In an interview with GamesBeat, Seamus Blackley claimed that any Microsoft business not related to the Core AI brand, which newly appointed Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma was previously heading, will be “sunsetted.” Because of this, Blackley believes that Sharma’s role is to slowly phase out the Xbox brand. “Xbox, like a lot of businesses that aren’t the core AI business, is being sunsetted,” Blackley said. “They don’t say that, but that’s what’s happening. I expect that the new CEO, Asha Sharma, her job is going to be as a palliative care doctor who slides Xbox gently into the night. It just seems really true.” Blackley, a core developer best known for creating and designing the original Xbox in 2001, made these comments in light of recent changes at Microsoft.
Microsoft announced last week that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer will retire on February 23. Additionally, Xbox President and Chief Operating Officer Sarah Bond has resigned. Spencer will be replaced by the current president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product as Microsoft Gaming CEO. Current Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty will be promoted to executive vice president and chief content officer.
