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What Is The Future of Halo? - The Game Fanatics
During the Halo World Championships, it was announced that 343 Industries will be renamed Halo Studios, signaling continued investment in the franchise by Xbox/Microsoft. The studio will also transition to Unreal Engine, aiming to enhance gameplay and story development for future Halo titles.
Game Pass Loads Up With A Host Of New Must-Play Games
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles in March 2026, including Final Fantasy III, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Planet of Lana II. Final Fantasy III and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will be available on March 3rd for PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, while Planet of Lana II launches on March 5th as a day-one addition. The service continues to offer a diverse range of genres for its subscribers.
Xbox's new boss could herald the changes the division needs | Opinion
Following Phil Spencer's departure, Microsoft has appointed Asha Sharma, formerly of the CoreAI team, as the new CEO of Xbox. While Sharma lacks direct video game experience, the article suggests this change could signal a necessary strategic pivot for the division, which has struggled despite significant investment and acquisitions. The author expresses cautious optimism that Sharma's background in consumer-facing services and potential focus on hardware could revitalize the Xbox brand.
"He truly cared about games, about the industry, and about the people making them" – The industry on Phil Spencer
Industry leaders reflect on Phil Spencer's retirement from Xbox after a 25-year career, highlighting his passion for games, player-first approach, and impact on the industry. Figures from Take-Two, Ubisoft, and others shared memories of his leadership, emphasizing his genuine interest in game development and his role in shaping the Xbox and PC ecosystems.
Valve in hot water, Discord begs forgiveness, and more game media layoffs - Patch Notes #42
This week's gaming news roundup covers significant industry events including Microsoft's Xbox leadership changes, Valve facing a lawsuit over gambling in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Eurogamer. Additionally, Krafton appointed a chief AI officer, Embark Studios' CEO became Nexon's executive chairman, and Discord delayed its age verification rollout.
Console gaming is growing much quicker than mobile as EA named top publisher
A new industry report indicates that console gaming is experiencing significantly faster growth than mobile gaming, with PC and console revenue rising by 13% compared to a 1% increase for mobile. Electronic Arts was named the top publisher for console and PC in 2025, despite Microsoft spending the most on advertising. The report highlights that high advertising spend does not guarantee success, as evidenced by Microsoft's underperforming releases despite significant marketing investment.
"I am committed to 'returning to Xbox', and that starts with console, that starts with hardware" - Xbox's new leaders pledge to bring the brand back again
Xbox's new leadership, CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty, have emphasized a commitment to returning to Xbox's roots, starting with new console hardware. Sharma stated that investments will be made in hardware and that more announcements are forthcoming. Both leaders also reaffirmed their dedication to first-party game development and partnership with the platform team, while addressing the company's recent changes and the potential role of AI in game development.
New Xbox leadership commits to consoles and first-party games
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty have stated that the Xbox console and first-party game development remain a priority. They addressed concerns about multi-platform releases and the future of the hardware, emphasizing a commitment to serving the core audience and protecting creative culture from excessive AI implementation. Hardware announcements related to this renewed focus are expected soon.
Xbox faces "no pressure from Microsoft" to use AI, says new leadership
Xbox leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty, stated there is no pressure from Microsoft to implement AI technologies. They emphasized a commitment to human-created art, with AI serving only as a supportive tool in the production pipeline. Sharma also reaffirmed dedication to console hardware while acknowledging the need to serve players across all platforms.
The future of Xbox is vague and contradictory, with just a glimmer of hope
Microsoft has announced significant leadership changes within Xbox, with Asha Sharma stepping into a combined CEO role previously held by Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond. The article analyzes the implications of these changes, Sharma's background in AI, and the perceived contradictions in Xbox's future strategy, highlighting concerns about talent retention and the company's long-term direction.
