Xbox is under new management, and the message from the top is clear: your console isn’t going anywhere. Asha Sharma stepped into the role of CEO on February 23, 2026, while Matt Booty has taken on the position of Chief Content Officer as Phil Spencer prepares for retirement.In a recent chat with Windows Central, they tackled ongoing concerns about Xbox amid declining sales and its shift towards multi-platform releases.
Sharma understands that fans are anxious. The choice to release former exclusives on PlayStation raised eyebrows and led some to speculate whether Microsoft was quietly stepping back from hardware altogether.She addressed this head-on, recognizing the important investment—both time and money—that players have made in their gaming ecosystem over the last quarter-century. Her message was straightforward: “returning to Xbox” starts with focusing on the console itself.
Commitment to Frist-Party Advancement
Matt Booty dismissed any notion that Microsoft aims to become merely another software provider for rival platforms. He emphasized that their studio system is designed specifically to collaborate closely with hardware teams,influencing initial designs and optimizing games for devices like upcoming handheld gaming PCs from Xbox.
Booty described their organization as a network of studios capable of supporting both innovative projects and major annual releases.This structure encourages creative risk-taking rather than stifling it. Sharma echoed this sentiment by stating that true success comes from catering to your core audience instead of chasing fleeting trends. First-party development remains a priority, ensuring smaller creative projects still have a place within their strategy.
Setting Boundaries Around AI in Gaming
Sharma’s previous experience leading Microsoft’s CoreAI group raised questions about her approach toward artificial intelligence in gaming. Would she push AI into every aspect? She quickly clarified her stance by drawing a firm line between useful tools and mindless content generation. Her commitment was clear: no sloppy work or derivative content would be tolerated; she wants strict limits on what won’t be done.
Booty supported her position by stating there are no mandates forcing developers to use AI indiscriminately; teams can choose technologies that genuinely assist them—be it improving bug testing or refining code—but all creative elements such as writing, art, and design will remain human-driven tasks. He pointed out that new tools frequently enough create demand for more specialists rather than reducing jobs; thus,raising quality standards is key without losing creativity's essence in games.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for Xbox
Asha Sharma recognizes that promises alone won’t suffice; she admitted there have been challenges within the business which understandably concern fans. Her response was simple yet effective: actions speak louder than words moving forward. she requested patience as she learns more about operations at studios like Bethesda and Activision while analyzing data behind recent decisions before implementing any major changes.
Additonally, she hinted at an upcoming timeline regarding hardware announcements linked with plans for a “return” to Xbox soon enough! making it personal too—she expressed her full dedication alongside this team who has successfully navigated tough transitions before—the focus now lies not just on immediate gains but also building strength over the next quarter-century ahead!
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