tech
February 23, 2026
Can Microsoft Gaming's New CEO Combat 'AI Slop'?
Asha Sharma has been appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming and pledged in her first statement not to flood the Xbox ecosystem with "soulless AI slop"
TL;DR
- Asha Sharma appointed new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, succeeding the retiring Phil Spencer.
- Sharma pledges to prioritize human creativity and core hardware, rejecting 'soulless AI slop' from the Xbox ecosystem.
- The appointment follows a challenging quarter for Microsoft Gaming, with a decline in overall revenue and Xbox hardware sales.
- Sharma's strategy includes three commitments: 'great games,' 'the return of Xbox,' and 'the future of play.'
- Matt Booty promoted to Chief Content Officer, with Sharma citing his credibility with developers.
- Community reaction to Sharma's appointment is mixed, with some questioning her gaming industry experience and others hopeful for fresh leadership.
- Microsoft Gaming intends to use AI as infrastructure to support user-generated content and creativity, not as a shortcut.
Continue reading the original article