In an exclusive story, we reported that Xbox boss and Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is retiring and Xbox president Sarah Bond is leaving her position. Consequently, president of Microsoft's CoreAI product Asha Sharma is taking over as CEO of Xbox with Matt Booty moving up to executive vice president and CCO of Xbox. This shake-up in Xbox leadership was a surprise to many and sent waves across the gaming industry from former Xbox execs to industry veterans alike. We compiled some of the statements made online coming out of the news from key individuals, including what Sarah Bond's had to say upon leaving the Xbox brand.
Bond went to LinkedIn to give her statement on her departure and the leadership changes at Xbox, sharing the note she sent to colleagues internally:
On LinkedIn, Peter Moore, former VP of entertainment at Microsoft and longtime CEO and EVP at Electronic Arts:
Reggie Fils-Aimé, former president of Nintendo of America:
Congrats @XboxP3 on a fantastic career. The games industry is better because of your contributions. I look forward to celebrating this milestone with you. https://t.co/uJGjlKJJ2c
Greg Canessa, former GM and creator of the Xbox Live Arcade:
Congratulations @XboxP3 on an amazing run leading @Xbox. I have nothing but respect and admiration for what you accomplished, and the industry is better off for you having been in it.
Jason Ronald, VP of Xbox gaming devices and ecosystem, leader on development of the Xbox Series X and S:
Many emotions today, but more than anything I feel incredible gratitude for the years I have spent with both @XboxP3 and @BondSarah_Bond.
Phil and Sarah's impact on the team, the community and me personally are immeasurable. Thank you both for everything you have done for @Xbox. https://t.co/00eeIubq1V
Sean Murray, director at Hello Games, developers behind No Man's Sky:
🫡 https://t.co/pD5IhojR7N
Larry Hryb, widely known as Major Nelson, former principal program manager and senior director of communications for Xbox:
Hey @XboxP3 I am not texting you now….as I know your phone is blowing up like mine. Let's chat when you come up for air.
An end of an era indeed. https://t.co/inQTwhOKB7
Phil Spencer himself reflected on the 38 years he spent working at Microsoft as well and we broke down his statement in a separate story. He oversaw initiatives such as Xbox Game Pass, the launches of the Xbox One X and the Xbox Series consoles, and several acquisitions of development teams such as Bethesda Game Studios, Playground Games, Ninja Theory, Obsidian Entertainment, and more as well as the industry-shaking $69 billion acquisition of Activision-Blizzard-King. We also looked at new Xbox head Asha Sharma's statement about her vision for the platform and her thoughts on AI moving forward.
Be sure to check out our discussions on the possible impact the leadership changes will have on the Xbox platform and our breakdown of the news on IGN's Daily Fix. And catch our weekly Xbox podcast Unlocked where we've analyzed what a next-gen Xbox looks like and keep up with the year's biggest games.