"The rumor factory working overtime" - Call of Duty's social media account shuts down talk of a standalone Zombies game
Activision has officially denied rumors of a standalone Call of Duty Zombies game through the franchise's official X/Twitter account. This denial comes amidst speculation about the future of yearly Call of Duty releases following a lukewarm reception to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
"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
An insider report suggests Microsoft's recent leadership changes at Xbox, including Phil Spencer's retirement and Sarah Bond's departure, signal a genuine attempt to revitalize the brand. Asha Sharma, formerly of CoreAI, has been appointed head of Microsoft Gaming, with sources indicating the company is concerned about losing Xbox as a consumer brand and aims for a turnaround, potentially moving away from Bond's 'Xbox Anywhere' vision.
Microsoft's throne room rejigging has seen Sarah Bond take the bullet for marketing strategy which was "failing internally", report claims
Microsoft's gaming division is undergoing significant leadership changes, with Xbox president Sarah Bond reportedly resigning amid internal criticism of a failing marketing strategy. CEO Phil Spencer is also retiring, with Asha Sharma taking over as the new head of Xbox. The report suggests Bond bore the brunt of the blame for the 'This Is an Xbox' multiplatform marketing push, which has been questioned due to declining hardware revenue.
Xbox might turn Game Pass Ultimate into a mega bundle
Microsoft is reportedly exploring a significant expansion of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, potentially bundling services like World of Warcraft, Fallout 1st, and Minecraft Realms into the existing $30 tier. This move could make the premium subscription more attractive, especially after a recent price increase, by consolidating multiple gaming subscriptions into one package.
Xbox Creator Warns Brand Could “Fade Away” as Microsoft Shifts to AI
Seamus Blackley, a co-creator of the original Xbox, has expressed concerns that Microsoft's increasing focus on artificial intelligence could lead to the gradual phasing out of the Xbox brand. He suggests that the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Asha Sharma, may be tasked with slowly transitioning the brand away. While Microsoft has stated a renewed commitment to Xbox, Blackley and others worry about the impact of AI on game development and creativity.
Phil Spencer’s Retirement Was Planned — Xbox’s Chaotic Announcement Wasn’t, Says New Report
A report indicates that Phil Spencer's retirement from Xbox was a planned decision made a year prior, but the announcement was premature due to leaks. The chaotic rollout revealed internal tensions and leadership shifts, with Sarah Bond not being chosen to succeed Spencer, leading to her departure. Asha Sharma has been appointed the new Microsoft Gaming CEO, a move that has raised concerns among employees due to her lack of gaming industry experience.
Even though many developers are being laid off, consumer spending in gaming was actually up in January 2026, new report reveals
Despite widespread layoffs in the industry, US consumer spending on video games in January 2026 increased by 3% year-on-year to $4.3 billion, primarily driven by a 23% rise in non-mobile subscription services. Hardware sales saw a 16% increase, boosted by the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, even as sales for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the original Nintendo Switch declined.
Xbox's new head of gaming has "no tolerance for bad AI", following concerns about the proliferation of AI slop, and Sharma's tech background
Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, has stated she has 'no tolerance' for 'bad AI' despite her background in the field, emphasizing that 'great stories are created by humans.' Sharma, who replaces the retiring Phil Spencer, also addressed concerns about her lack of direct gaming industry experience, committing to delivering 'great games' and focusing on player and developer trust.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma pledges "no bad AI" at Xbox
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma has stated she has "no tolerance for bad AI" at Xbox, emphasizing that while AI is part of gaming, "great stories are created by humans." Sharma, who joined Microsoft in 2024, aims to build trust with players and developers, assuring that Xbox will not prioritize short-term efficiency or flood its ecosystem with AI-generated content. This comes as Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are stepping down from their leadership roles at Xbox.
Sarah Bond says it was "the right time" to step down as Xbox president
Former Xbox president Sarah Bond has stepped down, stating it was the right time for new leadership. She will remain as an advisor during the transition to ensure a smooth handover to Asha Sharma, who previously led Microsoft's CoreAI division. Matt Booty has been promoted to chief content officer for Xbox Game Studios.
