New Microsoft Gaming, Xbox CEO: Asha Sharma on Great Games, AI Use

Variety

by Jennifer Maas

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The gaming world has entered a new era with Microsoft Gaming announcing Phil Spencer’s retirement as CEO and the appointment of Asha Sharma, head of product development at Microsoft CoreAI, as his successor. Known for her leadership in tech roles at Instacart and Meta, Sharma brings a fresh perspective to Xbox, aiming to honor its legacy while setting a new direction for the future. Her top priorities include creating "great games" with emotional depth, ensuring AI is used responsibly, and fostering trust within the gaming community. Sharma emphasizes that great games should evoke strong emotions and offer unique storytelling, inspired by titles like Campo Santo’s *Firewatch*. As an outsider to gaming, she views her lack of prior industry experience as an asset, allowing her to approach challenges with a fresh perspective. She plans to listen to the community, prioritize consistency, and build trust with players and developers alike. While Sharma acknowledges AI’s role in gaming, she is clear about her stance: "no tolerance for bad AI." She believes AI should enhance storytelling rather than replace human creativity. Her background in AI highlights the potential for innovation but also underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in game development. With Microsoft Gaming approaching its 25th anniversary and major events like GDC and Xbox’s Games Showcase on the horizon, Sharma is poised to lead Xbox into a new chapter. Her vision combines respect for gaming’s past with an open-minded approach to future advancements, promising exciting developments for fans of all platforms. This leadership transition matters to entertainment enthusiasts as it signals a shift in how gaming will evolve. Sharma’s focus on quality, community engagement, and responsible AI use sets a precedent for the industry, balancing innovation with tradition. Her approach not only reflects Microsoft Gaming’s legacy but also its ambition to remain at the forefront of interactive entertainment.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026