Xbox’s new CEO pledges to not flood future video games with ‘soulless AI slop’

Xbox’s new CEO has moved to reassure gamers over the gaming division’s future use of AI, claiming that Microsoft received’t flood its video games with “soulless AI slop”.

Asha Sharma, who was beforehand head of coreAI at Microsoft, was named as the corporate’s new head of gaming in a shock announcement on Friday, changing 35-year firm veteran Phil Spencer.

In addition, Xbox president and COO Sarah Bond is leaving Microsoft, whereas sport studios boss Matt Booty has been promoted to the brand new function of chief content material officer.

Sharma’s most up-to-date function was main AI at Microsoft, and earlier than that, she held prime positions at Meta and Instacart.

Her background has naturally raised questions from some concerning the function generative AI will play in future Xbox video games. However, chatting with Variety, the exec has claimed she has “no tolerance for bad AI.”

“AI has long been part of gaming and will continue to be,” Sharma stated, noting that gaming wants new “growth engines,” however that “great stories are created by humans.”

In an additional assertion revealed on Friday, the incoming CEO was much more express about her intentions, stating that there could be no “soulless AI slop” in Xbox video games.

“As monetization and AI evolve and influence this future, we will not chase short-term efficiency or flood our ecosystem with soulless AI slop,” she stated. “Games are and always will be art, crafted by humans, and created with the most innovative technology provided by us.”

She added: “I want to return to the renegade spirit that built Xbox in the first place. It will require us to relentlessly question everything, revisit processes, protect what works, and be brave enough to change what does not.”

Sharma conceded that she is coming into Microsoft’s gaming division with “a lot to learn” and claimed that she’s dedicated to “being grounded in what the community is telling us.”

“I’m coming into gaming as a platform builder,” she stated, including that her purpose is to “earn the right to be trusted by players and developers” and present the fanbase that “consistency” over time.

In his personal assertion, Phil Spencer stated he had determined to depart Microsoft after “thinking about stepping back and starting the next chapter of my life”.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Microsoft Gaming as Asha Sharma steps into the role of CEO, and I want to be the first to welcome her to this incredible team,” he stated.

“Working with her over the past several months has given me tremendous confidence. She brings genuine curiosity, clarity and a deep commitment to understanding players, creators, and the decisions that shape our future.”