New Microsoft Gaming Head Asha Sharma Responds to Criticism Over Lack of Gaming Experience

One of Xbox's Founders Believes Microsoft Will Abandon the Brand

Cover: Halo poster

Seamus Blackley, one of the creators of the original Xbox, has commented on the reshuffling within Microsoft's gaming division. In Blackley's view, the corporation is currently winding down departments that are not part of its AI core. Xbox is one of them. He believes the new head of Microsoft Gaming, Asha Sharma, will provide the brand with "palliative care."

"The natural consequence of focusing on AI is that the executives who believe in it have abstracted themselves from all problems, including games. There is a belief that AI, as you can see from Satya Nadella's words, will absorb games just like everything else," added Blackley.

He further stated that everything at Microsoft is now focused on neural networks, and it would be strange if someone with a genuine love for games were put in charge of Xbox. Blackley noted that the gaming community is patient with people who don't understand the subject matter. Outsiders have sometimes succeeded in the gaming business, but only when they were genuinely interested, according to Blackley.

Xbox Poster

Recall that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer announced his resignation, and his position in the company will be taken by Asha Sharma. She previously served as the head of the CoreAI division. Sharma has already promised that she won't clutter Xbox with "AI-speak," but many have reacted to her words with skepticism.

Spencer was bid farewell by both gamers and employees from various studios. Phil was thanked for his dedication and love for games.

By the way, it has already been reported that the departure of Spencer and Bond will not result in mass layoffs at the company.