Phil Spencer
Reporting and statements that mention Phil Spencer.
Latest coverage
Xbox CEO introduces new boot-up sound after executive overhaul, but it sounds pretty close to the current one
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a new boot-up sound for Xbox consoles, set to arrive on May 13. While Sharma shared the sound herself, it is noted to be very similar to the current Xbox Series X/S sound. This change comes amid other executive shifts and a reported decline in Xbox hardware sales.
Xbox boss bumps some of her Microsoft CoreAI buddies up into leadership jobs, but hey, at least they're stopping some of their Copilot gubbins
Xbox boss Asha Sharma is scaling back Microsoft's Copilot AI integration, announcing the winding down of Copilot on mobile and halting its development on consoles. This move coincides with Sharma promoting several former Microsoft CoreAI division colleagues into leadership roles within Xbox, including Jared Palmer as VP of engineering and Tim Allen as corporate VP of design, aiming to streamline development and get the business back on track.
Xbox appoints new internal leaders and ditches Copilot AI
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the company is discontinuing its Copilot generative AI features on mobile and halting development for consoles. This decision aligns with a broader strategic shift under Sharma's leadership, which also includes new internal leadership appointments aimed at increasing speed and community connection. Several executives from Microsoft and other tech companies have been brought in to bolster Xbox's product, engineering, and growth teams.
2026’s Call of Duty is not coming to PS4
Activision has confirmed that the next Call of Duty title, and subsequent releases, will not be available on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. This marks the end of last-generation support for the franchise, which has spanned multiple console generations since Call of Duty: Ghosts in 2013. The decision is expected to allow developers to focus resources on current-generation platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Microsoft Gaming Branding Was “A Temporary Legal Thing” for Activision Blizzard Acquisition – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Microsoft's rebranding of its gaming division to Microsoft Gaming was a temporary legal measure to facilitate the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The company has since reverted to the Xbox branding, with executives Asha Sharma and Matt Booty discussing future plans and a new logo. The initiative aims to refocus on console experiences and deliver great games.
Xbox has only two options for the future and Microsoft won’t like either of them - Reader’s Feature
A reader suggests Microsoft has only two viable options for the future of Xbox: either transition to a third-party developer model releasing games on all platforms, or sell off its gaming division entirely. The author argues that the Xbox hardware experiment has failed due to declining console sales and the inability of recent acquisitions to significantly boost market share.
Xbox CEO knows there's "work to do" to win players back, as Microsoft boss recommits to "core" fans
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledges that Microsoft has work to do to regain player trust and revenue growth, despite recent positive steps like a Game Pass price reduction and setting new records for monthly active users. Microsoft boss Satya Nadella reaffirmed the company's commitment to its core fans and players, with plans to focus on affordability, PC-console hybrid projects, and expanding its franchise portfolio.
Xbox Games Showcase 2026: What to Expect From the Biggest Xbox Event in Years
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 is set to be a pivotal event for Microsoft, featuring new game announcements and a deep dive into Gears of War: E-Day. The showcase will also highlight the company's new direction under leadership of Asha Sharma, following Phil Spencer's retirement. Potential teases for next-generation hardware and updates on titles like Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and remakes of Halo: Combat Evolved and Fallout 3 are expected.
New Xbox head Asha Sharma says "we know we have work to do" as quarterly hardware sales sink another 33%
Xbox hardware revenue has declined by 33% in the last fiscal quarter, continuing a downward trend. Content and services revenue also saw a 5% dip. New Xbox head Asha Sharma acknowledged the need for improvement in player and revenue growth.
Xbox Cutting Game Pass and Pulling Call of Duty Is Finally Honest
Xbox has reduced the price of Game Pass Ultimate and will no longer offer day-one access to future Call of Duty titles, a move described as the most honest statement from the company in years. This shift acknowledges that the previous pricing and strategy were unsustainable, particularly after the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The company is also scaling back its hardware ambitions and focusing on becoming a multi-platform publisher.
Games Inbox: Is buying a video game day one a good idea?
Readers discuss the merits of buying games on day one, weighing instant access and being part of the conversation against the potential for lower prices and sales later. The article also touches on Sony's controversial PS5 DRM policy, the impact of studio closures on franchises like XCOM, and speculation about future game releases and company strategies.
The Complete History Of The Xbox Logo: From Green Glow To Modern Minimal
This article traces the evolution of the Xbox logo from its inception in the late 1990s to a new design introduced in 2026. It details the various iterations of the logo, highlighting changes in color, shape, and font that reflected the console's branding and market position across different generations, including the Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Xbox has changed its name and backtracked on Game Pass prices, but is it too little too late?
Xbox has reverted its branding to its original name and rolled back recent Game Pass Ultimate price increases, though day-one Call of Duty releases are now excluded. New CEO Asha Sharma aims to re-center the company on its console identity after a period of perceived dilution and unpopular decisions under the previous Microsoft Gaming structure.
In Kiln, Creating "Weird Little Guys" Is More Important Censorship
Kiln director Derek Brand discusses Double Fine's approach to player creativity and content moderation in the pottery party brawler. The game prioritizes enabling players to express themselves, offering moderation tools as options rather than limitations. Brand also touches on the game's development, its multiplayer-focused nature, and the support from Microsoft and Rare.
Xbox CEO Wants the Platform to be “Open for More People to Create”
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty discussed their vision for making the Xbox platform more open for creators and players, aiming for greater affordability in hardware and services. While specific plans for devices like the ASUS ROG Ally are not yet concrete, Sharma emphasized a commitment to performance and accessibility. Booty also touched on adapting to changing player expectations regarding social features and game approachability.
‘Let’s make sure it’s affordable:’ Xbox chief Asha Sharma sets lodestar for Game Pass
Xbox chief Asha Sharma is prioritizing affordability and flexibility for Game Pass, aiming to reduce prices and offer more customizable subscription tiers. Sharma stated that while Game Pass had become too expensive, the company is exploring new strategies to ensure its long-term viability for both consumers and the business.
Podcast: Call of Duty, Game Pass, and the Mario movie
This podcast episode discusses Xbox's decision to remove Call of Duty from Game Pass and reduce its price, analyzing the potential reasoning behind this move. It also touches upon ongoing changes within the Xbox division under Asha Sharma following Phil Spencer's departure.
Xbox Is Flip-Flopping on PS5 Again, and It's Truly Getting Tiring
Xbox is reportedly re-evaluating its strategy regarding releasing games on PlayStation 5, a move that has become a recurring and tiring cycle for the company. Despite past commitments to broader platform availability and statements from executives like Phil Spencer and Satya Nadella, the debate over exclusivity continues to resurface. This constant back-and-forth creates uncertainty and fatigue among players and observers alike.
Are Xbox Exclusives Coming Back? Here's What Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Had To Say
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that decisions regarding exclusive games will be carefully considered, taking a data-driven and strategic approach with long-term implications. While fans are calling for a return to exclusives, Microsoft has recently shifted towards multiplatform releases, with titles like Forza Horizon 5 reportedly earning significant revenue on PlayStation 5. Sharma also indicated potential changes to game windowing and the company's approach to AI.
Microsoft to Offer 7 Percent of its US Employees The Option to Retire Early – Rumor
Microsoft is reportedly offering a buyout for early retirement to 7 percent of its US-based employees who meet specific age and tenure criteria. This news follows earlier reports of potential workforce reductions within Microsoft's gaming division and a recent rebranding of Microsoft Gaming back to Xbox.
