Asha Sharma has been named as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, succeeding Phil Spencer after decades of leadership in the gaming community. Sharma, who previously held top positions at Instacart and Meta, has outlined her top priorities for the company: creating “great games,” reviving Xbox, and exploring the future of play.
Sharma believes that a great game should evoke strong emotions in players, citing Campo Santo’s 2016 first-person mystery “Firewatch” as an example. She wants to develop stories that make players feel something, but acknowledges the need for consistency over time.
As an outsider to the gaming community, Sharma recognizes she has “a lot to learn,” but is committed to staying grounded in what the community is telling her. Her goal is to earn trust from both players and developers, and show the fanbase that Microsoft Gaming is dedicated to delivering high-quality games.
Sharma also addressed concerns about her views on AI in game development, stating she has “no tolerance for bad AI” and believes great stories are created by humans. The new CEO sees the upcoming GDC Festival of Gaming as an opportunity to honor the past while setting direction for the future.
Despite initial skepticism from some quarters, Sharma’s appointment signals a fresh start for Microsoft Gaming, which is approaching its 25th anniversary this fall.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/new-microsoft-gaming-ceo-asha-sharma-xbox-games-ai-1236668829