Seamus Blackley
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Xbox creator becomes first console designer to bake bread using wild yeast illicitly collected from Microsoft campus
Seamus Blackley, known as the "father of the Xbox," visited Microsoft HQ and collected wild yeast from the campus to bake bread. Blackley, who has a passion for ancient breadmaking techniques, successfully cultivated the yeast and created a sourdough loaf with an Xbox logo scored into it. The article also briefly touches on recent leadership changes at Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma.
'Our presence on PC isn't strong enough,' Xbox bosses admit
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty have outlined a renewed commitment to Xbox, including a name change back to Xbox and a reevaluation of exclusivity, windowing, and AI strategies. The company aims to focus on daily active players and shared experiences, acknowledging past shortcomings in PC presence and console market share.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th April)
Several Nintendo Life staff members share their weekend gaming plans, including playing Pragmata, Pentiment, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, and Tomodachi Life. Discussions also touch on the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie, Seamus Blackley's thoughts on Nintendo's next console, and the passing of voice actor Jock Blaney.
"Are You High?" – Xbox Co-Creator Believes Whatever Nintendo Makes Next Is Far More Interesting Than Project Helix
Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley expressed low interest in Microsoft's upcoming 'Project Helix' hardware, stating the company is now entirely AI-focused. He finds Nintendo's future hardware, hypothetically a 'Switch 3', and Steam far more interesting from a content and design perspective, praising Nintendo's consistent ability to create intriguing products.
Xbox co-creator is more interested in Switch 3 than Project Helix because Nintendo hardware is "at least really interesting and cool, even when it fails"
Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley expresses more excitement for Nintendo's and Valve's future hardware, like the potential Switch 3, than for Microsoft's rumored 'Project Helix' hybrid console. He finds the concept of a combined console-PC device uninspired and prefers the clear content identity of Nintendo's platforms, citing the appeal of exclusive titles like The Legend of Zelda. Blackley suggests that a lack of understanding of gaming's hit-driven nature and executive insecurity are leading Xbox away from compelling exclusive games.
Xbox co-creator says Project Helix is stuck between Microsoft investors "psychotically interested" in AI and "a games division that's allergic" to it
Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley believes Microsoft's next-gen console, codenamed Project Helix, faces pressure from investors pushing for AI integration, despite a games division that is resistant to the technology. Blackley highlighted the conflict between shareholder demands for AI adoption and gamer aversion to 'AI slop,' suggesting this tension could impact the console's development and strategy.
Xbox co-creator "vastly more excited" about Steam than Project Helix because Valve is "relentlessly…
Original Xbox designer Seamus Blackley expressed more excitement for Valve's and Nintendo's future projects than Microsoft's upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix. Blackley praised Valve for its focus on games and Nintendo for its consistently interesting hardware designs, even citing the Wii U as a 'cool' failure.
Father of Xbox says PC gamers used to throw drinks at him for daring to suggest "Halo might be a good game"…
Seamus Blackley, often credited as the father of the Xbox, shared an anecdote about promoting Halo: Combat Evolved. He recounted instances where PC gamers, resistant to the idea of console shooters, threw drinks at him. Blackley emphasized that despite the backlash, Halo: Combat Evolved's success on the original Xbox legitimized the first-person shooter genre on consoles.
The next Xbox is codenamed Project Helix, and it will 'play your Xbox and PC games'
Microsoft Gaming chief Asha Sharma confirmed that the next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will be a high-performance device capable of playing both Xbox and PC games. This indicates a shift towards a more PC-like living room experience, with a potential launch in 2027 as suggested by AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su.
The Unity Asset Store is ditching publishers based in China, Hong Kong, and Macau
The Unity Asset Store is reportedly ceasing to support publishers based in China, Hong Kong, and Macau. This news has sparked debate regarding the future of Microsoft's Xbox division, with some figures like Seamus Blackley expressing skepticism about its long-term viability. The discussion also touches on media reporting ethics and the presentation of opinions versus facts.
Xbox-skapare tror att nya chefen kommer låta Xbox somna in
Seamus Blackley, the original creator of Xbox, believes the recent leadership changes at Xbox, with Asha Sharma taking over from Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, signal the platform's eventual decline. Blackley suggests Microsoft's heavy investment in AI under CEO Satya Nadella indicates a strategic shift away from traditional gaming, viewing Sharma's role as a 'palliative care' for the Xbox brand.
Is the Xbox ending? Don’t count on it yet
Despite predictions of its demise, the Xbox brand is undergoing a strategic course correction rather than a shutdown. New leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma, emphasizes a renewed commitment to core players and console hardware, moving away from a solely services-focused approach. While recent revenue drops and executive changes have fueled speculation, Microsoft's significant investments in studios and Game Pass suggest a continued focus on hardware and its dedicated player base.
"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.
Despite likening new Xbox head's job to a "palliative care doctor", original co-creator doesn't actually think Xbox is dead
Original Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley clarified that he does not believe Xbox is dead, despite recent comments likening the new Xbox head's role to a "palliative care doctor." Blackley expressed his deep affection for Xbox and stated that while the company is struggling, progress requires realism and introspection. The article also notes recent leadership changes at Microsoft, including Asha Sharma taking over from Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond's departure.
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.
Microsoft’s shift could affect your next console purchase
Seamus Blackley, an original architect of the Xbox brand, expresses concern over Microsoft's strategic shift towards artificial intelligence, suggesting it may lead to the phasing out of the Xbox console business. Recent leadership changes, including the appointment of Asha Sharma from the CoreAI division as CEO of Microsoft Gaming and the departure of Xbox President Sarah Bond, have fueled speculation about the company's evolving priorities. Despite these concerns, Microsoft has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to gaming, with Sharma emphasizing a focus on quality experiences and creative authenticity.
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.
"Her job is going to be as a palliative care doctor who slides Xbox gently into the night" - original Xbox co-creator thinks Microsoft's reshuffle is all about AI
Original Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley believes Microsoft's recent leadership changes at Xbox, including the appointment of Asha Sharma as CEO, indicate the company is prioritizing generative AI and phasing out its gaming division. Blackley suggests Sharma's role is to manage the 'sunset' of Xbox as Microsoft focuses its investments on AI technologies, viewing all business units through an AI lens.
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.
A big-screen RTX 5080 gaming laptop deal that makes desktop-class power feel portable
A significant discount is available on the Acer Predator Helios 18 AI gaming laptop, featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, making it a powerful portable option. The article also touches on speculation about the future of the Xbox brand, the native 4K ray tracing capabilities of Crimson Desert, and a new Game Boy-style jukebox for Pokémon Red and Blue soundtracks.
