Overview
- New Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma reiterated a "return to Xbox" ethos, promising focus on consoles and vowing not to "flood our ecosystem with soulless AI slop."
- Sharma addressed scrutiny of her gaming profile, saying her publicly seen account is a shared family gamertag and that she writes her own social posts without AI.
- Booty told Windows Central that studios can use helpful tools like code or bug-checking tech, but stressed Xbox is "committed to art made by people."
- Industry reaction remains split: Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley warned the brand could be "sunsetted," while former exec Peter Moore defended Sharma and highlighted Xbox’s scale and value.
- A Windows Central poll showed 36% of readers are cautiously optimistic and 27% are skeptical, as Phil Spencer introduced Sharma to staff in an internal event and she met with longtime community figure Larry Hryb.