Microsoft names AI executive as Xbox CEO as Phil Spencer retires after 38 years

Microsoft Gaming is appointing an AI executive with prior leadership roles at Meta and Instacart as its new CEO, with the current Xbox head retiring after 38 years at Microsoft. The new CEO promises "a renewed commitment to Xbox starting with console" and pledges not to "flood our ecosystem with soulless AI slop." The appointment of an AI executive to lead gaming signals Microsoft's intent to integrate AI deeply into its consumer products. The outgoing CEO helped complete Microsoft's $69B Activision Blizzard acquisition and oversaw Xbox's transformation into a subscription-first business.

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