Xbox Fans Aren’t Happy About Microsoft Putting an AI Executive in Charge

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Xbox is undergoing significant leadership changes. Phil Spencer, who has led Microsoft Gaming for many years and was expected to retire soon, is leaving the company after a nearly 40-year career. Surprisingly, Sarah Bond, widely considered his likely replacement, is also leaving Microsoft. The new head of Xbox will be Asha Sharma, currently leading Microsoft’s CoreAI division. While Sharma has extensive experience in artificial intelligence and consumer technology, she doesn’t have a background in gaming.

As soon as the news dropped, my social media feeds blew up! A lot of us gamers were pretty surprised – and honestly, a little frustrated – that Microsoft went with someone who doesn’t have a typical background in the gaming industry to lead Xbox. It feels like some people are worried this means Microsoft might start prioritizing things outside of gaming, like just general tech stuff, instead of what we all love.

Longtime Xbox fans are voicing their frustration with the recent changes. Some online comments claim Microsoft is now focusing on artificial intelligence experts instead of people who truly understand gaming. Others are simply sad about the shift, fondly remembering the leadership of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond and feeling that the Xbox brand felt more personal under their direction.

Fans of Xbox Have Weighed In On It’s Future

A common concern online is how recent changes might affect Xbox’s direction. While the new leader has stated that Xbox won’t be overwhelmed with AI-generated content and that human creativity will remain central to game development, many fans are still unsure. They’re worried that having someone focused on AI in charge could shift the company’s priorities and how it creates games and other offerings.

Recent conversations have highlighted that Bond, who was previously seen as a likely candidate for the top job, didn’t get the position and instead decided to leave the company. This has led to a lot of speculation that she left, at least in part, because she was passed over for a leadership role she was expected to receive, making the situation even more complex.

Even though there’s been a lot of criticism, some people are suggesting we look at things more calmly. Many commentators point out that Microsoft Gaming is a large organization and isn’t dependent on any single person, and there’s some truth to that. With Matt Booty recently taking on the role of Chief Content Officer, overseeing all of Microsoft’s game studios, his extensive experience in game development could ensure Xbox’s popular games continue as usual.

Most gamers online are feeling unsure about the future after Microsoft’s recent changes. Many are concerned about what this means for popular franchises like Halo, Fable, and Gears of War. The community is actively sharing their thoughts – through memes, discussions, and honest criticism of Microsoft’s decisions – and are carefully watching to see how things unfold. Putting an executive focused on AI in charge was a big move, and the next few months will show if it’s a successful one for Xbox.

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2026-02-21 02:42