The gaming industry experienced a significant shift on February 20, 2026, with the announcement of Phil Spencer’s retirement after leading Xbox for over a decade. Microsoft subsequently revealed that Asha Sharma, an executive from the company’s CoreAI division, will take the helm of the gaming division. The decision has sparked debate, particularly among those closely associated with the founding of Xbox.
Seamus Blackley, a key figure in the creation of the original Xbox in the late 1990s, voiced strong criticism of the restructuring, stating his concerns directly.
Is This the End of the Traditional Console?
Blackley believes that appointing someone whose career is rooted in Artificial Intelligence, rather than the world of video games, is a worrying sign. He suggests Microsoft is now prioritizing the expansion of AI over the Xbox platform itself.
He expressed a feeling that the console and the brand, as it’s currently known, are being gradually phased out in favor of the company’s new global strategic focus. This move reflects the broader trend of tech companies integrating AI across their product portfolios.
Blackley drew a stark analogy, comparing Sharma’s role to “a palliative care doctor gently guiding Xbox to its peaceful end.” The impactful image quickly spread across social media and gaming forums.
Response from New Leadership
Despite the pessimism from a founding member, Microsoft has not officially confirmed any plans to abandon Xbox console production. Blackley’s statements are based on his interpretation of recent internal movements and the company’s business vision.
The new head of the division, Asha Sharma, has attempted to address community concerns. Acknowledging the questions surrounding her professional background, Sharma assured that she has “zero tolerance for AI slop,” promising a continued focus on delivering quality experiences to players and avoiding the employ of soulless, machine-generated content.
It remains to be seen whether this marks the beginning of a promising and technologically innovative chapter for Xbox, or if Seamus Blackley’s fears will materialize. The discussion continues to unfold.
