Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Asha Sharma has been appointed as the new CEO of Xbox, taking over from Phil Spencer who is retiring but will assist with the transition until summer.
- Matt Booty has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, reporting directly to Sharma.
- Sharma emphasized three management pillars for Xbox: prioritizing great games, reaffirming commitment to console gamers, and maintaining artistic integrity in games.
- Sharma expressed a visionary approach towards the future of gaming, focusing on new business models and interaction while avoiding short-term gains or AI-driven content lacking soul.
Recommended products
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Asha Sharma has been appointed CEO of Xbox, succeeding Phil Spencer, who is retiring from the company but will remain in an advisory role through the summer to assist with the transition. Sharma, who joined Microsoft in 2024, previously served as Head of Microsoft Korea, head of product development for CoreAI, Vice President of Product and Engineering at Meta, and COO of Instacart. As the new CEO, she will also serve as Executive Vice President of Microsoft Gaming, reporting directly to the company’s president. Alongside this transition, Matt Booty has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, reporting to Sharma. Sarah Bond, previously President of Xbox, has resigned from Microsoft. In her first address as CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Sharma outlined three management pillars: Prioritizing Great Games: Sharma emphasized the need for “beloved player titles,” highlighting unforgettable characters, innovative gameplay, and creative excellence. She noted that Booty’s promotion symbolizes this commitment to quality and creativity. The Return of Xbox: Sharma reaffirmed the company’s commitment to console gamers while acknowledging the expansion to PC, mobile, and cloud gaming. She stated that Xbox must be “continuous, instantaneous, and up to par with the communities we serve.”
The Visionary Approach of Asha Sharma for Xbox Gaming and Artistic Integrity in Games
The Future of Games: Sharma addressed new business models and forms of interaction but cautioned against prioritizing short-term gains or AI-driven content lacking soul. She stated, “Games are and always will be art, created by humans.” Microsoft’s president acknowledged Spencer’s contributions to expanding the business, shaping strategy through acquisitions, and strengthening studio and platform culture. Information for this report was sourced from IGN and O Vicio.
In Case You Missed It
“In the dynamic world of gaming, we’ve got two major leadership shakeups happening at Xbox that you won’t want to miss! First up, Jonathan Dubinski’s latest post ‘CRITICAL: Phil Spencer Exits Xbox…’ CRITICAL: Phil Spencer Exits Xbox, AI Leader Takes Over at Microsoft, Reports Jason Schreier explores the implications of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond stepping down, with Matt Booty and Asha Sharma taking over. But wait, there’s more! Dubinski has just published another insightful piece, ‘URGENT: Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond to be Replaced Starting Monday, February 23, 2026’ URGENT: Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond to be Replaced Starting Monday, February 23, 2026. Dive into this must-read to learn about the upcoming leadership transition, marking the end of Spencer’s decade-long reign and giving you a sneak peek into Sharma’s plans for Xbox Gaming and Booty’s new role as Chief Content Officer. Don’t miss out on these game-changing updates!”
They also talk about it
Links to external sources for further reading
- Microsoft Taps AI Executive to Run Xbox, Recommits to ConsoleMicrosoft Taps AI Executive to Run Xbox, Recommits to Consolevariety.com
- Jennifer MaasJennifer Maasnordic.ign.com
- Spencer's run with Xbox ends just months shy of the brand's 25th anniversary.Spencer's run with Xbox ends just months shy of the brand's 25th anniversary.geekwire.com
- SATYA NADELLA MESSAGESATYA NADELLA MESSAGEblogs.microsoft.com