Asha Sharma kliver in som VD för Microsoft Gaming med en vision för Xbox framtid

As Microsoft's position in the game console space appears to be shrinking, the company has appointed a new leader for its gaming division. In an email sent to employees to announce her new role, the New Xbox CEO, Asha Sharma, affirmed her commitment to delivering a new Xbox console. Sharma stated that the "this is an Xbox" philosophy extends to future dedicated console hardware, signaling a clear direction for the brand under her leadership. Her appointment follows a period of uncertainty for the console's future, and her initial communications have focused on reassuring both employees and the player base about the core of the Xbox business.

I see her message as a direct address to the concerns that have been circulating within the gaming community about Microsoft's hardware strategy. The emphasis on the console is a significant part of her introductory statement.

Sharma heralded "the return of Xbox" during her tenure, succeeding outgoing Xbox boss Phil Spencer. She promised a focus on the brand's origins.

"We will celebrate our roots with a renewed commitment to Xbox starting with console which has shaped who we are. It connects us to the players and fans who invest in Xbox, and to the developers who build ambitious experiences for it."

— Asha Sharma

This renewed commitment to hardware does not mean a departure from the company's broader strategy. The "Xbox everywhere-and-anywhere" plan remains a key part of the vision. Sharma's email clarified that gaming's future is not confined to a single device. The goal is to create a seamless experience for players across different platforms.

"Gaming now lives across devices, not within the limits of any single piece of hardware. As we expand across PC, mobile, and cloud, Xbox should feel seamless, instant, and worthy of the communities we serve. We will break down barriers so developers can build once and reach players everywhere without compromise."

— Asha Sharma

Sharma's promises also extend to the content that will be available on Xbox platforms. Working alongside the newly promoted Xbox chief content officer, Matt Booty, the plan is to support games that "take risks." This includes entering new categories and markets where they can provide value based on player interests. The strategy involves leveraging existing intellectual property in new ways.

"To meet the moment, we will invent new business models and new ways to play by leaning into what we already have: iconic teams, characters, and worlds that people love. But we will not treat those worlds as static IP to milk and monetize. We will build a shared platform and tools that empower developers and players to create and share their own stories."

— Asha Sharma

One of the most notable points from Sharma's announcement was her stance on generative artificial intelligence. She pledged to "not chase short-term efficiency or flood our ecosystem with soulless AI slop." This statement creates a contrast with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s perspective, which was detailed in a blog post from late 2025. Nadella had argued for the need to "get beyond the arguments of slop vs sophistication" when discussing AI-produced content. Sharma’s position on the role of AI in game development appears to be more conservative. I do believe her direction seems clear, at least on paper.

"Games are and always will be art, crafted by humans, and created with the most innovative technology provided by us."

— Asha Sharma

As a relative newcomer to both Microsoft and the Xbox division, Sharma faces the challenge of revitalizing the brand. Her stated direction is to double down on Xbox console development, support Xbox Game Studios, and build upon established intellectual property. The initial promises for the next generation of Xbox appear to be focused on addressing fan concerns and setting a clear path forward for the platform's hardware and software ecosystem.

A separate report suggests Microsoft might be preparing to launch its next Xbox as early as next year, positioning it as an ambitious move in the console market.