New Xbox Boss: No to Quick Wins or Soulless AI

If you're concerned about a Microsoft AI executive, who started working at the company in 2024, assuming leadership of Xbox as the long-time chiefPhil Spencer and president Sarah Bond leave the companycompletely, you will likely find comfort in knowing new CEO Asha Sharma asserts the company will not fall into "soulless AI slop."

In its report revealing the information,IGNShared a message from Sharma directed to Microsoft employees along with news of the position changes. Sharma was formerly the president of Microsoft's CoreAI and remains a board member at Home Depot, having previously served as COO of Instacart following four years as a product and engineering VP at Meta.

My initial role is straightforward: grasp what makes this successful and safeguard it," she starts. "This begins with three promises. First, exceptional games. Everything starts here. We need outstanding games that players love before we take any other steps. Memorable characters, stories that evoke emotions, innovative gameplay, and artistic excellence. We will support our studios, invest in legendary franchises, and support daring new concepts. We will be willing to take chances. We will explore new categories and markets where we can truly add value, based on what players value most.

This dedication might be difficult to acceptthe lingering wounds caused by Xbox shutting down the developersof Hi-Fi Rush, a daring new concept that, according to Xbox, was both successful in sales and received positive reviews, and Redfall, a failed live service attempt imposed on a studio recognized for innovative single-player experiences.

I elevated Matt Booty in recognition of this dedication," Sharma states. "He grasps the artistry and the difficulties involved in creating exceptional games, has managed teams that have produced acclaimed results, and has gained the confidence of game developers throughout the industry.

The head of Xbox Game Studios, Booty, who was set to manage the previously mentioned studio shutdowns, has been appointed as Chief Content Officer for the entire Xbox organization.

Sharma adds, pledging to "bring back Xbox" and to do justice to "those who have supported us over the past 25 years, as well as the developers who create the vast worlds and experiences that are loved by players around the globe." This "new dedication" will begin with "the console that has defined us," as Microsoft stays confident in its next-generation system,speculated to be a dual-mode device, even though the living room was completely taken over by PlayStation and Nintendo andthe most costly console on the market, by a significant margin.

Ultimately, the new CEO looks at the "future of gaming." To "address the current era" during the "reimagining of play," she states that Xbox will "create innovative business models and fresh methods of playing by utilizing what we already possess: beloved teams, characters, and worlds."

Here's what Xbox won't do, Sharma notes: "view those worlds as static IP to exploit and profit from." And "as monetization and AI progress and shape this future," she states, "we will not pursue immediate efficiency or overload our ecosystem with lifeless AI content. Games are and always will be art, made by people, and developed using the most cutting-edge technology we offer."

Microsoft is, of course, a strong supporter of generative AI and AI tools in games, and has now appointed a surprisingly new AI executive to lead its entire gaming division. It's difficult not to question the future path of Xbox, particularly following several high-profile acquisitions.surrounded by shutdowns, increased costs, and cancellations.

At the very least, Spencer shows complete confidence as he departs, stating that Sharma "possesses true curiosity, clarity, and a strong dedication to comprehending players, creators, and the choices that influence our future. We are aware that this is a significant time for our fans, partners, and staff, and we are determined to do it correctly. I will continue in an advisory capacity throughout the summer to assist with a seamless transition."

Xbox sales drop overall compared to the previous year, according to Microsoft's CFO, who attributes the decline to a decrease in first-party game sales.

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