Seamus Blackley, co-creator of the original Xbox: “Xbox, like a lot of businesses that aren’t the core AI business, is being sunsetted”

The Xbox ecosystem is currently weathering one of the most significant leadership transitions in its history. With the recent departures of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, and the appointment of Asha Sharma as the new CEO of Xbox, the industry is buzzing with questions about the brand’s trajectory. While Microsoft publicly reinforces its commitment to hardware and core fans, Seamus Blackley, the co-creator of the original Xbox, offers a much more somber interpretation of these corporate moves.

The AI Integration Strategy

In a recent interview with GamesBeat, Blackley expressed his belief that Xbox is being “sunsetted” as a traditional gaming entity. According to Blackley, the appointment of Sharma—who transitions from Microsoft’s AI division and lacks a professional background in the gaming industry—is a strategic choice. “It would have been shocking if they had somebody in there in a meaningful role who was passionate about games, passionate about the creator-driven business of games, because it would be in direct conflict with everything else Microsoft is doing. Microsoft is a company that is now about enabling its customers by enabling AI to drive things. That’s at odds with the auteur model of any art, but specifically of games. Microsoft doesn’t have the problem that Apple does, or that Netflix does, where they have an auteur-driven content model to manage. Games are the only place where they have a content business.”

Despite Blackley’s concerns, Microsoft’s official stance remains optimistic and hardware-focused. Asha Sharma has publicly promised a “return of Xbox” and emphasized a renewed commitment to the console space. This is a vital reassurance for fans who worry about the brand becoming purely a software publisher. Furthermore, Satya Nadella has stated he remains “long on gaming,” placing it at the center of the company’s consumer ambitions. For the immediate future, the gaming experience looks stable, with major franchises like Fable, Forza, and Call of Duty on track.

Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!