Overview
- Microsoft confirms Phil Spencer has retired, Asha Sharma is now CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Matt Booty has been promoted to chief content officer, and Sarah Bond has resigned but will advise during the transition.
- The Verge reports the announcement was accelerated after details leaked and IGN prepared a story, with many employees describing relief at Bond’s departure and criticizing the 'This is an Xbox' campaign.
- Sharma is emphasizing a renewed focus on console players and first‑party content while stating she has 'no tolerance for bad AI' and will not 'flood our ecosystem with soulless AI slop.'
- Xbox faces mounting pressure after Microsoft reported gaming revenue fell 9% in the latest quarter, including a 32% drop in hardware revenue.
- Coverage notes skepticism about Sharma’s limited gaming background alongside praise from some colleagues for her execution skills, as staff anticipate a reset from the prior 'Xbox Everywhere' strategy.