Even as Microsoft’s influence in the traditional console market appears to be waning, the newly appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming is reaffirming her dedication to hardware. In an introductory email to employees regarding her transition into the role formerly held by Phil Spencer, Asha Sharma emphasized that the “this is an Xbox” philosophy extends directly to the development of future physical consoles.
Sharma signaled a “renaissance” for the brand during her debut, promising to honor the company’s heritage through a revitalized focus on the console experience. She noted that the console remains the cornerstone of the Xbox identity, serving as the vital link between a dedicated fan base and the developers who craft ambitious, boundary-pushing experiences.
Nevertheless, the strategy to move beyond a single device remains a priority. “Gaming today transcends the boundaries of any specific piece of hardware,” Sharma explained. She envisions an ecosystem where Xbox feels intuitive and immediate across PC, mobile, and cloud platforms. The goal is to eliminate technical hurdles, allowing creators to build a single vision that reaches players globally without compromise.
Sharma’s roadmap also highlights a willingness to embrace creative risks. Working alongside newly promoted Chief Content Officer Matt Booty, she aims to break into fresh categories and markets that align with player interests. “To meet the current cultural moment, we will pioneer new business models and gameplay styles by building on our foundation: the legendary teams, characters, and universes that fans cherish,” Sharma stated. However, she clarified that these franchises would not be treated as stagnant assets to be exploited for profit, but rather as a shared framework that allows both developers and players to contribute to the story.
In a move that will likely resonate with longtime fans and critics of automation, Sharma pledged to avoid chasing fleeting efficiencies or saturating the platform with “vacuous AI-generated content.” This stance marks a notable departure from the rhetoric of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who famously pushed back against the term “slop” in late 2025, suggesting that the industry should look past arguments regarding the sophistication of AI output.
Sharma’s perspective on generative AI in game development is definitive: “Games are an art form, meticulously crafted by human hands and supported by our most advanced technology,” she wrote. By prioritizing the human element of creativity, she seeks to maintain the artistic integrity of the platform.
As a relative newcomer to the executive ranks of Microsoft, Sharma faces the daunting task of revitalizing the Xbox brand. However, her stated strategy—doubling down on dedicated hardware, empowering internal studios, and protecting the creative process—outlines a clear and promising trajectory for the next generation of the ecosystem.
Source: Polygon
