Katarzyna Petru
Microsoft has confirmed significant changes in its gaming structures. Phil Spencer is retiring after almost 40 years of work, and Sarah Bond is also saying goodbye to the Xbox division. Asha Sharma, who recently led the Core AI team, takes over leadership of the entire gaming segment. This move could 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 was the face of Xbox for over a decade. He guided the brand through a difficult period after the launch of the Xbox One, developed Xbox Game Pass, and oversaw major acquisitions, including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. Since 2022, he has served as the CEO of Microsoft Gaming and reported directly to Satya Nadella. Although Spencer is retiring, he will support the company in an advisory role for several months to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. Concurrently, Sarah Bond is also leaving the company; she was one of the architects of the cross-platform strategy and the development of cloud services.
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 PCs and consoles are increasingly blur. 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 the 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 largest reshuffles in Xbox history. The new CEO, Asha Sharma, symbolises a shift towards artificial intelligence and services. Microsoft reassures that gaming remains a priority, but a completely new era is beginning for the brand.
Source: Windows Central
