Katarzyna Petru
Microsoft has confirmed massive changes in the gaming structures. Phil Spencer is retiring after nearly 40 years of work, and Sarah Bond is also bidding farewell to the Xbox division. Asha Sharma, who recently led the Core AI team, takes over the entire gaming segment. This move may signify a new chapter in the history of the Xbox brand. The information was reported by Windows Central.
The End of Phil Spencer's Era
Phil Spencer has been the face of Xbox for over a decade. He guided the brand through a challenging period following the launch of Xbox One, developed Xbox Game Pass, and oversaw major acquisitions, including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. Since 2022, he has served as CEO of Microsoft Gaming and reported directly to Satya Nadella. Although Spencer is retiring, he will support the company in an advisory role for a few months to ensure a smooth handover of duties. Concurrently, Sarah Bond, who was one of the architects of the multi-platform strategy and cloud services development, is also leaving the company.
What does this mean for gamers?
Microsoft assures that it remains long-term committed to the development of Xbox hardware and subscription services. At the same time, the console market is undergoing a transformation, and the lines between PC and consoles are increasingly blurring. The new leadership aims to combine the classic console model with a stronger use of AI and the development of services. The question is whether this generational change at the highest level will strengthen the brand or bring a period of transitional uncertainty.
The departure of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond is one of the biggest shake-ups in Xbox history. The new CEO, Asha Sharma, symbolizes a shift towards artificial intelligence and services. Microsoft reassures that gaming remains a priority, but a whole new era begins for the brand.
Source: Windows Central
