Microsoft executive vice president of gaming, Phil Spencer, has announced his retirement after 38 years with the company, including 12 years leading its gaming division. Spencer, who succeeded Don Mattrick as head of Microsoft Gaming, played a central role in expanding the company’s gaming operations. His tenure included overseeing acquisitions of multiple studios and the launch of the Game Pass subscription service. He will continue in an advisory role through the summer to support a smooth leadership transition.
Asha Sharma Takes the Helm
Following Spencer’s departure, Microsoft has appointed Asha Sharma as executive vice president and CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Sharma brings experience from her roles as chief operating officer of Instacart and vice president at Meta, and most recently served as president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product. Her appointment signals a focus on both gaming and broader technology leadership, with an emphasis on developing new business models and player-driven experiences.
Sharma stated that Microsoft Gaming will prioritize creativity and innovation, aiming to provide tools that empower developers and players to craft and share their own content. She emphasized that the company will continue to treat games as art, created with a combination of human creativity and technology, rather than focusing solely on monetization or efficiency.
Executive Leadership Restructuring
Alongside Spencer’s retirement and Sharma’s appointment, Xbox president and chief operating officer Sarah Bond has left Microsoft after more than eight years with the company and two-and-a-half years in her current role. No official reason for her departure has been provided.
Matt Booty, previously president for game content and studios, has been promoted to executive vice president and chief content officer for Microsoft Gaming. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the complementary expertise of Sharma and Booty, noting that their combined experience in consumer products and gaming will support the company’s platform innovation and content strategy.
Microsoft Gaming’s Future Direction
With the new leadership team, Microsoft Gaming aims to continue expanding its studio operations, subscription services, and content offerings. The company intends to explore evolving monetization strategies and leverage AI responsibly to enhance player experiences while maintaining the artistic integrity of games. Both Nadella and Sharma emphasized a long-term vision focused on innovation, creativity, and meeting player expectations across the global market.
Source: PocketGamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Phil Spencer and why is he leaving Microsoft Gaming?
Phil Spencer is the executive vice president of Microsoft Gaming, having led the division for 12 years. He announced his retirement after 38 years with Microsoft and will remain in an advisory role through the summer.
Who is Asha Sharma?
Asha Sharma is the new executive vice president and CEO of Microsoft Gaming. She previously served as COO of Instacart, VP at Meta, and president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product.
What role does Matt Booty have after the leadership changes?
Matt Booty has been promoted to executive vice president and chief content officer for Microsoft Gaming. He previously served as president for game content and studios.
Why did Sarah Bond leave Microsoft?
Sarah Bond, Xbox president and COO, left the company after two-and-a-half years in her role and nearly nine years with Xbox. No official reason for her departure has been disclosed.
What is Microsoft Gaming’s strategy under the new leadership?
The company plans to focus on innovative content, empowering developers and players, exploring new business models, and responsibly integrating technology like AI, while maintaining the creative and artistic quality of games.
