"Microsoft wants a turnaround and is worried about losing Xbox" - Insider report paints a different picture of Phil Spencer's retirement and Sarah Bond's sudden departure
Eurogamer • • technology
Key Points:
- Microsoft has appointed Asha Sharma, president of CoreAI, as head of Microsoft Gaming following the retirement of Phil Spencer and the unexpected departure of former Xbox president Sarah Bond, signaling a potential strategic shift for Xbox.
- Phil Spencer's retirement was anticipated internally, but Bond's exit was surprising and linked to the failure of her "Xbox Anywhere" initiative, which aimed to expand Xbox beyond consoles but led to declining hardware revenue and internal dissatisfaction.
- Bond was praised for securing major deals like the Activision Blizzard acquisition but was reportedly difficult to work with and rigid in enforcing her vision, causing relief among many Xbox employees upon her departure.
- Despite Sharma's lack of gaming experience and controversial AI background, sources suggest Microsoft is committed to revitalizing
