Xbox’s New Boss Has Deep AI Roots — But No Gaming Experience

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She Served As The President Of Microsoft's Core AI business!

Story Highlight
  • Phil Spencer just retired and has been replaced by Microsoft’s former AI executive.
  • Despite having extensive AI knowledge, she doesn’t have any prior experience.
  • This has made fans skeptical, and Sharma will have to prove a lot in the long term.

Xbox just marked a huge shift in its leadership with Phil Spencer retiring as the head after 12 years, and Sarah Bond also leaving. Amid this, the total control of the gaming division will be held by Matt Booty and the newly appointed Asha Sharma. 

Phil Spencer hadn’t been meeting the expectations for a long time now, but fans are even more skeptical about the new head based on her profile. She has extensive roots in AI, but no gaming experience. 

Why it matters: Appointing someone who hasn’t had any gaming experience as the head of Microsoft’s gaming division doesn’t seem like the right move on paper, but it’s currently too soon to judge. 

Asha Sharma
Ashma Sharma has extensive AI roots, but no gaming experience

Asha Sharma joined Microsoft in 2024 from Instacart. Since then, she has been serving as the President of product in the company’s core AI business. So, she has deep roots with AI, but nothing related to gaming. 

Now, she has been working with Phil Spencer for a few months, so she must be well-versed with the company’s models now. Nonetheless, fans won’t really be satisfied until they see results, which obviously will take time. 

Phil Retires
She has taken over from Phil, who has retired after 38 years at Xbox

Asha has committed to a lot of promising things. She notes that they aim to introduce new business models that will reinvent games, help Xbox reach its lost heights, and go out of the box and take risks. 

What are your thoughts on Xbox’s new head having no prior gaming experience? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

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