Learn Microsoft gaming CEO Asha Sharma’s first memo on the way forward for Xbox

Dear workforce,

Today I start my position as CEO of Microsoft Gaming.

I really feel two issues directly: humility and urgency.

Humility as a result of this workforce has constructed one thing extraordinary over many years. Urgency as a result of gaming is in a interval of speedy change, and we have to transfer with readability and conviction.

I’m getting into work formed by generations of artists, engineers, designers, writers, musicians, operators and extra who create worlds which have introduced pleasure and deep private that means to a whole bunch of thousands and thousands of gamers. The stage of craft right here is phenomenal, and it’s amplified by Xbox, which was based within the perception that the ability of video games join folks and push the trade ahead.

Thank you to Phil for his management, and to each studio, platform, and operations workforce that constructed this basis. We are stewards of among the most beloved tales and characters in leisure and produce gamers and creators collectively across the enjoyable and neighborhood of gaming in solely new methods.
My first job is straightforward: perceive what makes this work and defend it.

That begins with three commitments.

First, nice video games.

Everything begins right here. We should have nice video games beloved by gamers earlier than we do something. Unforgettable characters, tales that make us really feel, modern recreation play, and artistic excellence. We will empower our studios, spend money on iconic franchises, and again daring new concepts. We will take dangers. We will enter new classes and markets the place we are able to add actual worth, grounded in what gamers care about most.
I promoted Matt Booty in honor of this dedication. He understands the craft and the challenges of constructing nice video games, has led groups that ship award-winning work, and has earned the belief of recreation builders throughout the trade.

Second, the return of Xbox.

We will recommit to our core Xbox followers and gamers, those that have invested with us for the previous 25 years, and to the builders who construct the expansive universes and experiences which might be embraced by gamers internationally.

We will rejoice our roots with a renewed dedication to Xbox beginning with console which has formed who we’re. It connects us to the gamers and followers who spend money on Xbox, and to the builders who construct bold experiences for it.

Gaming now lives throughout units, not inside the limits of any single piece of {hardware}. As we develop throughout PC, cellular, and cloud, Xbox ought to really feel seamless, on the spot, and worthy of the communities we serve. We will break down limitations so builders can construct as soon as and attain gamers in all places with out compromise.

Third, way forward for play.

We are witnessing the reinvention of play.

To meet the second, we are going to invent new enterprise fashions and new methods to play by leaning into what we have already got: iconic groups, characters, and worlds that folks love. But we is not going to deal with these worlds as static IP to exploit and monetize. We will construct a shared platform and instruments that empower builders and gamers to create and share their very own tales.

As monetization and AI evolve and affect this future, we is not going to chase short-term effectivity or flood our ecosystem with soulless AI slop. Games are and all the time can be artwork, crafted by people, and created with essentially the most modern expertise offered by us.

The subsequent 25 years belong to the groups who dare to construct one thing stunning, one thing nobody else is keen to strive, and have the endurance to see it by way of. We have finished this earlier than, and I’m right here to assist us do it once more. I wish to return to the renegade spirit that constructed Xbox within the first place. It would require us to relentlessly query every part, revisit processes, defend what works, and be courageous sufficient to alter what doesn’t.

Thank you for welcoming me into this journey.

Asha