, the exceptional level of skill within the team is reinforced by Xbox's original mission—to prove that games can connect people and move the industry forward.
The new CEO's first and foremost priority will be great games. Sharma promised to invest in iconic franchises, support bold ideas, and take risks by exploring new categories and markets. To confirm these intentions, she announced the promotion of Matt Booty, who has earned the trust of developers and understands all the intricacies of creating successful projects.
The second direction is a return to Xbox's roots. Sharma intends to strengthen the connection with the loyal fans who have supported the platform for a quarter of a century and with the developers who create expansive universes. At the same time, she emphasized that games today exist beyond any specific device, and Xbox must become seamless, instantly accessible on PC, mobile devices, and in the cloud, removing barriers for developers.
The third task concerns the future of entertainment. Sharma urged not to treat iconic universes as static intellectual property for monetization, but to create tools for developers and players that allow them to craft their own stories. She warned against chasing short-term efficiency and using "soulless AI schlock," reminding everyone that games remain an art form created by people with the help of innovative technologies.
Concluding her address, Sharma called on the team to return to the "spirit of rebels" that once gave birth to Xbox, to question established processes, and to boldly change what no longer works.