New Xbox CEO is under fire for her brief gaming history
Polygon
by Ford JamesFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is facing intense scrutiny from fans due to her limited gaming history with the platform. Sharma, who previously served as president of Microsoft CoreAI, revealed her Xbox gamertag on X, sparking concerns about her authenticity as a gamer. Her profile shows she only began playing games like *Halo: The Master Chief Collection* and *Forza Horizon 5* in recent weeks, leading some to question whether her gaming experience is genuine or if she’s relying on AI assistance. This skepticism comes amid rumors that her predecessor, Phil Spencer, may have been forced out, further complicating Sharma’s uphill battle to win over Xbox fans.
Sharma’s brief gaming history has raised eyebrows, with critics pointing out that her achievements and playtime appear artificial. While she claims her posts are written without AI help, there is speculation that she received guidance from an “experienced gamer on the Xbox team.” This scrutiny highlights a broader issue in gaming culture, where leaders are often held to high standards of insider knowledge and passion for the medium. Sharma’s lack of familiarity with Xbox lore has left many questioning her ability to lead the company and make decisions that resonate with long-time fans.
The situation underscores the challenges leaders face when entering roles within passionate, insular communities like gaming. While some argue that gaming expertise is essential for leading a platform like Xbox, others point out that such expectations can be exclusionary, particularly for women in male-dominated industries. Sharma’s efforts to connect with the community through platforms like X have been met with skepticism, and her credibility will likely hinge on her ability to prove her commitment and understanding of Xbox culture over time.
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/25/2026